The enviable pre-war digs of 154 E64th Street – nestled safely in the clutches of the Upper East Side – housed the presentation of Houghton’s S/S17 bridal offering, no doubt sure to form the wish list of every blushing former sorority sister set to wed in the Hamptons this August.
Femininity with an edge was served up in spades at the whimsical label’s latest collection, which featured enough intricate lacework pieces mocked up in casual silhouettes to refurbish the windows of Queen Victoria’s castle.
Infamously known for creating pieces just as suitable for the hangover brunch the morning after every girl’s biggest ‘YUGE’ Trumpish big day, the fashion house again served up a suite of romantic pieces that won’t require a mid-life crisis before you try to fit into your gown again.
Inspired by shapes and the effects created by layering, the designer spotlighted frocks featuring signature cutouts, peppered over lace bodysuits and cat suits to bolster dimension and texture, with a shot of subtle sexiness to boot.
One option certain to see your mugshot featured in the Times Style section by way of follow up to your engagement memo – because you graduated Phi Beta Kappa and married a Wall Street lawyer with three degrees – is the ‘Bentley’ strapless corseted gown in white laminated basket weave lace with a tiered skirt, complemented with a white patent leather choker with silver foil rosettes and white fishnet stockings.
Also a social media favorite was the ‘Everly’ off-the-shoulder top in white sheer chiffon stripes, styled over a matching A-line skirt, while the ‘Avalia’ high-neck dress in white chiffon stripes with capelet would serve as the ultimate no-brainer for the daughter of any establishment conservative Republican.
A standout look was the ‘Marina’ ivory silk chiffon tiered gown with deep V neckline and short flutter sleeves, while catering to the modern non-conformist was the ‘Hathaway’ similarly hued strapless gown, teamed with a metallic polka dot chiffon skirt and single plisse tulle sleeve with feather details. Topping off the look was the ‘Caroline’ choker with silk organza rosettes and beaded fringe, paired with white fishnet stockings and cheeky commando panty.
From catsuits in sexy black Chantilly lace, worn over commando panties and given a rock star edge through leather neck chokers to silk sleeveless rompers with 70’s-inspired flared legs to bodysuits in iridescent sequins with jacquard pattern and bell sleeves, no attention to detail was spared, marching in tune with the label’s penchant to catering to the boho bride in search of a classier edge.
When imaging her collections, designer Katherine Polk focuses on ready-to-wear with an emphasis on the bride being able to wear her gown every day to wedding day, ever at the forefront the hipster bohemian bride intent on flirting with tradition.
Unless your last name is Trump or you know, or slept with, a reporter at the Times, it might be a difficult feat to get your nuptials featured in the wedding section of the times.
But if the blushing bride is snapped wearing one of Houghton’s latest delicate lace-adorned creations, there’s every chance the couple’s shindig will grace the pages of the Style section, and again while worn in the frow during the label’s show next NYFW.
