Shelby Township Studio Preview of new Katerina Bocci Gown Designs. . . Breeziway Headpieces top off 2!

Katerina Bocci provided a preview showing of her new 2009 Premiere Bridal Collection in her transformed Shelby Township studio this past Thursday evening, September 24th. Two Breeziway headpiece designs were featured with these gorgeous gowns. It was a lovely evening with something special to indulge each of the senses! Thank you, Katerina

Katerina's complete collection will be shared on the New York runways of The Wedding Channel Couture Show (Oct. 17-19) at the InterContinental The Barclay New York and the Wedding TrendSpot Press Fashion Show (Oct 18) at The Waldorf Astoria.

The photos featured above were taken by Detroit Hour Magazine photographer, Carrie Hall. Additional photos of the Bocci preview collection can be viewed online at the Hour site.

Best,

Shelby Township Studio Preview of new Katerina Bocci Gown Designs. . . Breeziway Headpieces top off 2!

Paying Homage to Avian Beauty: The artistry and work of Jean Paglius, Valerie Hertzler Neuber, Katherine Plumer & the American Poultry Association

The Breeziway venture has brought a better balance to my life; providing a far richer blend of the scientific worlds of biology and psychology with the aesthetics of the miraculous world around us. A recent New York Times review (September 11, 2009) by Benjamin Genocchio of the artistry of photographer, Jean Pagliuso, has reminded me of early stages of research in our venture when I explored the overlap of science and art relevant to avian life.

Ms. Pagliuso's finely-tuned talent has turned in recent years to the natural beauty of birds. Her Poultry Suite shares the amazing images of some species of birds whose feathers we have used in Breeziway designs. Now these gorgeous creatures are just naturally glamorous, aren't they?

We are appreciative of the early support provided by an equally-amazing woman, Valerie Hertzler Neuber of Ferdinands Farm, in New Mexico who is a professional breeder of "Fancy Poultry" and a member of the group of people who raise and show ornamental poultry as an expression of their own talents. Breeziway has used the American Standard of Perfection, published by the American Poultry Association to guide choices of feathers for our designs. Katherine Plumer is the artist behind the amazing drawings in this manual. It has been an interesting venture, indeed.

I hope you will visit the links above to see some of these gorgeous breeds.

Best,

Paying Homage to Avian Beauty: The artistry and work of Jean Paglius, Valerie Hertzler Neuber, Katherine Plumer & the American Poultry Association

jesGordon's "Party Like a Rock Star"

A copy of the recently published book, "Party Like a Rock Star", by jesGordon of Proper Fun arrived this past weekend, and I am flipping through the pages of this colorful, humorous, and informative resource. Jes Gordon shares her decades of experience in the planning and production of special events for celebrities and major corporations with an array of tips for throwing successful parties of all kinds. The presentation is engaging.

I am helping to host a gala event to celebrate the first birthday of my granddaughter this upcoming weekend and finding an abundance of fun ideas. . . . everything from acid jazz (Ohm Guru & Gota) and aphrodisiacs (not relevant to my granddaughter's party, but might come in handy for another occasion . . .) to creating WOW factors. You'll have to buy the book to get in on these suggestions! I love the excellent and easy to access tips/recipes/sugJEStions. Thanks for sharing your expertise, Jes!

Best,

jesGordon's "Party Like a Rock Star"

Detroit's Fashion Week - Katerina Bocci's Pre-Sneak Peak Interview!

As a native-Detroiter, I can share with confidence that in spite of the dismal economic conditions in Michigan, and the Detroit area in particular, the spirit of people here should not be minimized. I have lived to see this area emerge before from ashes and rubble (literally) to redefine itself.

I am a newcomer to one renaissance occurring in southeast Michigan. Others have worked creatively and diligently in recent years to gain recognition of local talent in the broader fashion arena. I learned recently that Detroit has its own Fashion Week, coinciding with the internationally-recognized runway shows in New York and cities abroad. This past week (Sept. 13-19th) marked the 5th annual Detroit Fashion Week. This is a serious venture as reflected by an article published by CNN Money on September 19th, "Detroit swap: Auto Plants for fashion showrooms".

I recently shared with you in this blog the exquisite work and generous support of Katerina Bocci. Katerina's generosity extends far beyond Breeziway, as evidenced by her role as a major sponsor of Detroit Fashion Week. She was interviewed this morning by the local affiliate of Fox News - WJBK. A Breeziway headpiece was worn by one of her models for this interview in a pre-sneak preview of a few gowns that will appear in her NYC Bridal Couture Week shows in mid-October. How cool is that?! The video stream is below. Please, take a look and share a moment of our excitement. The featured headpiece is a versatile design can also be worn with the horsehair/crin brim oriented toward the face and over one eye.

Thank you, Kat, for your encouragement and support.

It appears that the video embed code is not functioning on all browsers. Please, click on the following link to view the interview if the video does not appear for your immediately below:

Fox News interview with Katerina Bocci

Best,

Detroit's Fashion Week - Katerina Bocci's Pre-Sneak Peak Interview!

Philip Treacy - Milliner Extraordinaire

Ireland-born, London-based, Philip Treacy, is a milliner extraordinaire. When asked during interviews whether he considers his work to be art or fashion, his answer is always the later. Why not both? I am sharing some of his work below. I hope you enjoy viewing his form of sculptured art as much as I do!

Maybe you remember the fascinator/headpiece worn by Sarah Jessica Parker at the London, world premiere of the movie (May, 2008), "Sex and the City" that created quite a stir. . . a Treacy piece. I thought it was great fun!

Best,

Philip Treacy - Milliner Extraordinaire

KATERINA BOCCI's Premiere Bridal Collection

Feathers, tulle, crystals, crin, veiling, pearls and more are flying in the studio this week as we add to the collection of headpieces designed to complement Katerina Bocci's new Premiere Bridal Gown Collection. We are honored and over-the-top excited to be able to support Katerina's work. It will be a very special moment indeed to see our designs on her models when this exquisite collection of gowns is introduced to the public on September 24th.

(Shelby Township, MI, September 8, 2009) – Detroit-based couture designer, Katerina Bocci, is expanding her profile with the launch of her premiere bridal gown collection in October. The Katerina Bocci Bridal Collection will feature Bocci’s stunning execution, complete with hand-cut patterns, custom designs, and hand-sewn wedding dresses for the most discerning brides-to-be.

Bocci’s star has been rising after an acclaimed presentation of her collection at Couture Fashion Week in New York City in 2007. The award-winning designer has since acquired international acclaim among fashion elite and celebrities, including Aretha Franklin, Fergie and Jordin Sparks.

Bocci’s 2010 Bridal Collection will be debuted both the Wedding Channel Couture Show (InterContinental The Barclay New York Oct. 17-19) and the wedding TrendSpot Press Fashion Show (Waldorf Astoria Oct. 18) in New York this fall.

Bocci will host a sneak preview – Katerina Bocci Unveiled – at her studio in Shelby Township for press and brides-to-be at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, September 24.

The Katerina Bocci Bridal Collection will continue her tradition of using exquisite fabrics, hand-sewn craftsmanship and innovative, sophisticated designs. Her luxury line will feature the most sumptuous 100-percent silk organza and tulle, handbeaded laces and rosettes, and Swarovski trims and stones in an array of whites, creams and blushes.

Individuality is a key ingredient in Katerina Bocci bridal. From bold, avant-garde gowns fit for black-tie affairs to sleek, classic designs ideal for destination or outdoor weddings, Bocci’s collection embraces each bride’s distinctive wedding style.

“The first question I ask every bridal client is ‘describe the dress you dreamed of as a little girl,” says Bocci. “I want to turn fantasy into reality for these women. This is the gown they’ll remember forever.”

Bocci’s years of pattern-making experience further accentuates her custom design process for flawless, formfitting perfection. All of Bocci’s designs hold the bride’s exact measurements, which she either takes herself or are sent in by the select bridal boutiques that carry the line.

Creating bridal couture in Detroit adds to Bocci’s uniqueness. Her 3,200-squarefoot design studio is open from 10:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. Monday-Saturday at Rick 14239 Drive in Shelby Township.

Bocci’s gowns are made in the USA and include eco-friendly materials, including 100-percent cotton for comfortable dress liners. Bocci sought to create attainable luxury, standing by her philosophy that dream dresses should be available to all brides.

Bocci’s collection offers a broad range of price points to accommodate brides of all budgets.

For more information, visit http://www.katerinabocci.com/

Please contact Kathleen Kennedy Ferris at 313.418.4898 or
kennedyferris@gmail.com to reserve a press pass to the September 24th 2010
Bridal Collection Preview. Posted by Style Editor for LUXURY WEDDINGS Blog

Best,

KATERINA BOCCI's Premiere Bridal Collection

"Red Carpet Wedding" - BridalTweets' first giveaway contest!

As a member of the BridalTweet.com community, Breeziway is happy to share with you this first of many contests to come! Join us as a member of BridalTweet.com before October 30, 2009 and be entered to win a free rental of diamond earrings to wear on your wedding day. The photos of some stunningly beautiful options are shown below. Please, view the contest rules at the following link: http://www.bridaltweet.com/notes/Red_Carpet_Wedding_Rules Here's hoping that a Breeziway client is the winner!

BRIDALTWEET.COM ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST CONTEST “RED CARPET WEDDING"
One lucky bride to win a chance to wear diamond earrings for her special day

NEW YORK – September 15, 2009 – BridalTweet.com today announced a contest awarding one lucky bride a complimentary rental of dazzling diamond earrings to wear on her wedding day. Each bride who joins BridalTweet.com before October 30 will be entered to win, compliments of Adorn Brides.1 “The Red Carpet Wedding contest is our way of thanking brides for joining our wedding community,” said Christine Dyer, creator and founder of BridalTweet.com. “We’re seeing that brides will rent anything from visual props to floral arrangements, table linens, head-pieces and sometimes even dresses; why not rent diamonds for the special day.”

Each bride that joins BridalTweet.com will also gain access to the wedding community’s ongoing benefits such as free wedding advice, exclusive offers, giveaways, information about local events, a local vendor directory, and more. All BridalTweet.com members, including brides, wedding vendors, and wedding bloggers, can also share tips and information via chats, blogs, discussions, groups, photos, and videos.

Early results indicate BridalTweet.com’s growing leadership position within the wedding industry. Since its inception in April of 2009, the wedding community at BridalTweet.com has exceeded 3,500 members, with 64 percent of the community’s visitors returning to the website in a given month – a strong signal of BridalTweet.com’s active and engaged audience.2

“We are excited to work with BridalTweet.com to bring the red carpet glamour of diamonds on loan to one lucky bride’s big event,” shared Laura Carrintgon, co-founder and chief stylist for Adorn Brides. “Every bride, regardless of her budget deserves to have access to the very best in bridal accessories. Now, brides can rent thousands of dollars of diamond jewelry for a fraction of what it would cost to purchase them thanks to Adorn Brides.”

About BridalTweet.com: Headquartered in New York, NY, BridalTweet (http://www.bridaltweet.com/) is a free online wedding community where brides, wedding vendors, and wedding bloggers can create meaningful relationships. At BridalTweet.com, brides can find free wedding advice, exclusive offers, giveaways, local events, and more. This is one of the first wedding communities that enables wedding vendors to have a voice - allowing for deeper marketing conversations. Since April 2009, 3,500 members have joined BridalTweet.com and membership increases daily.

About Adorn Brides: Headquartered in New York, NY, Adorn Brides (http://www.adorn.com/) is the leading online diamond jewelry rental company designed specifically to meet the needs of today’s bride. Cited as the #1 resource for bridal jewelry accessories online, Adorn Brides’ unique service is fast becoming the latest trend among fashion conscious brides.

Best,

"Red Carpet Wedding" - BridalTweets' first giveaway contest!

Head Adornment - Hat Psychology 101

It is Breeziway's mission to help transform the lives of women through the millinery arts (via baby steps, if necessary). 'Pretty bold statement and lofty goal' you might think, indeed! Enjoy the following report by "Chicago Revealed" host Katie Kijowski; inspired by a recent event sponsored by the Chicago Millinery Arts Alliance. . . an early lesson in the life transforming ability of head adornment . . .

Do let us know if we can help transform your life with a touch of magic from Breeziway.

Best,

Head Adornment - Hat Psychology 101

Polyvore 'somores'. . . .

I love the vibrant colors of the natural feathers in the Sienna. What a lovely statement for your Autumn night out on the town. . . .

Sienna by Breezi featuring Carvela shoes

The white and India blue peacock feathers of Natasha have been worn by brides; why not homecoming queens or theatre and opera lovers?

Natasha by Breezi featuring Diane von Furstenberg dresses

Our Dion is ready for your Quinceanera. . . .

Dion Quinceanera by Breezi featuring Miu Miu shoes

Best,

Polyvore 'somores'. . . .

Vera Wang & Silk Chiffon

Studio activity at Breeziway includes an ongoing exploration of new materials for our designs. Vera Wang's Luxe collections for Fall, 2009 and Spring, 2010 served as inspiration for this summer's flurry of activity using fine silk chiffon in colors matching VW's ever gorgeous palette. We share some of these designs below with their gowns.

Our chiffon and satin headpiece designs are not yet available via the Breeziway site, but are available in customized versions upon request. Simply call or email us for more information.



Olive and lime jacquard silk satin are coupled with dyed flat, coquille and biot feathers mounted on a sinamay base in this design.



















White satinette, stripped coque, and schlappen feathers adorn a soft flowing ruffle made of dove grey and white silk chiffon. The design is accented with a beautiful Swarovski crystal accent. The piece is shown here with a side angle birdcage veil made of silk English veiling.




















Two Breeziway designs are shown with Vera Wang's dove grey, soft taupe, and lavender silk chiffon gown. The first is a lavender silk chiffon flower with purple peacock eye and sword feathers, accented with a .5 inch diameter, solitary lavender Swarovski crystal. The second Breeziway design is a lavender satin-covered buckram base that is accented with premium natural hackle feathers, lavender tulle ruffles, and a silver-beaded lavender embroidered motif.




















This glorious smoked-peach, silk chiffon Vera Wang gown of unstructured ruffles and bow is paired with a matching chiffon flower accented with a .5 inch diameter clear Swarovski crystal and two rare, tiny Indigo peacock eye feathers. This design is shown with our open sweep veil in peach.

Vera Wang's soft taupe and white chiffon gown with black crystal accents is paired with our black silk chiffon flower with black Swarovski crystal accent and cameo peacock eye and pied peacock sword feathers. This design is shown with our black birdcage veil.

Lush blush silk chiffon in light flowing drapes, accented with a silver motif bodice border that is trimmed with a dangling pearl fringe describe this elegant Vera Wang gown. The Breeziway design inspired by this gown is made of matching blush chiffon in a pleated swirl festooned with coquile feathers. A silver chiffon ruffle flower is accented with tear-drop pearls to match the bodice trim.

Best,

Vera Wang & Silk Chiffon

Polyvore!

One of my daughters introduced me to Polyvore recently. It took awhile to figure out how to use this new platform for creativity, marketing, community sharing, etc. . . . but the time was well spent. It has become a favorite pastime late at night when too tired to do much else. Does anyone else remember the Colorform Dress-up Sets of long ago? Polyvore is a contemporary, and as the Internet provides, limitless venue for creative expression that reminds me of that childhood play.

www.polyvore.com

Below are fashion sets, created using Polyvore, that were inspired by Breeziway designs.

The Marnie is one of our most popular designs; one of several Breeziway designs worn to Britain's Royal Ascot this past June. It is used to accessorize two very different looks in the set below.

Marnie by Breezi featuring Emilio Pucci

Carolina has been worn by numerous brides worldwide in its original form as shown below, as well as variants with alternative silk flowers from our studio and different color themes using both natural and dyed feathers. I love the gown and accessories found on Polyvore to go with our basic ivory version of this design.

Carolina by Breezi featuring 1928 jewelry

The Czech Fedora! So, much fun making these. . . . ;)

Czech Fedora by Breezi featuring Christian Louboutin shoes

Best,

Polyvore!

Prelude. . .

Tonight, I turn my attention to Breeziway's new blog. I am so pleased with the design by Kelly of Blush!nk and Glamour This!. Kelly was one of Breeziway's first clients, and I am grateful for her support during our first year of service. Kelly is seen below looking her usual glamorous self during a post-wedding photoshoot; wearing a Breeziway headpiece of emu, natural hackle feathers, and a small ivory birdcage veil. . . such a beauty!

Thanks again, Kelly. We love the blog design, and I am so eager to begin sharing the ideas that have come to mind for our "Soaring Hearts" blog. Do stop by again. =)

Best,

Prelude. . .