Brides chat with a top gown designer who has KC roots
The KC Weddings Bridal Spectacular, held in January, was a great opportunity for future brides to see gowns, caterers, cake designers, photographers, florists and more at the Overland Park Convention Center. The daylong event was highlighted with two fashion shows featuring a guest appearance by bridal designer Paula Varsalona.
Varsalona grew up in Independence, attended Raytown High School and earned a design degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She started her business in 1975 in New York and now travels around the country visiting bridal boutiques.
Twice a year, in January and August, she comes to Kansas City to work with brides on custom fittings.
“The biggest trends in bridal gowns right now are strapless. The silhouette is the trumpet. We’re still doing white and ivory, and there’s a touch of color if they want.
We’re also seeing a lot of destination weddings. People are traveling to get married, they are a little bit older, they still wear gowns, but not the full bouffant styles. Attendants dresses are short or tea length in vivid colors,” Varsalona said.
Before the shows, Varsalona answered questions about wedding trends and etiquette.
Q. “My bridesmaids are all different sizes. What type of dress would be flattering on all of them?”
“You should pick the color and let the girls pick the style, but make sure that they are all the same length, and measure from the floor up with shoes on.”
Q. “What type of shoes should I wear with my wedding gown on the beach?”
“You need to have something on your feet, even if it’s a piece of jewelry or decorative flip-flops.”
Q. “What if I have two flower girls? Can their dresses be different?”
“Little girls attract so much attention, you don’t want them to steal the show. If you do go with different colors make sure that they are pale, but I would recommend using the same color for both.”
Paula Varsalona’s designs are available at the Gown Gallery Bridal Loft, 515 W. 75th St.
