Romantic fantasies are in the air when it comes to modern wedding dresses. Today's brides are not afraid to step out of their horse-drawn carriages and into the dress of their dreams - sometimes reminiscent of a glamorous queen who has captured the elegance of times past.

Just ask Reem Acra, a bridal designer who has been giving brides their fantasy dresses for years.

"I was inspired by the ease and elegance of Josephine Bonaparte and her court at Fontainebleau," says Acra of her fall 2007 collection. "I wanted to interpret their effortless manner of adornment by using pearls, ribbons or a simple blossom."

Indeed, some of Acra's gowns portray her over the top philosophy for glamorous gowns with embellishments like velvet sashes with flowers, halters embroidered with crystals, mermaid gowns with bustles, and long sweeping trains. It's enough to make you want to glide down the cobblestone path of a French castle.

Other bridal designers take the romantic vintage approach with their newest collections by paying special attention to adornment that sets apart one gown from another, giving the bride a personal touch of glamour and a memorable expression of her own individual style that is not an everyday dress, but one that will stand out for years to come.

With intricate beadwork, stand-out sashes, jeweled brooches and feathery accents, many gowns are inspired by 18th century Rococo styles favored by another famous queen appearing on today's movie screen - Marie Antoinette. Perhaps a little too theatrical for some brides, the gilded age of brocades, full skirts, bustles, sweeping trains, jeweled hair ornaments and big hair has definitely taken modern bridal attire in a new direction.

Vera Wang takes a modern approach to glamour by wrapping her gowns in sashes of pale tulle, or strips of linen, sequin, snakeskin and stones. Garter belts of black techno stretch around the waist, while tiny bandeaus of lace, satin and faille gently bind the bosom like a Japanese obi for a contrast of color or texture.

Indeed, color also plays a glamorous role in bridal designs this year with touches of silver and gold embroidery providing winter brides with dramatic accents in sheer overlays, satin sashes, train appliques and silk flowers. Ribbons, ruffles and bows also get the colorful touch in deep, rich wines, chocolates and lavenders. Forward to spring and color lightens up in accents of coral, periwinkle, pale blue, mint and lilac.

© Copley News Service

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