Hot Couture

I first discovered Garcia’s work last year while checking out the European bridal runway shows online, and I’ve been a fan ever since. In fact, she was included in our last issue of Weddingbells (Spring & Summer 2009). What really makes her collections stand out? I love her use of shape and colour, but it wasn’t until I saw her elaborate creations in person that I realized how truly special they really are! Garcia uses exquisite fabrics and time-honoured couture techniques (involving lots of hand-finished detail) to create gowns that really are works of art. Indeed, many of the pieces take hundreds of hours to complete! Some of my favourites included an adorable lace skirt suit—perfect for a sophisticated civil ceremony—and an elegant ballgown festooned with ruffles and bows, very reminiscent of Marie Antoinette. I was also captivated by her hand-painted pastel dresses (pictured), and they definitely look like something you’d see hanging in the MET. For now, you can find them on the racks at Kleinfeld’s in New York (otherwise known as the setting of Say Yes to the Dress).