Published May 4, 2013 12:40AM
Silk-Free Wedding Dresses for Compassionate Brides-to-Be
It’s my favorite time of year: The first warm days of spring, when it finally feels safe to put away those bulky winter coats and unleash my summer dresses from their cold-weather hibernation. During this year’s sartorial swap-out ritual, I was surprised to find my wedding dress folded in amid the summery casual wear. It’s not your average bridal gown; mine is short, and a non-traditional gold. It does double duty as a party dress from time to time, and has held up well over the years. But if I had it to do all over again, I might choose something different. Likely something vintage and maybe even something white (though probably not). It would definitely have to be silk-free, just like the original—my ethics haven’t wavered over time. These three gowns are just a few of the possibilities out there for compassionate brides-to-be.
It’s my favorite time of year: The first warm days of spring, when it finally feels safe to put away those bulky winter coats and unleash my summer dresses from their cold-weather hibernation. During this year’s sartorial swap-out ritual, I was surprised to find my wedding dress folded in amid the summery casual wear. It’s not your average bridal gown; mine is short, and a non-traditional gold. It does double duty as a party dress from time to time, and has held up well over the years. But if I had it to do all over again, I might choose something different. Likely something vintage and maybe even something white (though probably not). It would definitely have to be silk-free, just like the original—my ethics haven’t wavered over time. These three gowns are just a few of the possibilities out there for compassionate brides-to-be.
At Jenny Packham, progressive brides have their pick of super-feminine dresses that ooze bygone-era glamour. The gorgeous Strelitzia model gives 1930s-meets-the-21st century style with paillettes, tulle, and nary a hint of silk. http://www.jennypackham.com/pages/bridal-2013-campaign
At Kansas City-based Janay A. Handmade, wedding gowns are true couture. You choose the fabric and style, and Janay’s nimble-fingered fashion fairies turn your dress dreams into reality. I’m partial to the short Larkspur model, though more modest brides could choose to have it made into a floor-length gown. http://www.janay-a.com/
Television shows like Downton Abbey and the forthcoming Great Gatsby film have done a lot to push 1920s fashion into the fore. If you’re a vintage girl with flapper-esque sensibilities, you’ll have fun clicking through the amazing selection of dresses at Mill Crest Vintage. Other decades are represented, too; I’m loving this fluffy ‘50s number. http://www.millcrestvintage.com/vintage-wedding-dresses?sort=20a&page=all
ABOUT AURELIA D’ANDREA
Veg fashion blogger Aurelia d’Andrea has devoted a disproportionately large portion of her life to scouring thrift stores, vintage boutiques, and flea markets in search of sartorial treasures, and has a closet full of frocks to prove her passion for the hunt. Going veg taught her to sharpen her style skills, and confirmed what she’d suspected all along: It really is possible to develop a fashionable point of view and keep your ethics intact, too. She lives in Paris where she blogs (My Vegan Parisian Aventure), writes books (Moon Living Abroad in France), and eats way too many carbs.
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