When I’m designing my bridal collection, the first step is to decide what silhouette I am going to use for each piece. This should be every brides first step when she is choosing her wedding dress, or any dress, for that matter. When I design, I want to create exquisite pieces that will make every woman look and feel absolutely beautiful.

Part of achieving this is choosing the right dress for your body. In order to do that, you must first understand what the basic dress silhouettes are.

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A-Line

Fitted at the hip and flares at hem.

Empire

A high waist that begins right under the bust.

Sheath

Clean and straight style following the lines of the body.

Mermaid

Hugs the body and then flares at the knee.

Trumpet

An understated version of the mermaid, it flares mid thigh instead.

Ball Gown

The classic wedding gown, with a fitted bodice and full skirt beginning at the high waist or low hip.

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Dressing for your body is all about achieving balance and visually creating the appropriate proportions. Here are some suggestions to follow to make your body look fantastic in your gown (bonus: its a lot easier than having to diet or go to the gym!)

Bootylicious

If you have significant… assets, for your wedding gown, you might want to choose an A Line or Empire silhouette. This will emphasize the smallest part of your body and then fall loosely on the bottom. Create volume and draw attention upwards with embellishments.

Petite

Elongate your silhoutte with clean lines, and keep it as simple as possible. A sheath style will help to give the illusion of length and extends the silhouette of your shape. Avoid being swallowed up in a ball-gown or one with too much volume and details. You don’t want Prince Charming having a hard time finding you under too many lacy ruffles.

Athletic

Soften your athletic body for a more romantic look by visually adding dimension.  Create the illusion of a narrow waistline by using belted styles, or play with proportions using with a low V-Neck or scoop neck to enhance your goddess figure.

Curvy

Emphasize your womanly proportions with a body-hugging mermaid or trumpet style that cinches the waist and  then flares towards the bottom.This feminine silhouette does what every woman dreams of: hugs and caresses your curves in all the right places.

(Excuse the pun… it was just to tempting!)

As you all may know, I love my hardware.  I found the quintessential  Item of Desire, the “Just a Nail” ring from the rebellious natured Juste UN Clou Collection.   As a designer,  I was immediately fascinated by Cartier’s genius recreation of a simple tool box nail! My absolute favorite version is the white gold with diamonds.  The bent hardware ranges from $2,200-$36,000 and is definitely a must-have on my list.

Cartier Just Un Clou

Attention all Brides!!!

ANNE BOWEN will be at JIN WANG BRIDAL in San Francisco from June 14-24 showcasing the new 2013 Bridal Collection. Inspired by her Welsh Heritage, the Spring 2013 Collection, called Coat of Arms, features beadwork reminiscent of Welsh tiaras, jewelry, and royal regalia, reinterpreted in a modern aesthetic.

Modern

Clean

Crisp

Delicate

Ethereal

Regal

This is one trunk show you are not going to want to miss as it makes its way throughout the country and soon off to Europe!

Schedule your appointment now before it’s too late!

300 Grant Ave, Penthouse

San Francisco, CA 94108

(415) 397-9111

Call Us Maybe?!

Kate Middleton was photographed this past Monday at Claridge’s in central London for a private dinner event. Kate stepped out wearing a white long-sleeve gown with a thigh high split “which is being criticized by some for being to racy for her royal highness.”

Perhaps Kate should have worn our very own ANNE BOWEN TriBeCa gown from the Spring 2012 Collection. ANNE BOWEN’s TriBeCa is a Chic, effortless, sleek, white long-sleeve gown, without the thigh high slit, that would have been perfect for Kate to keep up with her typical conservative, sophisticated look. 

ANNE BOWEN BRIDAL COLLECTION FALL 2012

“Language of Love”

Ethereal     Delicate     Wispy     Sparkling     Empyreal     Feminine

The Knot features an exclusive interview with designer Anne Bowen and last year’s ANNE BOWEN BRIDAL COLLECTION. Presented at the Gansevoort Park Avenue, “The Language of Love” is a collection that fuses modern aesthetics with a feminine sensibility.  A truly romantic collection.

Visit The Knot, “the internet’s most-trafficked one-stop wedding planning solution,” at

The Knot

and our very own website for photos and more videos from this collection.

ANNE BOWEN BRIDAL

The ANNE BOWEN Team at the Zink! Magazine Taylor Momsen Cover Party

Inspired by her Welsh heritage, the Spring 2013 Collection, called Coat of Arms, features beadwork reminiscent of Welsh tiaras, jewelry, and royal regalia, reinterpreted in a modern aesthetic.

Modern

Clean

Crisp

Delicate

Ethereal

Regal

Special Thank you

Makeup: Mirabella / Brian C. Hawkins

Hair: Paul Mitchell

Photography: Emerson Chen

Videography: Mary Perrino

Floral Decor: City Blossoms

Cocktails: Double Cross Vodka