Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your special day, Susan, and for sharing your beautiful photos with us!
Your story is truly remarkable, serving as a powerful reminder that love transcends boundaries, beauty knows no age, and women everywhere can benefit from the affirmation that love can find you at any stage of life.
She is wearing our Downton Abbey inspired dress in Ivory to perfection. You can find it here: https://nataya.cc/qv2
Susan: “First, a little bit of background. Bill and I were both 60 years old when we married on 6/28/21. Second marriage for both; we were both divorced when me met in an orchestra in 2018 (he plays drums, I play clarinet). On our first date, we found that we both had the same favorite movie, which is "Somewhere In Time" starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. If you have never seen it, is a wildly romantic time travel movie, and most of it was filmed on site at The Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island in 1979. We have watched the movie together countless times, and of course when we got engaged and started to plan our wedding, it was the first and only choice for our venue (even though neither one of us had ever been to Mackinac before). We eloped and did not tell any family members or friends until after the wedding. There were no guests at the wedding, it was just the two of us, our professional photographer, and the officiant. Our goal was to re-create the vibe and the romance of the 1912 setting for Somewhere In Time.
Nataya: Where did you find out about our dresses?
Susan: I found your wedding dress on-line. I believe I searched keywords "second wedding dress" or "mature bride dress" or something of that nature.
Nataya: What event did you wear the dress to? Tell us a little about how your day went.
Susan: I only wore the dress for one event, and that was my wedding to Bill. The day went perfectly. We married on the front porch of The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. It was the most romantic day of my life and the dress was perfect for the venue. The hotel was built in the late 1800's and has a long rich history. We truly felt like we had been transported in time and dress was ideal for a 1912 wedding.
Nataya: How did the dress make you feel? What do you like about it and why did you choose this one?
Susan: The dress truly made me feel beautiful and romantic, which is a stretch for me because I am one of those women that virtually NEVER feels good about my appearance. I am not a very self-confident person but this dress made me feel amazing. I was amazed that this dress could make me feel the way I did as a bride, even though it was second wedding for both, and we are in our 60's
Nataya: Did you receive any compliments while wearing the dress? If so, could you share them with us?
Susan: I have never received so many compliments in my life, as I did when I wore this dress. It was almost embarassing. Total strangers walking up to me and starting a conversation. And, true story. The officiant was late, Bill was waiting on the grand porch, and I was waiting in the restaurant / bar area with our photographer. Two different guys approached me and started hitting on me. The photographer was in stitches and took photos to prove it.
Nataya: What events would you see yourself wearing the dress again?
Susan: I am not sure; I will likely wear it for anniversary dinners with my husband.
Nataya: Anything else you would like to add.
Susan: Two stories about this dress.
I found this dress on line approx. 3 months before my wedding, so I did not have time to waste. My size is XL (I am 6 feet 0 in tall and 180 pounds). At the time, you did not have this dress available in XL or even in 2XL. The medium or large would not fit me, so I purchased the dress in 3XL. I looked far and wide for a different dress that would be available in XL size. No matter how much I searched, I could not find a dress that I loved as much as this one. So I finally just bit the bullet, purchased the 3XL. When it arrived, it was beyond my expectations and I felt it was the only dress on the planet that I could possibly wear for my special day. I took it in for alterations, which were done perfectly and made the dress fit me perfectly, and it was worth every single penny.
Mackinac Island is a very unique location. There are NO motorized vehicles allowed on the island (with the only exception being a fire truck and ambulance). You can only access the island by ferry; once you arrive, you can only get around the island by horse drawn carriage, bike, or walking. We arrived on the island late at night, later than we had intended but that is another story. When we were on the ferry from St. Ignace to Mackinac Island, it started to rain. And oh boy, was it a torrential rain. The skies just opened up and dropped buckets of water for hours. We got off the ferry with all of our luggage and garment bags, and it was so late that there were no carriages available to take us from the port to The Grand Hotel. So, we had to walk uphill, dragging all of our luggage with us, approx. 45 minute walk in the pouring rain and freezing cold. Fortunately, I had my Nataya wedding dress in a waterproof garment bag, so everything made the journey dry and intact. When we walked into the lobby of this magnificent hotel, we must have looked like a couple of homeless people, soaked to the skin and freezing cold. The people behind the desk really gave us dirty looks. When Bill explained who we were, what wedding planner we were working with, and that we were to marry on the grand porch the next day, they gave us a free upgrade to a premium room. When we got to the room, we found that it was the "Somewhere In Time" commemorative room, which contained tons of memorabilia from the filming of the movie in 1979.
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Classic American Western bridal fashion has become what many call a “bohemian” or country style. Designed with long sleeves, an abundance of lace, slim fitting or airy-like bodices, and many times unique accessories, classic American Western wedding dresses emphasize the brides’ individuality and personal style.
]]>The world of fashion is ever changing. Although most people only celebrate one wedding themselves, the world of bridal fashion is fascinating. Bridal fashion is constantly evolving and the wedding dresses we see today have been influenced by trends from the past. While certain designs may go out of style for some time, there is not one wedding dress style that has never made a comeback. From corset bodices to ivory lace gowns, we have seen every bridal style make a comeback at some point in time.
Whether it be the use of materials to craft the wedding dress, the accented neckline and sleeves, or the use of timely accessories, each time period has played a role for the next. As we navigate the similarities — and differences — between two time periods and their bridal styles and wedding dress trends, keep in mind how each bridal style has evolved to become its own. With a combination of many similarities, the Victorian era wedding dress style has greatly impacted the Classic American Western wedding dress style, yet somehow the two look completely different side by side.
Read on to learn how Victorian wedding dresses have influenced the creation of Classic American Western wedding dresses.
Victorian wedding dresses are known to have tight and slim bodices, drapery and lace, embellished jewels and sleeves, all while showcasing a delicate bridal style. While this time period was focused on royalty and elegant women, it was extremely important that women looked dainty and expensive when dressing for their wedding day.
Classic American Western bridal fashion has become what many call a “bohemian” or country style. Designed with long sleeves, an abundance of lace, slim fitting or airy-like bodices, and many times unique accessories, classic American Western wedding dresses emphasize the brides’ individuality and personal style.
Victorian era bridal styles selected materials like lace to show wealth status as well as social status, whereas in the Classic American Western style, wedding dresses are not looked at in this point of view.
Classic American Western bridal styles are more about individuality for the bride and their personal style and during the Victorian era, there was not much of a “individual style” to choose from. There were certain trends expected of brides due to what was available material wise as well as what was socially acceptable.
When Queen Victoria wed in 1840, she wore a dress designed with Honiton lace and Spital1elds silk. During this time, lace was only available in white and because of this, many credit Queen Victoria for starting the tradition of wearing a white wedding dress. Due to limited supplies and knowledge of fashion at this time, it is likely that both lace and satin were some of the only materials accessible for gowns. Once Queen Victoria wore her gown on her wedding day, the traditional connection between lace and elegant, wealthy women began.
Fun fact: Queen Victoria’s wedding dress is stored and displayed in Kensington Palace.
Lace was one of the most popular features in Victorian style bridal gowns, and is a trend that has surely impacted classic American Western wedding dresses. Today, many would describe the classic American Western bridal fashion as bohemian. As mentioned above, this boho country bridal style relies heavily on long sleeve style wedding dresses, ivory or white lace, and many unique accessories like statement jewels, head pieces, and more. While lace no longer represents wealth status, it offers a traditional feeling in a modern wedding gown. And while lace has deeply impacted the bridal styles we see today, satin has taken a different route.
In the wedding industry today, satin wedding dresses are known to be black-tie appropriate, luxury, and most commonly shown in princess-style gowns. It is extremely rare to see a bridal gown nowadays that combines the use of lace and satin, as they both have taken on their own reputations that don’t quite match. Today, lace wedding dresses are more commonly seen during rustic weddings or outdoor events. Satin wedding dresses are commonly worn for luxurious weddings and elegant affairs. It is almost unheard of to wear a satin wedding dress outdoors, as the material does not necessarily showcase a more casual feeling that lace wedding dresses can provide.
While these materials have taken on different wedding gown aesthetics, there are many more ways that Victorian wedding dresses have influenced the classic American western style of bridal gowns.
A popular wedding dress trend during the Victorian era was a larger skirt circumference. A true, wide ball gown was almost always worn by the bride, as there were not many opportunities in her lifetime where she could wear a dress of such elegance. A hoop was worn in the skirt to keep the dress as large and poised as possible. Additionally, a hoop skirt was worn to keep cooler in warm temperatures and to prevent a bride from tripping over her gown, as she was expected to be graceful.
Because of this hoop skirt accessory, wedding dresses were more stiff around the hem and would not move with the slightest gust of wind. Although Victorian era bridal gowns have played an impactful role in the trends seen in classic American Western bridal styles, a hoop skirt is no longer something that is commonly seen. One similarity that is commonly seen, however, is the use of sleeves — especially statement sleeves.
A strapless wedding gown in the Victorian era was almost unheard of. After all, a wedding day was one of the most elegant celebrations that would occur and sleeves elevated the style of each and every wedding dress and bridal gown. Wearing sleeves was also a choice due to the modesty that was highly encouraged in women’s fashion.
While some women opted for the ever-so-popular long sleeves during the Victorian era, there was an opportunity to enhance your wedding day bridal gown with three quarter sleeves, lace sleeves, poof sleeves, shoulder pads, and more. Statement sleeves with extreme volume, loads of material, and embellishment were encouraged due to the fact that it would make your corseted waist appear smaller. This was something extremely important in the Victorian era, as society expected women to appear gentle and dainty.
Classic American Western bridal style has taken the wedding dress sleeve trend and modernized it. While traditional lace long-sleeve wedding dresses continue to be a popular choice for many, there are a variety of styles seen in bridal fashion nowadays. One popular wedding dress trend seen in classic American Western bridal fashion is the use of bell sleeve lace wedding dresses. This statement sleeve offers a whimsical and eye-catching approach to a traditional long sleeve wedding dress.
One final way that Victorian wedding dresses and bridal style has influenced the classic American western bridal style is through accessories. Victorian bridal style accessories included Royal crowns, lace veils, top hats, and fascinators. Lace gloves were also extremely popular and while not necessarily seen often today, they still offer an elegant and classic bridal style. Depending on the timing of the Victorian era, at some point these were all extremely popular to wear on your wedding day. Classic American Western bridal accessories have surely taken pointers and held onto these trends throughout the decades.
In classic American Western bridal style, veils and Royal crowns are extremely popular. More commonly nowadays, the veil does not cover the brides’ face but it is usually made of lace and Rows behind the bride.
While both of these eras are extremely unique in their wedding dresses and bridal style, when shown side-by-side, more similarities begin to show. While Victorian wedding dresses tend to lean more high-class and dressy than dresses seen in Classic American Western wedding dresses, the features that these eras show are very similar. From the use of lace material in wedding dresses to being designed with lace sleeves and accessorized to make a statement, Victorian era wedding dresses have surely made a mark on the classic American Western bridal style seen today.
While many believe Victorian era style wedding dresses will make a comeback due to the current phase featuring all-things “grand millennial” most people have accepted that bridal style changes over time. While we’ll never fully get one era back, it is fascinating to see how decades of bridal fashion have impacted the wedding gowns we see today.
To view and shop Victorian Style dresses and wedding gowns, you can tap here.
To view and shop classic Western American style dresses and wedding gowns, you can tap here.
]]>Downton Abbey inspired Tea Party Wedding Gown in Pearl by Nataya - style 40163 is a breathtaking vintage-inspired style that brings the radiance, refinement, and careful attention to detail from 1920s fashion into the modern era. On this installation of Beauty Deconstructed, we’ll be examining all of the thoughtful, breathtaking details that make this gown a celebration of vintage-inspired style.
Read on and watch the video below to learn more about this bestselling style.
Filled With Dynamic Details
Neckline
The beauty of this dress begins at the neckline, which features a unique double-round design. This allows the dress to retain a sense of modesty that was of the utmost importance in the Edwardian Era. 100% unique and developed in-house by Nataya, it is further accented by charming hand-embroidered scalloped edges. The openness of the neckline means it elevates the appearance of any vintage-inspired necklace.
Curved Lace Applique
The curved lace is a testament to Nataya’s craftsmanship and passionate attention to detail. This feature will give you a beautiful elongated bodice, creating a striking Downton Abbey-esque outward appearance.
The underlay of the dress is made from a crepe fabric - a lightweight fabric that has enough structure to keep the wearer comfortable. This underlayer is then paired with an ethereal tulle overlay, which comes to life thanks to exquisite details like cascading custom chain-stitch embroidery.
Sleeves
The sleeves are another detail that was carefully considered. Made from a luxurious sheer fabric, they are exceptionally lightweight but also maintain a striking sense of modesty and comfort. They are accented by custom-designed embroidery and feature a flattering ¾ length cut so that your delicate wrists and hands always remain on display.
Empire Waist
A “Modified Empire” silhouette is the cornerstone of this exceptionally figure-flattering design. With a seam located at a woman’s natural waist, it accents the bust while also flattening the stomach and lengthening the look. Essentially, it combines the best parts of an Empire Waistline with the best parts of an A-line silhouette. A bit of extra volume near the hemline adds extra drama to this inherently understated style.
Peekaboo Embroidery
Finally, you’ll also find a bit of peekaboo embroidery located at the bottom of the dress. Not only does this detail tie the entire look together, but it also ensures that the eye of the onlooker travels down the entirety of the dress when taking it in. By including this thoughtful detail, the look of the dress is elevated and the wearer appears even more refined.
Bringing Downton Abbey Dresses Into Your Life
If you’ve ever dreamed of playing Downton Abbey dress up, this piece from Nataya will turn your fantasy into a reality. 1920s dress styles are coming back in vogue, making them perfectly appropriate for any upscale event on your social calendar. Or, host a charming garden party of your own so that you and all of your friends can channel the elegance of a bygone era.
This style is also an excellent option for 2021 or 2022 brides looking for vintage-inspired bridal gowns. It’s an inherently romantic style that will look captivating when you walk down the aisle. Although exquisite, luxurious, and crafted with careful attention to detail, this tea length wedding dress also possesses an understated elegance that will allow brides to relax and enjoy every minute of their wedding day. The figure-flattering silhouette also makes it an excellent option for a vintage plus size wedding dress.
]]>There is perhaps no silhouette that is easier for a woman to wear than an A-line silhouette. A-line dresses enhance a woman’s natural hourglass shape and make her look undeniably feminine. Ideal for virtually any body type, it’s obvious why this type of dress has withstood the test of time and maintains universal appeal among women everywhere.
Characteristics
As the name suggests, A-line dresses have a skirt that mimics the look of a capital letter “A”. Garments that figure an A-line silhouette often have a defined seam that is designed to hit a woman at her natural waist, highlighting the smallest part of her body. These types of dresses also typically have an inherent sense of structure in the bodice, which further enhances a woman’s feminine hourglass and creates an elegant, ideal shape.
Origins
A-line dresses (which are sometimes referred to as “ballgown” style dresses) are not a new concept. They first rose to popularity in the 1800s during the Victorian Era. Corsetry was incredibly prevalent during this time period, and women showcased their tiny waistlines by wearing dresses that highlighted this area of their body.
Victorian A-line dresses often came complete with a structured bodice and a billowing skirt. The result was a dramatic hourglass silhouette that was heavily exaggerated by the shape of the dress. Quite ladylike in design, dresses from this era are decadent and distinct. Often, they are used to reference what upper-class women wore during the Civil War and Antebellum period of American history.
The A-line silhouette once again came into its own during the 1950s. Dior’s famous “New Look” collection was characterized by garments that nipped the waistline and were accompanied by a full, pleated skirt. Revolutionary at the time, Dior’s incredible take on women’s clothing soon became the "most wanted silhouette in Paris" after it debuted in 1955. Women everywhere in the 1950s wanted an inherently feminine silhouette, and A-line dresses quickly became a wardrobe staple.
Not long after, other famous designers created clothing that mimicked this highly sought-after silhouette. In 1958, Yves Saint Laurent created “trapeze dresses,” which are a slightly more dramatic take on this classic design. The trapeze silhouette - which also features a flared skirt with an “A” shape - brought this trend into the 1960s as well.
A Modern Take on a Classic Silhouette
The Nataya Alice 40815 dress is the perfect example of the timelessness of an A-line cut. It pairs a seam that hits at a woman’s natural waistline with a flowing tulle skirt. The result is an updated take on an A-line silhouette that still manages to reference the past thanks to its decadent fabrics and elegant aesthetic.
The A-line remains popular century after century. The reason is simple - this figure-flattering silhouette has the ability to accentuate body parts you might like to show off and hides whatever you like to keep hidden. Therefore, it is always alluring and inherently feminine on absolutely any figure.
]]>A fitted or semi-fitted silhouette is one that will never truly go out of style. Stylish and surprisingly comfortable, these unstructured gowns perfectly highlight every woman’s natural shape. It takes a bit of confidence to wear a fitted silhouette gown, so when a woman arrives at a party or event wearing a dress in this style she’s sure to capture everyone’s attention.
Characteristics
Although dynamic in design, fitted or semi-fitted silhouettes are surprisingly uncomplicated. Where other dresses may have a definite waistline that hits either below the bustline or highlights a woman’s natural curves, this type of dress is devoid of any harsh waistline at all. Instead, it falls plainly and follows the body’s natural contours. This type of dress is defined by a woman’s figure rather than the other way around. It puts a woman’s body “on display” making it quite unforgiving in nature but simply breathtaking when it properly showcases the body.
Origins
Semi-fitted silhouettes have long been a favorite of regal women. Also sometimes referred to as a “sheath” style dress, unstructured garments with long lines first rose to popularity in ancient Egypt. It’s not uncommon to see artwork from this time period that features women wearing long, unstructured tube dresses with simple straps.
In the late 19th century, semi-fitted silhouettes once again rose to popularity. The dresses that were popular during this time period featured flattering, vertical “princess” seams that offered a tight, fitted look. A fitted silhouette dress was often accompanied by close-fitting undergarments so that women could maintain a flawless figure at all times.
In the 1920s and 1930s, unstructured styles were once again in vogue. These dresses offered a beautiful contrast against flowing, Grecian style dresses that were popular at the turn of the 20th century. Lightweight dresses with semi-fitted silhouettes and a lack of inherent structure became popular among women who wanted something that was as feminine as it was comfortable.
A Modern Take on a Classic Silhouette
The 201 Dress from Nataya is the perfect example of how a fitted or semi-fitted silhouette can create a long, elegant look that is effortless in design. Because a fitted silhouette can be notoriously difficult to wear, the designer has included a slight, modified A-line skirt for added ease. A subtle underlayer that features a trumpet silhouette also adds to the appeal of this fabulous frock.
Although fitted dresses are not for everyone, they have an unforgettable essence that is undeniably chic. To make a statement and show off your body in a way that is modest, refined, and incredibly ladylike, look for an unstructured dress with vertical princess seams and a vintage-inspired sense of style.
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A silhouette with royal origins, dresses with an empire waist are elegant, effortless, and timeless in design. Not only are they inherently feminine, they also flatter an array of different figures and body types. Lightweight and ethereal, the empire silhouette is an easy way to recall old fashioned refinement while still looking chic in the modern era.
Characteristics
An empire waist dress or gown is easily recognizable. This type of silhouette is characterized by the placement of the waistline, which falls directly below the bust. The busts of these dresses are traditionally very fitted and often are accompanied by details like an open neckline and sheer cap sleeves. Beneath the bust, the skirt slightly flares out slightly and falls effortlessly over the body.
Origins
The empire silhouette is one with ancient origins. It first became popular in Ancient Greece, when women would wear loose tunics known as peplos or chiton. These robes were tied to the body and cinched directly below the bustline. The result was a loose, billowing dress that allowed women to remain comfortable even in hot Mediterranean weather.
This type of look once again rose to popularity thanks to the prevalence of Ancient Greek art pieces. In the late 1700s, First French Empress and Napoleon’s wife Josephine de Beauharnais was a top fashion influencer during her time. She quite famously took a liking to this style of dress. When she wore glamorous dresses boasting this delicate silhouette, the public soon followed suit.
Thus, the empire waist dress became a wardrobe staple among European women in the early 1800s. This “Regency” style of dress became popular in the years following the French Revolution, a time when women wanted to cast off the oppressive silhouettes and undergarments that were popular in Europe during the 1700s.
Despite its Greek and French origins, it was the British that first used the word “Empire” to describe this type of dress in the late 1800s. During the Edwardian Era - which took place in the early 20th century - this style of dress once again had a revival in both England and America. Women once again wanted to cast off the oppressive garments they were expected to wear during the Victorian era and turned to breezy empire waist dresses to do so.
A Modern Take on a Classic Silhouette
The 40701 Dress by Nataya features a modified empire silhouette. Here, the waistline lightly graces the sides of the waist while encircling the bust. At the front, it creates a V-shape for added elegance. These demure details breathe new life into a silhouette that has been popular for centuries.
This dress - and any that feature a classic empire waistline - is ideal for pear-shaped women. It highlights the bust beautifully while also drawing extra attention away from wider-set hips. The smooth, unstructured skirt lengthens, elongates, and slims the body, creating a statuesque silhouette with Neoclassical origins. Although not a new design element, the fact that empire waistlines are rarely used in today’s garments makes it as surprising as it is unique.
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The Nataya collection is teeming with gowns that display an immaculate sense of beauty and exquisite, romantic details. While every gown from Nataya features these exceptional elements, this is especially true of gowns that include a Basque Waistline. This seemingly minuscule detail completely alters the look of a gown and gives it a dreamy essence that is simply undeniable.
Basque Waistlines are elegant, feminine, and a delightfully uncommon detail that is difficult to find on many modern garments. This curved waistline begins near a woman’s natural waistline but dips down to create a V-point in the center front. This carefully contoured seam is flattering for several reasons - Not only does it lengthen the appearance of a woman’s torso by making the bodice more prominent, but it also brings attention to the curves of a woman’s hip, which assist in the composition of her feminine hourglass figure.
Today, this waistline can be found on many different types of apparel, but most commonly, on incredibly formal garments like ball gowns. In the Victorian Era, however, Basque Waistlines were incredibly common. Victorian gowns with structured corsets and billowing A-line skirts sought to exaggerate the appearance of a woman’s hourglass. It makes sense, then, that this waistline would have been prominent in garments that hail from this era, as they further enhance this visual illusion.
On Nataya gowns, Basque Waistlines are included, although they are designed with a slightly more delicate touch. The designer frequently utilizes intricate needlework or elaborate embellishments to create the appearance of a Basque Waistline. On many of these impressive gowns, the mere illusion of this design detail is enough to achieve a figure-flattering look that exudes undeniable charm, romance, and an antique sense of refinement.
With that said, when a true Basque Waistline is included on one of Nataya’s impeccably designed garments, it is done so with careful consideration, incredible craftsmanship, and authentic Victorian procedures. To accurately emphasize the presence of this whimsical detail, elaborate embellishments and embroidery are added to the bodice so that the center of the bustier is the garment’s true focal point. By ensuring that the eye of an onlooker is drawn to the center of the dress, the woman wearing the gown appears slender, lithe, and willowy as a result.
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Gowns that include an Empire Waistline almost always exude an old-world elegance that is demure, feminine, and delicately decorous all at once. Gowns of this nature include a seam that falls directly under the bustline. The result is a soft, ladylike silhouette that creates the appearance of a long leg line while also bringing attention to the soft curves of a woman’s bust and the slightly bowed slope of her shoulders.
Empire Waistlines are utilized very infrequently by modern designers, and for good reason. The placement of the seam has to be carefully positioned to ensure that the resulting garment does not detract from a woman’s feminine figure or add volume to her overall shape. While incredibly challenging to execute, when done correctly it creates a silhouette that is decidedly elegant and undeniably attractive.
This waistline frequently adorns Nataya gowns because it is arguably the most romantic way to construct a gown. Gowns that feature this uncommon design element naturally evoke an emotional response thanks to the silhouette’s deep roots within our collective cultural consciousness. This waistline is reminiscent of iconic Greco-Roman paintings, which depict women adorned in tunics that flow gracefully and organically to the floor and that have been cinched under the bust by a belt or tie. Similarly, portraits of Napoleon’s first Empress Josephine De Beauharnais – a revered icon and the beloved French patroness of roses – exclusively portray her wearing garments that feature Empire Waistlines. These exquisite artistic depictions and poetic portraits ensure that when gazing upon a gown with such a waistline, one is reminded of fleeting passionate encounters and the romantic nature of bygone eras.
There is a certain finesse required to perfectly execute an Empire Waistline, and each Nataya dress has been carefully designed with attention to detail that is nothing short of exemplary. Often, the seam encircles the ribcage and forms a reversed “V” shape. This slight yet indulgent detail is meant to accentuate a woman’s waistline and bustline simultaneously. The attached skirt is then crafted by combining multiple layers of differing lengths to create a tiered effect, which adds visual interest and creates the illusion of a long, lithe leg-line.
Refined and sophisticated, Victorian-style gowns from the Nataya collection that include an Empire Waistline are also thoughtfully ornamented with exquisite details that complement and enhance the garment’s overall appearance. Appliques, scalloping, and embroidery are placed at the location of the waistline to create a mélange of beautiful textures that highlight the exquisitely designed bustline. These details are then complemented by contrasting embellishments at the hemline, which not only add an additional aspect to the design but also effectively elongate the silhouette of the woman wearing it.
]]>When it comes to the careful construction of garments, a dress is most becoming when it emphasizes a woman’s natural waistline. In dressmaking, creating gowns with a natural waistline ensures that it is universally flattering and celebrates the beauty of the woman who wears it. Nataya gowns beautifully embrace this technique, which dates back centuries, giving each artistic dress an even more figure-flattering appearance.
A woman’s natural waistline is situated between her ribcage and her hips. This is the thinnest point of a woman’s torso and an important component when it comes to the contribution of a classically feminine hourglass figure. When the seam that connects the bodice of a dress to its skirt is positioned at a woman’s natural waist, an exceptionally stunning hourglass effect is successfully achieved. This is not only due to the fact that the smallest part of the woman’s body is highlighted, but also because the curves of her bustline and hips are accentuated as well.
A woman’s waistline has long been a stylish focal point, as garments throughout history have been known to emphasize this portion of the feminine physique. In the Victorian Era, stiff and tightly bound corsets were worn to make this part of a woman’s body much smaller and more apparent. These corsets were often accompanied by voluminous skirts that featured pleats, gathers, and flounces, all which made a woman’s hips appear more prominent and, in turn, her waistline seem that much daintier.
This figure-flattering cut was revitalized and re-introduced to society by French fashion houses in the post-war era. In 1947, Dior’s iconic “new look” completely changed the course of fashion and defined how women would dress for decades to come. The garments within that collection featured full A-line skirts, strong shoulders, and all featured natural waistlines that were nipped in for added emphasis. Although these dresses were far more comfortable and contemporary than the corsets of yesteryear, the hourglass silhouette created was a very familiar one.
To achieve a flawless head-to-toe look that is steeped in poetic beauty, Nataya dresses are carefully and intricately designed to accentuate a woman’s natural waistline without detracting from the exquisite look of the gown as a whole. Typically, the seam at the natural waistline is hidden from sight, concealed by lace, hand-crafted scalloping, embroidery, or a combination thereof. When the methods used to construct a dress are covered, the result is a garment that is nothing short of an artistic masterpiece.
Expertly designed, the natural waistline of a garment is sometimes altered slightly to enhance the overall appearance of the dress. On some Nataya dresses, the seam at the natural waistline is elevated ever so slightly so that the skirt is deliberately lengthened. This minuscule touch maintains a figure-flattering, hourglass-enhancing appearance while also effectively lengthening a woman’s overall silhouette. These careful construction techniques result in dresses that are veritable celebrations of the women who wear them.
]]>Universally flattering, it is easy to look exquisite when wearing a sweetheart neckline. On Nataya gowns this gorgeous detail is also used on the inner lining. When the lining features a sweetheart neckline, the entire garment stages the bust line of the wearer, creating an elegantly timeless and flirtatious appearance. When combined with an exquisite transparent overlay, the elegance of the sweetheart neckline is highlighted further.
On Nataya gowns, sweetheart necklines are paired with sheer overlays that may sometimes feature a completely different shape and slightly more covering of the neckline. This technique follows the lines of the lining’s sweetheart neckline and complements – rather than detracts from – the overall elegance of the look.
Although extremely flattering, sweetheart necklines can be slightly revealing on their own. When paired with a sheer overlay, however, the alluring advantages of this neckline are maintained and it becomes instantly easy to wear. Combining these two results in a figure-flattering Nataya gown that exudes elegance and refinement in the most captivating way possible.
]]>There are some design gestures that could add a refined elegance to a gown. A square neckline, while rigid in structure, is one such gesture. This neckline evokes a vintage glamor that - although rare - truly never goes out of style. Contrary to its name, a “square” neckline is rarely a perfect square. This neckline could be rectangular, so as to elongate the neck, or to otherwise compliment the natural shape of the body, to further accommodate a sensual end result. Essentially, the neckline would include two clearly defined corners that come together at a 90-degree angle around the neck opening of the gown or a dress.
Nataya pieces tend to have intricate overlay with clearly defined lines and an angled shape at the neckline. The rigidity of those lines and angles however is softened by delicate embellishments, hand-finished with embroidery, or exquisite scalloped edges.
The translucent overlay is then paired with a lining, where the neckline complements and further softens the décolletage of the outer layer. The neckline of the lining is thoughtfully designed to have a slightly more curved shape. Although this detail may seem slight, the juxtaposition of these two dissimilar shapes gives the dress an increased depth. The softer square of the lining’s neckline also imparts a more feminine overall appearance.
Gowns with square necklines always command elegance and exude a vintage vibe like a rose infused perfume or Chanel #5. A lady wearing a Nataya gown with a square neckline is sure to feel sophisticated without ever sacrificing an ounce of her delicate femininity.
]]>Perhaps incidentally, curved necklines add a softness to any garment, making it undeniably ladylike in nature. Using Romance and femininity to inspire design, Nataya’s collection of exquisite gowns are brought to life when adorned by a round neckline. The graceful curvature of a delicately scooped neckline perfectly enhances every woman’s silhouette and provides her with a beautifully sensual overall appearance.
Nearly a perfect ½ circle, a rounded neckline exposes the most amount of skin possible without sacrificing the wearer’s modesty or detracting from the gown’s indelible appearance. A scoop, that effortlessly and with grace, stops right above the bustline highlights the wearer’s collar bone, bust-line and the décolletage. This denotes that the elegance of a gown is not defined by the amount of skin revealed but by the way it highlights the wearer’s natural grace and beauty.
On Nataya dresses, round necklines are featured both on the crepe lining and the elegant, embroidered overlay. The lining’s round neckline serves as a comfortable and sophisticated base layer, ensuring that the wearer always feels comfortable and cared for when wearing these exceptional gowns. This base layer is then perfectly complemented by a scalloped round neckline on the overlay – a combination that creates the elusive congruence that is, as if by magic, kind to the eye. Many Nataya necklines are found with an overlay featuring embroidery or scalloping, but the soft scoop is always distinctive.
Thoughtfully designed, Nataya gowns with round necklines are meant to evoke a flattering, Renaissance-inspired mein. This delicate detail is inherently feminine and meant to provide the wearer with an unmistakable look that is vintage in design but timeless in its sensibilities.
A Bustier or Corset Neckline resembles a sweetheart neckline yet is slightly softer in appearance. Here, the heart shape has been deconstructed slightly to produce a modified sweetheart neckline. By doing so, all of the figure-flattering advantages of a traditional sweetheart neckline are maintained, however, the shape is less dramatic and often less revealing in nature.
With a distinctly ladylike look, Nataya gowns that feature this neckline include a slightly curved neckline that runs across the bust and imitates the line of a traditional corset. This ensures that the look of the gown is authentically vintage and maintains a feminine allure.
Gowns with Bustier Necklines are often paired with sheer overlays that feature a slightly rounded V-neckline or Mandarin neckline. The transparent nature of the overlay ensures that the bustier neckline is always on display, but its inclusion makes this neckline slightly more wearable. When paired with a V-neckline or Mandarin neckline, the wearer is able to reveal just enough skin to enhance the enticing look of the bustier neckline underneath without sacrificing any modicum of modesty or comfort.
Combining layers and necklines together creates a pleasing contrast. Each combination is thoughtfully considered and paired together to create an enchanting look that could never be achieved through the use of one neckline alone. The layers are similar to that of brushstrokes on an oil painting – although diminutive on their own, they combine to create a Nataya gown that is magnificent, captivating, and evokes the inimitable elegance of bygone eras.
]]>Always sensual, Nataya gowns that feature off-the-shoulder necklines are nothing short of marvelous. With a soft, flattering look that is steeped in romance and refinement, this incredibly chic neckline creates a look that is flirtatious, feminine, and unforgettable.
This neckline is created when a dress includes sleeves that hang off the shoulder sides as if to insinuate casual effortlessness. Straps that define the neckline and keep the gown in place are also part of this ensemble on many Nataya off-the-shoulder gowns. Modern interpretations of this neckline are referred to as “cold shoulder” necklines, however, this elegant design detail was first introduced many decades ago.
Its recent resurgence in popularity, however, should come as no surprise. There is a certain coquettish beauty evoked by this daring neckline. It allows a woman to show off her neck, shoulders, and bustline while also never revealing too much of her body. Tremendously flattering, it exposes skin without sacrificing a wholesome, feminine appearance, which was incredibly important during the Edwardian era.
A boat neckline extends from shoulder to shoulder and includes just enough of a curvature to accommodate the natural curve of a woman’s neck. This creates a defined shoulder line and reveals only a sliver of skin throughout the opening. This neckline is modest yet alluring. Its shape also effectively outlines the silhouette and brings attention to the soft lines of a woman’s neck rather than her bustline.
On Nataya gowns, an exquisite, transparent overlay will maintain a boat neckline while the scooped neckline of the lining underneath shows through. The sheer nature of the overlay allows for the wearer to remain comfortably covered while still revealing a bit of skin throughout the sheer layer. A Nataya boat neckline is perfectly feminine, and when paired with a scoop neckline underneath, it perfectly retains the unique qualities of the bateau.
This neckline is reminiscent of bygone era socialites and stars that embraced its distinctive beauty and elegance. French designer Coco Chanel, for example, was frequently photographed wearing garments that featured this exquisite neckline. Although modest and bold it is also feminine and demure, which parallels every woman’s unique and multi-faceted nature.
]]>As in all designs, beauty often lives within the details. In many Nataya dresses, a delicate, sheer overlay with a V-neckline is expertly paired with a lining that
features a Scoop (or U-shaped) neckline. Pairing these necklines together is
meant to soften a garment’s overall appearance and enhance the wearer’s
natural beauty. Together, the juxtaposition of these dissimilar necklines creates a
delightful contrast, resulting in an effortless sophistication that has become
Nataya’s signature.
Underneath, the lining features a scooped neckline that contrasts beautifully with the embellished outer layer. The gradual slope of this soft, crew-neckline
effectively softens the look of the overlay’s more dramatic neckline while still
emphasizing the intricate embellishments included upon the garment’s outer
layer. The gradual dip of the scoop neckline is modest and truly complements the natural shape of a woman’s bustline. Incredibly feminine, the shape is similar in some ways to the V-neckline, providing a visual depth that is exceptionally pleasing to the eye.
The U-shape is a fundamental design element of the lining on nearly all Nataya
gowns. Low enough to be romantic yet modest enough to be comfortable, a
scoop neckline ensures that no matter the neckline of the outer layer, the gown’s
core will maintain the graceful sophistication present. Although this design detail is a slight departure from traditional, historically- accurate vintage garments, the designer has purposely included this thoughtful contrast within her designs. Vintage garments were exquisite, detailed, and exceptionally gorgeous. The comfort of the woman wearing the gown, however, was rarely taken into consideration.
Designing vintage clothing for a contemporary audience requires finding the
delicate balance between maintaining vintage design elements and ensuring they are practical enough for a modern woman to enjoy wearing. Nataya gowns
adhere to the exquisite beauty of garments from bygone eras, but they are
designed to ensure the wearer is as comfortable as she is elegant. By pairing a V-neckline and Scoop neckline together, a unique and special vintage-inspired look is precisely achieved.