NY Bridal Week: THEIA Fall 2016

NY Bridal Week got off on a very sexy start Thursday with THEIA's Fall 2016 Bridal collection. Designer Don O'Neill's inspiration this season was the sultry spirit of 1920s opium dens. 

What I love about how O'Neill designs his collections is that he considers his theme both aesthetically and intellectually. Aesthetically, you see influences of the time period in bias silhouettes and the very current trend of fringe worked into elegant gowns. You also see hints of Asian influence in the use of red for bridal gowns and the embroidery without veering into cultural appropriation that lesser designers are tempted by.
 A bit of the flapper influence immediately set the tone with that first look of vampy eye shadow and fur chubby and the beaded gown. Intellectually, the opium den was carried through in the spirit of a bride who has rid herself of her inhibitions and is now free. There were sheer dresses that served to highlight the graphic patterns of the embroidery. The 1920s was a breakthrough decade of major progress in women's lives so the liberation idea was appropriate there too.

In practical details, THEIA does a great job of taking classic details and current fashion trends and reworking them into bridal. Instead of standard cowl-back bias gown, there were multiple draped strips framing the back. Off-the-shoulder silhouettes were cut in modern shapes. Instead of using fringe in a bohemian way or traditional flapper dress, the placement was used to create movement where a sheer skirt or back cape detail might be.

A perfect partnership, floral designer Fleur de Pascal created dramatic orchid bouquets, lillies and over-sized lotus flowers for a sophisticated look. He wasn't afraid to go dark for the darker colored gowns adding to that sultry, illicit opium den vibe.

The THEIA bridal collection once again gave us a beautiful collection that is flattering, sexy and fashion forward. It has hints of classic bridal silhouettes but pushes them forward with updated trends. When the foggy opium den haze clears, what an image these gowns make.

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Bridal Week: THEIA White - Spring 2015

Ethereal, enchanting, mystical or mesmerizing? THEIA White's Spring 2015 bridal collection was inspired by the Goddess Danu, a legend of designer Don O'Neill's homeland of Ballyheigue, Ireland. 

The mythical Goddesses of Don's ancestors were said to be seen moving across the bay in a "swirling veil of mist".  You can see that muse in the light tulle and delicate lace trailing the brides on the runway.  Flattering mermaid silhouettes are a given for this theme, as are the slinky draped long gowns that look like they envelop a statue.  Hand-embroidered and beaded gowns elevate each dress into art.  

Despite the ancient inspiration, the THEIA collection takes some modern interpretations of bridal fashion.  The silver lace and crystal gown offer an alternative to classic white.  The cropped top and full skirt is a fresh way to incorporate current fashion trends with traditional fabrics.  The short, meticulously beaded dresses are perfect for the bride ready to dance.  Many of the dress backs had unusual, but flattering cutouts (need to show off a tattoo?) 

I have to say, I was also totally in love with the crystal head pieces that worked as a veil alternative.  The elegant flower bouquets from Fleur de Pascal were given a luxurious upgrade with  crystal floral arrangements that created a dimensional sculpture to be held.  This was also a great way to accessorize a simpler gown for a bride who isn't comfortable with a big and showy frock.

 Sure, you can be a princess on your big day, but why stop there when you can be a THEIA Goddess? Beautiful job Don O'Neill!


Photos by Craig Bannerman

Read more >>

Theia Bridal 2014 - Blushing Brides

Romance is in the air from Don O'Neil's Theia Bridal Collection last week.  The lovey dovey theme was shown in a very pretty use of the color blush pink.  The color was worked in with delicate laser cut petals, frothy tulle, fabric flower embroidery and ostrich feathers. 

There was one gown with a embroidered plaid that was fashion forward and a departure from your typical lacy bridal dress. Don has a great way of designing a wedding gown that is thoroughly feminine, but very modern where the woman looks like she is taking command and strong.  

Not surprisingly, the dramatic bouquets the brides were carrying complemented the fashion perfectly.  Why? They were created by longtime partner and collaborator Fleur de Pascal.  An ideal marriage in every way! 

photos courtesy of Theia Couture 

Read more >>