Posts Tagged ‘Belle Vie Bridal Couture’

Chicago Bridal Hotspots

Thursday, August 5th, 2010

If your summer was anything like mine, wedding season took its toll. Friends and family tied the knot, basking in the “happiest day of their life.” In all the merriment, my attention always focuses on the sartorial centerpiece: the wedding gown. So, I’ve taken it upon myself to search for some of the best bridal shops in Chicago. After all, with the exception of the bride and groom themselves, isn’t the dress the crown jewel of the festivities? Oh, I DO believe so!

VWIDON

Carla Hwang and Kenneth Park, the husband and wife team behind VWIDON (360 W Superior Street, 1st Floor; 312-654-9078), have been dressing Chicago brides for 10 years. The gown label and River North boutique designs a 40-piece collection annually but offers a selection of about 80 dresses total. VWIDON’s 3,200-square-foot showroom is filled with one-of-a-kind wedding gowns rooted in detail and comfort. You’ll shop VWIDON originals—from minimalist to elaborate—with prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,900.

Belle Vie Bridal Couture

Belle Vie Bridal Couture (34 E Oak Street; 312-751-2222) prides itself on treating each bride as a personal guest. Each client is paired with her own personal stylist to help select the perfect gown. Amidst the chic French ambiance, peruse dresses by Anne Barge, Christian Lacroix, Reem Acra and more that start at $2,800 and go up to $20,000. During the first appointment, scan lookbooks for styles that grab you, and then the stylist will give you some dresses that best flatter your figure. According to Belle Vie Bridal Couture, the process of finding, receiving and altering a gown takes about a year. So, brides-to-be should start looking ASAP.

Ultimate Bride

The Gold Coast’s Ultimate Bride (106 E Oak Street; 312-337-6300) set out to compile the world’s best designer gowns under one roof. The high fashion labels include Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier and Angel Sanchez. By offering a multitude of designers through its inventory and trunk shows, the boutique gives brides their choice of the amazing gowns. Ultimate Bride offers other services as well, including helping with final dress arrangement for the big day, to ensure the bride’s needs are taken care of.

House of Brides Couture

With multiple locations in the Chicagoland area, this bridal hotspot is convenient for brides in the city and the suburbs. At House of Brides (730 N Franklin Street, Suite 300; 312-475-0500), expect to find a vast selection of gowns including couture designs and plus sizes. You can also find various accessories, from bras and shapers to shoes and headwear. House of Brides’ e-boutique also gives busy brides the option to shop on the net. Even with online orders, this shop ensures all bridal purchases will arrive on time.

The Left Bank

Once you’ve found the perfect gown, you’ll need the perfect accessories. The Left Bank (1155 W Webster Avenue; 773-929-7422) has everything for just that. With shoes, veils, bridal jewelry and brooches, the Lincoln Park boutique completes the bridal ensemble—it’s the icing on the cake. Appointments aren’t necessary, as it promotes casual browsing. Also keep an eye out for designer-attended trunk shows at this French inspired shop.

By Danielle Parker

Image courtesy of VWIDON and Belle Vie Bridal Couture, respectively

Tags: Angel Sanchez, Anne Barge, Belle Vie Bridal Couture, Carla Hwang, Carolina Herrera, Christian Lacroix, House of Brides Couture, Kenneth Park, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, Reem Acra, The Left Bank, Ultimate Bride, VWIDON
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