When it comes to world-class bridal style, Santa Barbara has indeed arrived.
THE WEDDING GALLERY: “BIG CITY” TALENT COMES TO TOWN
In late January, Santa Barbara welcomed The Wedding Gallery (located downtown on De la Guerra at Santa Barbara Street), a revolutionary concept in bridal planning and event design. Part exhibition space, part working studio, The Wedding Gallery draws upon the individual talents of some of the industry’s top players, most of whom live outside of town but have numerous local clients.
The gallery is the brainchild of Cathryn Vanbreene, a celebrated accessory, hair and makeup stylist known for her work in high fashion magazines as well as on the red carpet. Gallery artists also include LA-based couturier Kirstie Kelly, whose designs have been worn by such celebrities as Debra Messing and Jennifer Aniston; event design and production team, Mary Litzsinger and Karey Williams of VP Events, famous for pulling off the “impossible,” including a wedding for Oakland A’s baseball star Jason Kendall at Bacara resort; famed hair and accessory stylist Sheila Stone; and Thea Lignos, editor-in-chief of Your Wedding Day magazine.
“When we meet with clients, we seek to understand the people first,” says Cathryn. “From there, we help them create a completely custom, distinctive ‘look’ for their wedding day or weekend, incorporating a theme, a mood, in everything from couture gowns and suiting, to hair, makeup and accessory styling, event planning and production.”
Already have your dress, venue or event planner selected? The Wedding Gallery can also help you find “the missing pieces” to create a finished statement. Open by appointment only: 436-2828.
SANTA BARBARA BRIDAL: COUTURE FOR EVERY BRIDE
Thinking of taking a trip to the Vera Wang flagship store in New York? Save your money. Santa Barbara brides now have access to top couture designers, including an exclusive Vera Wang boutique—the only such boutique in California—all in one salon. “I’ve long seen the need in Santa Barbara for a salon that combines the experience of the most exclusive and highend couture boutique with the selection of a full-service salon,” says owner Kielle Lindsey, who opened Santa Barbara Bridal, 15 W. Figueroa St., in November 2005.
In addition to Vera Wang, the salon offers couture gowns from Anne Barge, Reem Acra, Carmela Sutera, Henry Roth and numerous others, as well as high fashion attire for the entire bridal party—eveningwear, jewelry, elegant hairpieces, handbags, shoes, fragrance, stationery, invitations, an entire room dedicated to lingerie, and designer tuxedos for men to rent.
Gowns start as low as $300. “We offer the best of the best at all prices ranges,” explains Kielle. And seamstresses on staff can alter the gown you’ve purchased (the salon provides a voucher toward alterations as a gift to the bride), or they can create a unique and customized gown based on any concept you can dream of.
Open Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and closed Tuesdays (private appointments are available with the owner). www.SantaBarbaraBridal.com. 730-7300.
THINKING OUTSIDE THE BRIDAL BOUTIQUE
Like many brides, Liz Lonky, partner of Day One Photography, wanted the quintessential image of the timeless bride. But she also wanted to dance and have fun at her reception; she didn’t want to be confined by a cumbersome dress and didn’t want to buy two gowns.
Friend and Santa Barbara stylist Dani Stone had the answer. A rented—yes, rented— St. Pucci gown (for $850, valued at around $8,000) to wear during the ceremony and a two-piece outfit, shoes and accessories to wear during the reception, saving money to spend on “more important things.”
“I’ve never understood why it’s OK for men to rent their tuxedos for their wedding, while brides spend thousands on a dress they’ll wear just once,” said Liz. “Plus,” chimed in Dani, “she can wear her reception outfit many times over ... [the beaded top can be] worn with skinny jeans and stilettos, and the raw silk cream skirt takes her beautifully into the hottest looks for Spring—just pair it with a [t-shirt] and Grecian sandals and she’s all set.”
Caroline Harrah helps brides save money by creating their own jewelry and accessories. She is a consultant for Luxe Jewels, DIY Jewelry. www.luxejewels.com. jewelstotreasure@aol.com.
