"White" by Vera Wang ~ The Frugalista's Couture

Vera Wang’s wedding dress collection “White” was launched exclusively for David’s Bridal this past Friday, and brides already have strong opinions – good and bad. 

Those that think it’s a brilliant idea are raving because a couture designer has made her famous designs available in a much more affordable price range – not to mention a larger size range.  Others think Ms. Wang has “dumbed down” her well-known and much sought-after label by allowing dresses to be made that are not up to her normal standards of quality.  Throughout this post, I’ll give you some facts on the collection, as well as show pictures of “White” gowns mixed with her “regular” couture dresses…can you pick out the expensive from the not-as-expensive? {Answers at the end!}

The Spring 2011 line (released February 11, 2011) consists of headpieces, veils, sashes, and twelve gowns in sizes 0-14.  There is also a mid-year rollout expected, which will include shoes, bridesmaids dresses, and larger sizes in select wedding gown styles (up to a 26).  Don’t you love having beautiful things to look forward to?

The dresses currently for sale range between $600 and $1,400, and accessories from under $100 to about $200.  I fell in love with one of the sashes for $58, which I think is a great option if you want to add a little Vera to your style – no matter the dress.

Straight from Vera ~ “Every bride deserves to have great design. I believe the bride knows who she is and how she wants to look and feel on her special day. Every gown I create reflects that respect for other women and how much design means to me.”

You can order any dress from the “White” collection at any David’s Bridal store, but right now they are only featured (read: available to try on) in about 150 stores.  More stores will have samples starting this summer, with plans to have the dresses in all DB stores by the end of 2011.  So… call ahead!

My personal opinion on Vera’s new “budget” collection:

~  It is beautiful and stays true to her design aesthetic. 
~ Obviously, she can’t make a $5,000 dress and sell it for $1,200 (who can??) so yes, the fabric is probably of less quality – think silk blends as opposed to 100% silk – and the craftmanship not as stellar. 
~ She already designs and sells a line of “every day” wear for Kohl’s department stores, and that has gone well.  “White” is along the same lines: Selling good stuff to an average budget.  This does not dumb down her label; if anything it just opens it up to a whole new fan base.

And here is my bottom line (always):  Whether you wear Vera Wang (from any collection), Monique Lhuillier, Oleg Cassini, Maggie Sottero, a vintage thrift store find, or have a dress made by the lady down the street, the only thing that matters is you love it and it looks good on you.

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Were you able to pick out the White by Vera Wang gowns? Answer: All of the dresses on the right are the ones available at David’s Bridal! (Photos courtesy of David’s Bridal) The dresses on the left are couture Vera. (Photos courtesy of Vera Wang).  Pretty good, huh?