Priscilla of Boston on the Runway: Fall 2010

Who caught the Priscilla of Boston fashion show on Saturday via livestream on brides.com?

I did. And I'm glad...because there was a surprise or two in there, and happy ones, at that. (At least in my girlie-girl opinion...she said with some small degree of embarrassment but absolutely NO shame...)

The first thing that caught my eye during the show was a return to attention to the female form...very clear, very delineated attention. Sure, babydoll/empire is still huge, and adorable for many body types--but back again, it seems, are hourglass-hugging creations. POB's gowns for fall 2010 included very defined, wide, cummerbund-style waists, hip-skimming lines and emphasized busts--a delight for this old-fashioned but just a little bit sexy girl to see.

Offsetting the close, waist-nipped look, POB's presentation coupled many of their newest creations with filmy over-the-arm wraps...a nice touch, very romantic and rather fantasy-like.

Vintage, too, got a nod at the show. Included were wrapped tops and sheath-style 1960s gowns with dropped backs, 1950s party dress styles and ultra-glam mermaid gowns with wide hems blooming out from close-hugging hips and thighs.

Sleeves, even for this cooler (in many areas of the country) time of year, were still basically a no-no, but taking their place were gloves of varying lengths as well as hot-hot-hot shrugs (did I mention hot? LOVED these).

Show watchers were also treated to loads of shine and shimmer, especially in POB's Jewel collection, with daring accents drawing further attention to the waist...or, notably, up toward or curving down around the bustline. (Ooh la la.)

Necks and shoulders were very, very bare and for the most part, only accentuated occasionally with jewels, delivering a fresh and modern look.

Interesting detailing ruled the day, with silver, gold and crushed gem-look details on bodice or skirt, particularly in Jewel but here and there in Vineyard and Platinum as well. Waist decoration was not so much detailed as defined. Indeed, details for the most part were subtle, such as a back bow or sprinkle of rhinestones at off-center.

But where were the colors? It seems when it comes to The Big Day (yes, all capitals), brides still trend toward white and ivory. There were splashes of delicious color on the runway, don't get me wrong. But a majority of the time, when color showed up, it was on obviously bridesmaid-ey and not, well...brid-ey gowns. (Are these actual words? Somebody stop me.)

I could, however, picture an ultra-hip, gutsy bride donning one of these styles for her own walk down the aisle. And there was one beautiful powdery-blue wrap/shrug of gorgeous material that made me drool, this in the Platinum collection.

Speaking of bridesmaids: the offerings here were all class, with brilliant reds, gem colors and luscious dark chocolate browns (mmm). There were plenty of long gowns, but a hit seemed to be the cocktail dress...wonderful because it is so re-wearable (try THAT with your maid of honor dress from 1989).

Subtle patterns within the fabric, particularly geometric styles such as clean lines, added interest. Artfully done, as these did not detract at all from the romance, but rather brought that ideal forward into today's less frilly styles.

Things went debutante with the Platinum collection, which included more gloves, wider skirts, lots of lace and detail. The collection had a more formal, evening wear feel with highly unique shrugs and sumptuous fabrics.

All in all, it was another hit for POB--a company that never fails to please on the runway (and the aisle). Kudos!