Celebrity event planner David Tutera is well-known for his over-the-top parties—his client list includes: Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey and Elton John—and his line of party planning and wedding books (David's latest book, The Big White Book of Weddings, hits stores in early 2010), and of course his popular television show My Fair Wedding on WEtv.
David recently expanded his brand into the bridal fashion arena with the debut of his bridal gown line, David Tutera by Faviana. The collection includes 20 gowns available in sizes 0 to 24 and will be available in stores in January 2010. We spoke with David about his inspiration for his inaugural collection and his expert tips on how a bride should select her wedding dress' style. —Anne Chertoff
Shown here: "Sarah" (on left) is an ivory bridal satin gown with tulle sweetheart neckline and elaborate crystal beadwork embellishing the neckline and waist. "Eva" (on right) is an ivory strapless short tafefeta dress with rose embellishments and an assymetrical hemline, sweetheart neckline and a full draped body with a detachable skirt and train.
Brides.com: Why did you decide to create a wedding dress line?
David Tutera: As a wedding planner for more than 20 years, I have seen firsthand the dresses my brides chose. Some were the wrong dresses for their body type and some were the wrong dresses for the look of their wedding. I wanted to design a line of wedding gowns that would be right for every body type and that offered couture quality at attainable prices.
Shown here: "Penelope" is an ivory strapless, sweetheart neckline tulle ball gown with intricate beading, embroidery and crystals.
Who is the David Tutera by Faviana bride?
The David Tutera by Faviana bride is really any bride who wants to feel like a celebrity on her big day. This would be a woman who understands fashion and value at the same time—a combination I think many women can relate to. (The dresses retail between $1,150 and $2,150.)
Shown here: "Cameron" is a diamond white two-piece short, sexy sheath with detailed silver and pearl beadwork worn over a full multi-layer tulle skirt with wired hem detail. The bottom is detached in this image.
What was your inspiration for this collection?
My tagline for this collection, "Inspired on the Red Carpet...Worn on the White" says it all. I drew inspiration for this collection from memorable gowns that have been worn by iconic celebrities throughout history. Every dress, while still bridal and current, has a red carpet flair to it. I wanted each of my brides to feel like a celebrity on her big day and that was the inspiration.
Shown here: "Fergie" is a short, ivory, strapless bridal satin shutter pleat sheath with flower detail worn over a softly flared skirt.
Can you share some dress shopping tips for brides on how they should select their wedding dress' style?
To select the best dress for your wedding style, the bride may need to let go of the dress she always thought she wanted. Often times, the gown she pictured for years before her wedding does not suit or fit her body, personal style or her wedding style. Since the dress is really one of the first elements of the wedding that the guests see, I always suggest that it set the tone for the event. This can be done through color, design and fabric selections.
Shown here: "Anne" is an ivory/champagne strapless satin sweetheart neckline with contrast colored satin, embroidery and crystal bead detailing.
For a more beachy, destination wedding I would recommend my "Jennifer" gown that features open-work embroidery that almost mimics netting, or my "Marcia" design with a Greecian-like flowing chiffon. In both gowns, the details and fabrics mimic the wedding destination.
Shown here: "Jennifer" (on left) is a diamond white strapless mermaid dress with sweetheart neckline, chiffon bodice and organza skirt. Embellished with open work embroidery and crystal bead accents.
"Marcia" (on right) is an ivory chiffon gown with empire waist and beaded lace.
For a more formal wedding, consider a dress with structure, like the "Audrey" which is a traditional bridal satin with a dramatic back bustle and extraordinary crystal beadwork.
Shown here: "Audrey" is an ivory satin mermaid dress with elaborate crystal embellishment and back bustle detail with covered buttons.
And for a younger bride, or for a less traditional wedding, something like the "Gwenyth" with its edgy champagne ribbon trim would really suit.
Shown here: "Gwenyth" is an ivory/champagne tulle sweetheart neckline with cascading charmeuse panels with champagne ribbon trim, an empire seam and champagne crystal beading.
To find a retailer near you who sells David Tutera by Faviana, visit DavidTuterabyFaviana.com. For more information on David Tutera, visit his Web site DavidTutera.com. And click here to find out how you can ask David your own wedding planning questions!
Shown here: "Scarlett" is an ivory tulle halter dress with empire seam, detailed embroidery and bead work with crystal and feather accented flowers. "Marilyn" is an ivory chiffon halter dress with and empire waist, bias cut skirt with detachable train and adorned with crystal bead work. "Sofia" is an ivory strapless lace mermaid dress with crystal beading, a hip drape accent and adorned with a beaded lace flower.
