WHITE Toronto

Purchasing your wedding dress has never been so chic!

How would you like to purchase your wedding dress at a bridal salon that is like your cool best friend’s apartment in Paris?

A place that you feel welcome and comfortable, yet still have the personal attention of a professional fashion stylist with the latest knowledge and expertise in the wedding industry; White is this place. Located in the prestigious shopping district of Hazelton Lanes in Yorkville Ontario, you can find exclusive designer labels and one-of-a-kind embellishments all at your fingertips.

Andrea Anastasiou, the owner and fashion guru, with fifteen years in the industry working with renowned designers as a fashion style editor, created this trendy oasis in 2006. “I was constantly being asked if I could recommend a bridal retailer that could suffice the sophisticated Toronto consumer needs.” Not feeling there were any at the time that she could suggest, Andrea decided this was a great opportunity to open up her own bridal shop and a year later White’s was born.

The whole idea behind the store is that you can find exclusive brands, not normally found in Canada, for the bride or her bridesmaids. You are not just limited to gowns here; White also carries shoes, handbags, bridesmaid’s gifts and even stationary. What the store doesn’t have on hand they can source out, making the whole experience fondly memorable for the bride and her entourage.

 White’s recommends that a bride start looking for her dress about eight to twelve months, on average, before the wedding. Although White has accommodated brides on much shorter deadlines, the staff prefers the latter for peace of mind for all. For the first visit to the store, Andrea recommends that you make an appointment and bring no more than three to four close friends or family for support. The staff will walk the bride through all the designers’ gowns on the first floor which at present includes Oscar del la Renta, Lela Rose, Badgley Mischka, Anne Barge, Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera, Amy Michelson, Jenny Lee and Jenny Packham. After a consultation with a professional stylist, the bride is escorted to a secluded retreat where she can try on the gowns while she is pampered with decadent tasty delights and one-on-one service.

Just as important as the bride’s gown is the bridesmaid’s gowns, and what bride wouldn’t want it that way! The Bridesmaid’s Loft, located on the third floor, was created to be a haven exclusively for the bridesmaid’s. In the loft, bridesmaids can drop their handbags, grab a sparkling water and a Churchill's pecan bar and relax on a big comfy couches adorned with plush velvet and damask pillows. It is a light filled space that is flirty, young, fresh and conducive to girly chatter while bridesmaids can try on designer dresses exclusive to White. For a special treat, a bride can book a champagne brunch for the girls or for the bride who wants to take it to the next level, the loft can be rented out for a private function that is fully catered.

The professional fashion team at White suggests the bride only bring two bridesmaids to her first appointment - this makes for less confusion. “We often suggest two girls with a fit problem.  An example of a fit problem might be a girl who is 6’2” and another who is 5’0” feet.  This allows us to spend more time so we can find a style that is complimentary to the venue and the girls figure types,” suggests Andrea. As much as the experience at the loft is educational, the overall affair is about FUN for a bride and her ensemble.

As for the trends for 2008, Andrea says, “Everything is soft and pretty. The gowns will have a smaller silhouette than before reflective of our body conscious clientele. Fabrication will be more delicate with silk tulle, soft cotton tulle, silk charmeuse and lace. The Empire waist is back. The cuts are done in a modern way with mitered edges. Open backs and elements of skin showing through nude liners will dawn the runways for spring. Embellishments are strategically placed like jewellery. Beadwork under the bust line looks like a vintage necklace. Vintage broaches and long vintage necklaces are all the rage. Dress clips are now being worn in the hair to create lovely decorative elements. Veils are still in style as it creates the finishing touches to the ensemble. The look of combining the long skinny dress and the cathedral veil creates a beautiful juxtaposition of the bride floating down the aisle.”

So, whether your price point is five hundred dollars or fifteen thousand, White has the knowledge and styles for the statement you want to make. White will not only provide you with a genuine and effortless experience, it will also sweep you away with its signature charm and elegance that have made it the city’s chic bridal abode.

Click here for contact information on White Toronto
http://www.whitetoronto.com/

Colleen Oreskovic
Stylist/Fashion Contributor
[email protected]
The Ring Bearer.ca

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