Monique Lhuillier: The Corset Connoisseur

Monique Lhuillier has quickly become one of the bridal world's most renowned designers and has garnered a reputation for understanding a woman's desire to look and feel her most beautiful and feminine on her wedding day. Lhuillier studied at FIDM and had a natural inclination towards bridal design leading  to what is now considered her niche. The pure fantasy and romance of special occasions; weddings in particular, inspire Monique's creations.

Lhuillier's bridal gowns capture the true essence of sophisticated luxury and glamour and have been worn by various A-list celebrities since her acclaimed 1996 debut.  Some recent recognizable Monique Lhuillier brides include;  Reece Witherspoon, Vanessa Manillo and  Carrie Underwood . One other thing these three women have in common is that their Monique Lhuillier wedding gowns came in two pieces.

One of the most characteristic aspects of Lhuillier's couture bridal designs is that many of them consist of a corset bodice and a separate skirt. To the unassuming eye this may not be obvious but over half of the latest collection she debuted in New York came down the runway as a duo.

Many brides look to incorporate both elegance and sexiness into their wedding day look- and this can sometimes be a challenge. However, the pairing of a perfectly fitted beaded or lace corset with a satin ball gown pick up skirt, or a soft silk organza A-line, even a dramatic mermaid skirt, can do just that. Corset style bodices tend to have a " lingerie style" feel to them - a comparison no groom would mind! When worn with a high impact skirt it can be that perfect combination of sexiness and bridal elegance that so many fashion savvy brides are after today.

One  huge advantage to having a two piece gown is that creating the highly popular cocktail length reception dress is just a skirt change away! Monique Lhuillier has a variety of fiercely fabulous cocktail length skirts that brides can switch into to dance the night away.  Not having to purchase an entire second gown can be cost effective and who would want to change out of that sexy corset top anyway?

Another option could be to get creative and reuse the corset after the wedding day! An ivory beaded corset could be worn with a black bubble skirt for a chic new years eve look or worn with jeans and a blazer for an anniversary dinner out- how's that for sentimental!

Luckily for Ottawa brides Monique Lhuillier arrived here last fall at The White Dress Bridal Couture at 191 Preston St.  Ottawa recently gained access to other A-list bridal designers including the famous Vera Wang at The White Dress so if you have an eye for high fashion bridal couture you are in luck! This season the corset & skirt duo's can be found hanging in the boutique (prices  from 4000.00)

By Appointment only 613.680.9024

Article By: Jasmine Craig , Owner The White Dress