Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show

Elizabeth Filmore

Just announced: Elizabeth Filmore Fall 2011 Preview November 30th & December 1st! We are thrilled that Elizabeth herself will be bringing her newest collection of bridal gowns to the salon next week. We have been dying to get these gowns in the Atelier ever since market and are so, so happy we don't have to wait any longer! Elizabeth's one of a kind style is part bohemian, part couture. Her whimsical, romantic style is unlike any other designer and always a favorite of our brides.

By appointment only.




Pictures from Brides.com

Melanie Harris for Rose Taft

Starting today, Mark Ingram Atelier will be hosting a very special Rose Taft Special Occasion trunk show featuring the debut of the Melanie Harris Collection designed by Rose Taft's granddaughter Melanie Harris Silverman as well as the beloved Rose Taft collection.

Now, third generation, Melanie Silverman, with tremendous creativity and the love of fashion, has created a collection that is a direct reflection of her modern and fresh design philosophy for today’s younger woman of style. Originally this collection was designed by request only for the likes of several LA stylists and has since drawn the attention of “young Hollywood.”

The Melanie Harris collection is custom made by hand in the Rose Taft factory in Miami, Florida. Each style is meticulously constructed individually by couture craftsman using only the finest fabrications from around the globe.

We love these styles for a bride's engagement or after parties or perhaps for the mother of the occasion who wants a little extra sparkle?

Rose Taft and Melanie Harris Trunk Show will be November 3rd & 4th by appointment only.

Mark and Melanie Harris Silverman

Monique Lhullier

Monique Lhuillier had a beautiful show today! More later, but here is a sneak peak!

A Wonderful Evening to Benefit BRIDES White Hot Hope

Bride's Fashion Editor Rachel Leonard, Bride's Editor in Chief Millie Martini Bratten, Mark Ingram and Designer Anne Barge


What a night! We were honored to welcome Brides Magazine and designers Anne Barge, Angel Sanchez and Rita Vineris of Rivini into the Atelier for an wonderful evening where they discussed inspiration and bridal fashion with Mark. The designers candidly answered questions from brides and a few bloggers on topics ranging from who inspired them to become a designer -Angel and Rita were both encouraged by their seamstress mothers -- to what works best on a petite bride -- Anne answered that one perfectly! Each designer showed off a new gown that they will introduce this week at NY Bridal Market and one lucky bride won a chance to sit with the Bride's editors at Sunday's Anne Barge Fashion Show.

A special thank you to Bride's Magazine, Upper Crust Catering and Classic Travel for participating in the event with us. Classic Travel made a donation to Bride's White Hot Hope Initiative for each bride that registered with them. Additionally, Mark will donate a portion of each Anne Barge, Angel Sanchez or Rivini gown sold to a bride who attended the event to White Hot Hope. White Hot Hope benefits Operation Smile and Dress For Success, two charities we are proud to support!

Models in (from far left to right) Rivini, Anne Barge and Angel Sanchez. Cupcakes from Upper Crust.


Bride's Rachel Leonard and Rita Vineris of Rivini


Angel Sanchez, Mark Ingram and his mother Naomi Ingram


The panel discussing Bridal Style

Congrats to Munaluchi Bridal!

We love this clip from NBC's Positively Black featuring our friend Jacqueline Nwobu, Editor in Chief of Munaluchi Bridal. Mark will be featured in the new issue coming out in December!

What's White Hot in Bridal Today

We are thrilled to be hosting a special event in the Atelier on October 13th to benefit Brides Magazine's White Hot Hope initiative. White Hot Hope is a national, month long program of bridal retail events that benefit Operation Smile and Dress for Success. For White Hot Hope, Mark wanted to bring the design process to his brides in a way that had not been done before. So with the team at Brides, we have designed an evening with three of Mark's favorite designers and friends: Anne Barge, Angel Sanchez and Rita Vineris of Rivini. Mark will moderate a panel discussion between brides and the designers on what inspires them when designing a gown and how this affects their design process. Brides will also have a sneak peek at the designers new gowns that will debut at the upcoming NY Bridal Week.

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier will donate a portion of gown sales from any brides who attend the event to White Hot Hope. Additionally, Classic Travel will be there to take brides Honeymoon planning questions and will also make a donation to White Hot Hope for each Bride who registers for their services.

This is a great opportunity to get one-on-one style advice from Mark and a few of the industries best designers! To RSVP, email MarkIngramRSVP@condenast.com.

For more on our partners for the evening:
BRIDES White Hot Hope
Anne Barge
Angel Sanchez
Rivini
Classic Travel

For Our Brides: A New Partnership with Classic Travel

We are so excited to announce the partnership between Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier and Classic Travel! Classic Travel now provides a honeymoon specialist to work directly with our brides in order to create their ideal honeymoons. We like our brides to be relaxed, pampered and stress-free, so recommending Classic Travel to plan your honeymoon is a no-brainer.

Classic Travel Service, Inc. is a luxury travel agency in Manhattan, and is part of the Virtuoso organization which provides exclusive rates and benefits to its members. Furthermore, they are the only Virtuoso agency with thier own booking engine, where people can access the exclusive Virtuoso rates with just a few clicks of the mouse.

Their agents have years of experience and expertise in customizing unforgettable trips that cater to their clients’ wants and needs and flawlessly match their personalities. Just as our consultants help brides to choose the perfect dress, Classic Travel helps each couple plan a honeymoon that matches their style and personality.

Some of our personal favorites are the added perks and personalized extras that Classic Travel offers like arranging a private dinner on the beach or a hot air balloon ride. Not to mention upgrades, spa credits and extras everywhere. Sign us up!!!

Mostly, we have decided to partner with Classic Travel because they specialize in personal attention and service, two of the most important philosophies here at the Atelier. They will provide you with a toll free number and email where you will reach the same person every time who knows you and your trip.

We hope to be adding some more extras for our brides through Classic Travel, so check back soon. To set up an appointment, contact heather@classictravel.com or 212.404.6730.

Classic Travel

Alberta Ferretti Debut Trunk Show October 13th-20th

We are so excited to announce we will be hosting the first ever Alberta Ferretti Bridal Trunk Show October 13th through the 20th. Previously, Ferretti bridal gowns have only been internationally available as ready-to-wear gowns. For this special trunk show we will be the first retail salon to offer Ferretti's ethereal bridal gowns as made-to-order. We are thrilled to be able to offer our brides this collection combined with a true made-to-order bridal experience. Take a look below at some additional images from her stunning 2001 collection.






Trunk Show By Appointment Only

Anne Barge

We were just sent a sneak peak of Anne Barge's new advertising campaign. C'est magnifique!! These images are classic and romantic, just like an Anne Barge gown. Which is your favorite?

Liz ,Dick and One Degree of Separation

I recently had a rare leisurely Saturday at the beach to catch up on my magazines. One of my guilty pleasures is Vanity Fair, and I was pleasantly surprised to see a vintage photo of Elizabeth Taylor gracing the cover of the June 2010 issue. The article inside was the delicious re-telling of her whirlwind and scandalous affair…… and subsequent marriage to superstar actor Richard Burton. At the time……and we are talking about the “Mad Men” era of the early ‘60’s, this union shocked the world and was even condemned by The Vatican. Vanity Fair likened them to modern day superstar couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I was just a young lad at the time, but I have to admit that I was totally fascinated and awestruck by the comings and goings of this gorgeous megawatt superstar couple. Of course I was mesmerized by Elizabeth’s breathtaking physical beauty, but as a couple they had tremendous style and chutzpah. And it seems that every move they made was chronicled by the paparazzi! I had other reasons for my fascination, for you see, by only ‘one degree of separation’ I had some personal connection to the legend that was ‘Liz & Dick’.

I will never forget the day that the envelope from my mom arrived at summer sleep-a-way camp. In it was a note and newspaper article chronicling Liz and Dick’s attendance at a Caxton Hall, London wedding. But it wasn’t just any wedding . It was the wedding of Gladys Mills, a personal friend of my family, and Robert Wilson. BobWilson, was personal assistant and confidante to Richard Burton, and Gladys was one of my grandmother’s and great aunt Thelma’s closest friends. Liz & Dick were not just merely guests in attendance at this wedding, but served as Best Man and Matron of Honor to the couple. I have distinct childhood memories of Gladys and Bob…..a dashing, sophisticated and terrifically chic middle aged jet set couple being entertained at my parents’ home. My mother recalled their glamorous life style and the ‘all white and chrome’ apartment in a luxury hi-rise. So given my interest in the whole Liz & Dick saga and a personal connection to Gladys and Bob……..plus my love (even at that age) of all things WEDDINGS, I was in my GLORY!

I was recently sorting through some old family photos when I came across the wedding portraits of Gladys and Bob. I sat down and recalled the thrill of that time for my family, and how excited we all were for her ….not just because of the Liz and Dick thing, but because Gladys & Bob had found each other in their middle age and Gladys was radiantly happy! But of course the Liz and Dick connection raised the thrill factor for this star struck adolescent! Lol!

Please enjoy these few photos that I share from my personal collection.

Mark to Host Live Chat on WETV.com

Save the Date!
Join Mark Ingram and Ceci Johnson for a live chat on WEtv.com on Tuesday, July 13 from Noon - 1p ET. From choosing the perfect wedding dress to invitations and etiquette, Mark and Ceci have you covered. Get your questions ready!
http://www.wetv.com/wedding-experts

Luisa Beccaria

While recently in Milan for the Italian Bridal Market, I was able to see the Luisa Beccaria Bridal Collection. My staff and brides are huge fans of their ready to wear collections, so I jumped at the opportunity to view their bridal collection. I was not disappointed! The collection offered romantic ballgowns and cocktail dresses in a palette of pale colors and ivories. The Luisa Beccaria philosophy of "extravagant chic" was evident in the fabrication and exquisite detailing of each piece.

I am thrilled to bring the Luisa Beccaria Bridal Collection exclusively to New York. The collection will be available at my Bridal Atelier in early Fall.

-- Mark








For more informaion on Luisa Beccaria, click here.

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011 Bridal Trunkshow Expanded

Great news! Our Oscar de la Renta trunk show has been supersized. The show will now run July 8th through July 17th. We will have the entire new Spring 2001 collection available plus all of our favorite current Oscar pieces.

To entice you, check out this video from Video Fashion Daily covering the Spring 2011 ODLR Bridal runway show. Keep an eye out for Mark discussing his favorite looks.

Angel Sanchez Spring 2011 on VideoFashion

We love, love, love the bridal market videos produced by VideoFashion. Check out this one on Angel Sanchez. The show is stunning and one of our favorites from the past market, but what we love the most is the direct commentary from Angel himself.

Let us know which gowns are your favorites!

ODLR: The Sample Room

We came across this amazing video on Full Frontal Fashion giving a behind the scenes look at the sample and production rooms at Oscar de la Renta. If you watch closely, you can see some bridal looks being developed. This is how true couturiers work, and how we feel bridal gowns should be made. Beautiful design must always be supported by flawless production! Enjoy the video and tune into Full Frontal Fashion for a live stream of the new ODLR Resort Runway show today at 1:00.

Mark Appearance on Let's Talk Live

Mark was featured as a guest on Lets Talk Live on DC's News Channel 8 to promote the WE TV and Wedding Central Mall Tour. Mark's first Mall stop is today in Columbia, MD. If you attend the event, send us your pics and we will post!

Top Tips from Jenny Craig and Mark on Looking and Feeling Your Best on Your Wedding Day

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting Sara Rue, actress and Jenny Craig celebrity spokesperson, for a tea to celebrate her 40lb weight loss on the Jenny Craig program and her upcoming 2011 wedding. Sara, who most recently starred in one of my fav TV shows Eastwick, was an absolute delight! Her enthusiasm for the Jenny Craig program and her determination to look and feel her best on her wedding day was truly inspiring. After mingling with guests from the bridal industry, Sara and I got down to business and started looking at gowns. I had pre-selected a few choices for her in three categories: Destination, Formal Ballroom and Hollywood Glamour. Sara chose her favorites and is going to get busy on planning her wedding. Once she chooses a venue, she will come back and find her perfect gown.

Sara has learned so much about health and well being from the Jenny Craig program, following are our "official tips" on how to look and feel beautiful on your wedding day.

Both Mark Ingram and Sara Rue agree that it is essential to look and feel your best on what is often considered the most important day of your life! Whether your goal is fitting into the perfect wedding dress, having the ideal hairstyle, being bride buff or just wanting to strut down that aisle with poise, Sara and Mark are here to provide you their top tips on how to ensure complete bridal confidence:

Leading an active lifestyle is a vital part of feeling confident and staying fit – get moving with an activity that you enjoy and you’ll learn to look forward to physical activity rather than dread it. Since starting the Jenny Craig program, Sara Rue has taken up fun activities such as hiking, running mini marathons and walking her dog, Biscuit!

Need more motivation to work out? Have your fiancé join you! Couples jogs are perfect for getting away from all the wedding anxiety and spending some quality time together. Plus, you’ll be bonding and getting fit at the same time so you can slip into the beautiful wedding dress you’ve been dreaming of your whole life. Sara Rue and her fiancé even took up tennis to stay in shape together!

Craving comfort food? You can still eat all the foods you love leading up to the big day – the real secret to slimming down is portion control! Meals that are properly balanced with the correct serving sizes of protein, vegetables and complex carbohydrates will keep you feeling fuller longer without experiencing deprivation. With Jenny Craig, Sara is able to still enjoy her favorite foods like chocolate cake and macaroni and cheese, just in the right serving size.

Plan ahead! As a bride-to-be, you are probably rushing around everywhere getting everything in tip-top shape for the big day, leaving little time to even think about eating healthy. Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time – that way, there are no surprise encounters with the vending machine or drive-thru.

Stress can be dangerous to a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Be sure to have an outlet where you can unwind with and de-stress. Be it a friend or family member, it is always helpful to have someone by your side for extra motivation and support you need during this exciting time in your life.

Weight loss is about progress, not perfection! There are tons of little things you can do every day to help you take steps toward living a healthier lifestyle; it doesn’t have to be a drastic change! Change one thing each day and before you know it you’ll have easily transitioned to smarter eating and lifestyle
choices.

A faux tan is the best tan. Women everywhere agree that they feel slimmer and more confident when they have that summer glow. Scared to do it yourself? Tanning salons now offer spray tans that won’t leave you feeling orange or streaky.

Stay calm. Shopping for a bridal gown can be overwhelming! Bring tear sheets, photos and downloaded web images of styles of gowns you wish to try on. This allows those helping you to have a visual idea of what you’re looking for.

Strike a pose. The day has arrived and you’re feeling less than perfect? Don’t worry! You can still look fabulous by striking the perfect pose: stand tall and straight, as slouching adds weight to your frame. And don’t forget to gently hold your arm away from your torso – this creates a more flexed and toned shape in your biceps.

Hair not cooperating? Dress it up with some flowers! Especially in springtime, bridal updos that incorporate floral accents are sure to draw attention away from the simple bun and toward the bright accessories.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water not only helps you stay slim by flushing out excess salt, but it also keeps your skin glowing and clear.

The right fit. When choosing your wedding gown, look for silhouettes and styles that flatter your best figure features. Don't get too caught up on the hot trends of the moment. Focus on what is best suited for you! Entrust the bridal experts to help you with your decision.

Finally, RELAX! This is your big day and if you are at ease and comfortable in your own skin, your whole demeanor will reflect the same, ensuring that everyone will remember you as a happy, carefree bride.

With these simple tips, Sara and Mark are sure you will not only look glamorous but will feel it too.



Mark and Sara with a Rivini gown

Mark and Sara look at a Jenny Packham gown

Mark, Sara and Bridal Guide Magazine Editor in Chief Diane Forden

photos by Michael Loccisano, Getty Images

Join Us at The Bride's Newlywed Nest on Thursday

Come out to Bride's Newlywed Nest on Thursday evening to share a cocktail and personally chat with Mark and Bride's Fashion Editor Rachel Leonard about bridal and mother of the bride/groom fashion. We will be showing some great new gowns!

All brides and moms who attend the event and make a future purchase at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier will receive a special discount. Plus, for each sale we will make a special donation to the Lower East Side Girls Club.

Mark Joins WE TV's Distinguished Group of "Wedding Experts"

I am so excited to be joining WE TV and Wedding Central! The sister networks have chosen myself, Ron Ben-Israel, Lisa Hoffman of Ceci New York, Diann Valentine and David Tutera as their in-house team of "Wedding Experts." Together, this distinguished team will help educate and advise brides through on-air and online programming and fantastic events to be held across the country. I am thrilled to be working alongside my friends and fellow industry experts and am especially looking forward to meeting with brides outside my little nook of NYC.

Below is a copy of a WE Promo in the latest issue of Harper's Bazzar. Look for more of these great spots to come and check back for updates on what I will be doing with WE and Wedding Central.

Best,
Mark

Bride's Newlywed Nest

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier is VERY excited to participate in Bride's Magazine and Brides.com's Newlywed Nest in New York City. Bride's and interior designer Inson Dubois Wood have "transformed an eco-luxury two-bedroom triplex apartment into a stylish, attainable and sustainably-chic space." The apartment will be hosting bridal events for the next month and proceeds raised will benefit the Lower East Side Girls Club. We plan on visiting the on-site "Girls Club's Sweet Things Pop-up Bake Shop" many, many times!

We will be co-hosting a special Mother/Daughter cocktail party at the Newlywed Nest on May 13th, just in time for Mother's Day! Mark is picking out some of our best Mother of the Occasion gowns and of course, a few show stopping bridal gowns as well, for an informal fashion presentation. Brides and Moms can speak with Mark and our evening wear specialist Alene, on what styles could work best for themselves. Best of all, any one who attends the event will receive a special discount off the purchase of a wedding or evening gown and a portion of each sale will be donated to the Lower East Side Girls Club.

For more information, or to register for the event visit Bridesfirstlook.com.

Bling on the Bride

As we review the new trends from the recent Bridal Market, let us not forget a classic trend that is always re-inventing itself: Bling! Take a look at this classic clip from mark on WE's "Bling on the Bride."

Bridal Market Sees an Uptick - Fashion Markets News - WWD.com

“It was like happy days are here again.”

That was the takeaway from last week’s run of bridal shows, according to Mark Ingram, whose signature New York boutique is a favorite haunt of fashion-minded brides.


So starts WWD's Bridal market Coverage Report, which included more insights from Mark, industry leaders and top designers. To read more, click here.

Bridal Market Sees an Uptick -









Fashion Markets News - WWD.com

Oscar, Oscar Oscar!!

Mark and Bridal Atelier Managing Consultant Indira Rivera pose for a celebratory picture with Mr. De la Renta and Event Planner Marcy Blum after the Oscar De la Renta Bridal Runway Show at the recent NYC Bridal market.

Once a year, we are treated to one of the best displays of exquisite bridal fashion at the Oscar De la Renta Bridal Runway Show. Held at the ODLR showroom, the show is intimate, elegant and breathtakingly beautiful. The atmosphere, the styling, and most importantly the gowns are perfect down to the last detail.

After the excitement of the show, it is hard for us to imagine we will not have the collection in the Atelier until Fall. However, we are so happy to announce we will have the new Spring 2011 collection at a special Trunk Show May 6 -8!

To experience the ODLR Spring 2011 Runway Show for yourself, click here for The Knot's LIVE coverage. Let us know what your favorites are!
Oscar De La Renta Live

Consultant Lidia's Favorite New Gown at Bridal Market

Bridal Atelier Consultant Lidia Kuczynski shared with us her favorite wedding gown from the recent NYC bridal market...and the winner is

This beautiful, languid silk charmeuse gown from Anne Bowen!


For more insight from Lidia click here to check out our mini-documentary.

photo from Brides.com

The Knot Live bridal recap

Mark phoned into The Knot Live Bridal Market Recap earlier this week. Click below to hear him discuss with Carly some of his favorite gowns.

The Knot Live bridal recap

Bridal Atelier Consultant Indira's Top Five Market Picks

Bridal Atelier Consultant Indira Rivera Modeling an Ever After Cocktail Dress in the Atelier


We asked some of our consultants to choose their top five gowns from the recent bridal market. First up are the picks from Indira Rivera, Atelier Manager and Bridal Consultant, with her five favorite gowns for the Spring/Summer 2011 season. Fabulous choices Indira!!

#1 Vera Wang: Hand painted Chantilly Tissue Organza, Silver Pleated Tulle, French Tulle, Tissue Organza
For it's romantic, modern simplicity - perfect for a wedding at the Hampton's in the evening.



#2 Oscar De La Renta: Style: Embroidered guipure strapless gown with pink silk taffeta draped bow. For it's old world beauty - perfect for a wedding in the south of France.


#3 Monique Lhuillier: Style: Re-embroidered Lace/Embroidered Organza
For it's after party flirty-ness - perfect for putting on dancing shoes at a City wedding.


#4 Lela Rose: Sequin embroidered tulle layered over lace gown with embroidered cowl neckline. For it's subtle elegance - perfect for a country house upstate soiree.


#5 Angel Sanchez: Silk maylea mikado trumpet gown with bands of sequin embroidery & overlay of french net. For it's vintage, style beauty - perfect for a wedding "Meet Joe Black" style.


photos from Brides.com

Bloomingdales NYC Wedding Event

We love participating in events at Bloomingdale's! They are always wonderfully executed and bring out the best brides in NYC. Plus, we love getting to ogle all the china patterns! We will be joined by a few models, so please let us know if there is a specific gown you would like to see. For more information, see the invite below.