Decades of Design



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Decades of Design | The Charleston Museum’s sumptuous trove of Big Day garb goes on display
Every now and again, the pages of Charleston Weddings spring to life—like when models sashay down the runway at the annual Bridal Couture Show each spring. But this fall, there’s a twist. An article from our Winter 2008 issue chronicled trends found in The Charleston Museum’s illustrious gown collection. And, in our Summer 2009 issue, we visited the museum’s archives, detailing how orange blossoms once accented everything from halos to wedding gowns. Inspired by the interest in these traditions of old, the museum was moved to celebrate their resplendent stock. Thus “Aisle Style: 150 Years of Wedding Fashions” will kick off October 15 with a swanky evening cocktail party co-hosted by Charleston Weddings. While sipping bubbly drinks and sampling sweet treats, guests will browse the exhibit, taking in gowns in hues of aubergine, chocolate, white, and ivory, and in styles from leg-baring to ball gown. Accoutrements galore (like “something blue” garters and oh-so-Charleston orange blossoms) will round out the looks. In addition to ogling the fashions, bridal enthusiasts can become part of the exhibit’s cyber supplement by submitting their own wedding stories online. So whether you want to take note of timeless bridal trends or ponder those that are perhaps best left to yesteryear (velvet, anyone?), the opening of this armoire of wedding regalia is an event for the ages.
Photographs Courtesy of the Charleston Museum

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