Runway Wedding

                                      BRIDAL BODICE

Thinking about designing your own wedding saree jacket? Key decisions to be made are the style of the neckline, the length of the sleeves and the all-important back silhouette. There are some clear global trends in the design of your saree jacket. First of these is the corset top (or "bustier"). Imagine your saree jacket as a hard shell, shaping to your upper body and adding that much needed extra lift. Soft chiffon can be draped or pleated over, ribbing ca be added for definition, or a smooth silk or satin exterior can give a more subtle, chic look.

The favoured necklines for the corset top this season are the sweetheart, asymmetrical or classic strapless.  Elegance is achieved by mixing the hardness of the corset with the softness of a second, "illusion" neckline. This illusion neckline is created by extending soft, translucent fabric (think tulle,lace,organza or chiffon)  over the corset neckline up to your actual neckline  (think halter, boat, one shoulder or scoop neck). The illusion neckline can be left plain or embroidered using floral lace, applique, fabric flowers,petals or a hint of pearl.

Romance finds its way into the sleeves this summer. Lace is a favourite, as is tulle (netting) and the styles range from the angelic cap sleeve, to elbow length, to full-length Victorian modesty. Feel like going for the Kandyan "osari" instead of saree? Apuffed cap sleeve will do the trick. The driving theme is the transparency of the fabric, which when combined with the illusion neckline, gives a soft feminine look that is modern without being too revealing.

What of the back silhoutte? The popular silhouette for the back is a low V. The opening stays in the back of the bodice. Forget metal hooks and zips; instead go for a row of fabric-encased buttons or a row pearls with discreet elastic loops to close.