Love for Marchesa

A while ago, I wrote about theatrics in fashion and raved about the beautiful dresses from Marchesa. Well, I'm writing again to swoon over Marchesa. This plum-colored Couture Silk Chiffon Gown ($4,840) from Marchesa's Fall '08 collection can be found on Bergdorf Goodman and it's HEAVENLY!!! If I can chose this for my wedding gown, I WOULD!!!

First of all, plum and berry (a.k.a. shapes of purple) are the must-have colors for this Fall. Rich, elegant, and oh-so-sophisticated, they are just as classic as the neutrals and much more exciting. Secondly, the lines on this dress are to die for. The skirt is shirred at just the right places under the bust to falter the waistline. The train, made of pure silk, is romantic and glamorous. The feather and floral appliqués on the strapless neckline is simply darling to the sight.

I'll have you recall the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike that spanned 2007-2008 and ended in February this year after the cancellation of the Vanity Fair Oscar party and significantly curtailed viewership of the Academy Awards itself. It's no wonder Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig (Marchesa's founders and designers) scaled back the number of red-carpet dresses this Fall. Their Fall '08 collection remains full of their usual glamor, with loose references to the play between power and femininity that can be found in their muse, Queen Elizabeth I. In this particular dress, we see the soft silk skirt and train showing absolute femininity, while the extra-structured appliqués gives off a sense of strict confidence.

Well, that's just the dress that can be bought. If you are curious, Marchesa's Resort '09 collection is out and you can give it a scan at Style.com. I have to warn you that it is much less exciting than their Fall collection. Fortunately, you will still find many gorgeous, albeit simple, pieces as Chapman and Craig apply an Egyptian theme to classically flattering designs.

By the way, please do not forget to check out Notte by Marchesa, the lower-end sister of Marchesa. At Bergdorf Goodman, I found this incredible Draped Chiffon Gown ($995) in red. We all need a red-hot dress just like that, don't you think?