80 South Bay Accent Speaking of gowns, there is good news for apprehensive bridesmaids. Kim Forrest says that brides are choosing dresses with bridesmaids’ wishes in mind. Instead of the “matchy-matchy” approach of years past, there is more flexibility. Different shades of the same color are featured, as are “completely different dresses with a common theme—sometimes even something in a bridesmaid’s own closet.” These days, too, groomsmen are sporting blue tones: Forrest notices a lot of navy and royal blue in bridal fashion shows, while Blechman sees slate more often. As with most wedding looks, a bride’s hair and makeup reflect her personal style. While “lots of brides are going all-out glam,” according to Forrest, “I do think we’re seeing more of a natural look, particularly in California. Brides go for a fresh-faced look, the hair is romantic; last year, we saw a lot of braids. I don’t know if that will be huge in 2015, but it fits in with sort of that looser, natural look.” Karie Bennett, founder and master artist of San Jose’s Atelier Salon, notes that while the braid pops up on social media, “it’s not necessarily translating into what our brides want.” The “half-up” style of years past is giving way to a softer look featuring “more face-framing tendrils, looser pin-ups, and more waves, no curls.” Long hair (which Bennett says “is always in” for weddings) cascades down the back, or over the shoulder in smooth or soft waves. Updos translate into retro chignons, sideswept fringe and the use of beautiful hairpieces (which are often family heirlooms). Grooms, meanwhile, are adopting longer, side-parted hair on top, with clipped, tight sides and sideburns reaching to mid-ear level. To keep things neat, Bennett suggests that “use of a control paste, with or without shine, is de rigueur.” Michael Gomez, Atelier’s brow and makeup artist, stresses that perfect skin—“smooth skin with a glow, but not a faux tan”—is the secret to easy bridal beauty. “Bridal makeup is overall trending natural with a slightly smoky eye, and even the use of some color, like violet-gray or gray-green,” he says. To contrast, lips are kept neutral in nude (sometimes shimmery) tones of pinky beige or peachy mocha. Brows are natural yet clearly defined, and Gomez likes to apply virtually undetectable individual false lashes at the eyes’ outside corners for “a wide-eyed look.” “LACE LOOKS SO ORGANIC AND BEAUTIFUL IN A GARDEN SETTING.” Classic lace sheath dresses, like this one from Maggie Sottero, put a modern spin on tradition. MAGGIE SOTTERO “PIERCE” WEDDING GOWN, PHOTO BY ADAM FLIPP
South Bay Accent - Jun/Jul 2015
To see the actual publication please follow the link above