On a rainy afternoon in Manhattan’s Prince George Ballroom, Modern Wedding got an exclusive look at the new Pronovias collection in all of its exquisite glory.
The 2017 Atelier Pronovias collection, inspired by the dainty magic of a starry night, is aptly named Le Ciel – French for sky. The gowns perfectly encapsulated the collection’s moniker through their effervescent designs that appeared perfectly weightless.
Creative Director Hervé Moreau with models
As anticipated, Creative Director, Hervé Moreau employed fine fabrics as the springboard for intricate designs. Mikado silk, crepe, chiffon, and for the first time in a Pronovias collection, Valentina gauze, were cut in minimalistic shapes, highlighting the beauty of natural femininity. Paying homage to simple silhouettes, mermaid and pencil skirts lightly skimmed figures, while princess gowns with structured bodices flaunted exaggerated skirts and defined waistlines.
Style: Nuria
Without question, the most exciting aspect of the collection was the intricate detailing, which transformed gowns into wearable pieces of art. Feathers, silk thread and emerald green gemstones adorned gowns in wonderfully unexpected places. Feathered cuffs and epaulettes intricate gemstone-lined cutouts and mosaic embellishments were eye-catching moments that encouraged us to pause and appreciate the shoulders, waists, busts and backs, on which they were placed.
Styles: Nuria, Naomi, Elia and Emery
In addition to these embellishments, Moreau dazzled the crowd with his innovative use of embroidery and Guipure lace on translucent gauze. Appropriating a collage technique, individual lace pieces and embroidered appliques were intentionally positioned on each gown, dissolving the boundaries between fabric and skin and resulting in stunningly ethereal designs. This technique was particularly apparent on the backs of the gowns, which arguably stole the show, complemented by elongated trains, intricate veils and surprising perspectives.
Style: Natura
Styles: Niebla, Natura and Nerva
A standout was the Niara gown which awed the crowd with its optical-illusion diametric design. Moreau’s manipulation of embroidery and Guipure lace also worked to create depth, volume, and rich textures, which were echoed by elaborate layered silk chiffon over-skirts.
Style: Niara
Shoulder blades were painted with barely-there embroidery so subtle and entrancing (Natia, Norte) and avant-garde designs, reminiscent of back tattoos, sophisticatedly embraced racerback-like lines. Capped and long sleeves offered an additional outlet for further detailing that in some instances travelled all the way along the décolletage into dramatically high necklines.
Style: Nika
Style: Nubio
Styles: Narciso, Nacar and Nikol
In contrast to high and bateau necklines, plunging necklines proved why they have become a trending feature recently. Romantic mermaid skirts and drop waists balanced out daring V necklines on sexy gowns that celebrated the feminine silhouette.
Style: Nilay
In a brief segue away from lace, the collection also featured simpler fabrics such as crepe and silk chiffon in graceful cuts with discrete pops of detail. (Noemi, Niza) While these gowns didn’t have the intricate embellishments present in the majority of the collection, the beauty of their simplicity and elegance will certainly resonate with the more classic, reserved bride.
Styles: Niza and Noemi
Style: Natura
Overall, the 2017 Atelier Pronovias collection was nothing short of magical. The features that leave us the most in awe are the gowns’ statement-making backs and exquisite lace and embroidery work. Designed as artfully as the stars in the night sky, the details in this collection are certainly of Le Ciel!
