Something old, something new: latest styles for brides and grooms - Beauty and style: for the new Black woman - Brief Article - Product Announcement

THIS wedding season, many brides and grooms will be jumping the broom in style by sporting the latest in wedding attire that ranges from elegant, once-in-a-lifetime gowns to jaw-dropping ensembles that can be adopted by everyday Sisters in search of their own fairy-tale wedding. Of course, there are no rules that must be followed, leaving it up to you to create your own fantasy wedding by incorporating the fashion trends that best reflect your personal style.

To give you a little inspiration, we're showcasing some of the latest nuptial fashions that will be worn this year.

Whether you get hitched in the church, on the beach or under the stars, fashion experts encourage you to exchange your vows with a style that is as unique as your love.

Here come the groom and his lovely bride, making a grand entrance in this nude-illusion tulle gown, complete with an elegant bridal hood. The Bob Mackie gown is accented with oyster crystals and strands of silver bugle beads, and is embellished with a 4-foot-long train. The elegant opera coat adorned with pure white ostrich feathers was a major hit at this year's Ebony Fashion Fair show. And even if you're not the marrying kind, this is an eye-catching dress that can be worn to a high-class after-5 event--an event where you could single-handedly up the ante on the dress code.

Every queen deserves a handsome king on her big day. At left, this dashing look is fashionable, fun and fabulous. The bride is wearing a strapless duchess satin gown with a white rhinestone-encrusted bodice and a rhinestone-sprayed bustle train. The groom is wearing a two-button, notch overcoat and a platinum celebrity paisley vest with a Windsor tie (Gingiss Formalwear).

Brothers also can make quite a statement with a cool white monochromatic look. This tuxedo (without lapels) boasts white fabric piping and covered buttons on the four-button jacket and satin-back vest. (Gingiss Formalwear).

The biggest fashion trend of the season for Brothers is the three-quarter-length coat, worn by hip partygoers, fashion-savvy celebrity types and corporate tycoons alike. At right is designer Vivienne Westwood's multicolored, pinstriped, wool coat, showcased in the Ebony Fashion Fair show.

Royalty reigns on your big day when you step out in gold. This quilted gold lame cape, worn atop a bowed and belted full bridal skirt (Christian Lacroix), is especially dashing. Who needs a veil when you can drape some antique lace over your face instead? The red, floral-petal necklace is worn in lieu of the traditional bouquet.

Who says you can't wear red to a wedding? This Bob Mackie dress, complete with spun red silk chiffon, gold cording and trim, and red rhinestones will direct all eyes to you.

And who says you can't wear black to a wedding? If you're inclined, toss the white wedding tradition out the window and step out in this bold, black bridal ensemble. This Pierre Balmain dress boasts a five-tier, ruffled fishtail skirt worn under a contrasting hot pink bolero jacket and white ruffled organza blouse.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Johnson Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group