moniquelhuillier – South Coast Plaza https://www.southcoastplaza.com Sat, 21 May 2022 06:52:29 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.1.1 Our Ultimate Guide To Wedding And Honeymoon Style (And Beyond)   https://www.southcoastplaza.com/stories/2022/05/our-ultimate-guide-to-wedding-and-honeymoon-style-and-beyond/ Thu, 12 May 2022 16:31:12 +0000 https://www.southcoastplaza.com/?p=76849  

OUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO WEDDING AND HONEYMOON STYLE (AND BEYOND)

BY MICHELLE TYREE DALTON

Chic bridal gowns, suits, accessories and home finds for brides and grooms

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2022 Bridal Collection
Photo Credit: KT Merry

The aisle is the new runway.

While the big wedding and its guests are back in full force this wedding season, convention has been cast aside quicker than a bouquet toss, with brides and grooms saying “I do” to chic, creative ways that put their own stamp on wedding style.

The new matrimonial mantra? Individuality reigns supreme. When it comes to bridal fashion, the grand veil-and-train entrance will always have a home, but brides and grooms are bucking convention more than ever, and upping the ante on nuptial style with a more fashion-centric approach that has taken its influence everywhere from the runways to street style and Savile Row-influenced menswear.

Oscar de la Renta Fall 2022 Bridal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2022 Bridal Collection
Photo Credit: KT Merry

Interestingly, there is one category that is leaning more traditional: home. Couples are into feathering their nests with a renewed desire for china, crystal and other key entertaining and home comforts. Let’s face it, there’s a good chance that today’s newlyweds are still working at home together!

So, if you’re walking down the aisle soon or your summer calendar is chock-full of invitations, we’ve assembled a chic selection of wedding offerings for brides, grooms and guests to love and cherish all season long.

−

THE BRIDE

−

Zimmermann

SOMETHING BOLD…

Something old means timeless wedding gowns and tuxedos. But even brides and grooms who lean traditional want just the right flair to make a stunning entrance.

Zimmermann bridal gown

There’s a sense of romance and unbridled love in this gorgeous, one-shoulder gown with deep-V bodice.
949.274.7514

Oscar de la Renta

Make your entrance and exit that much more dramatic with a long gossamer cape over a strapless chiffon gown.
714.754.9044

Gucci lace gown

Vintage nods and modern details are a match made in heaven in this romantic pale-nude lace gown.
714.557.9600

Monique Lhuillier

Stun your beloved and the guests in this summer-ready, off-the-shoulder gown with a dramatic train.
714.241.4432

SOMETHING NEW…

Fresh, new accessories and underpinnings that are perfect for the special day, rehearsal dinners, brunches and more!

Alexander McQueen clutch

If there’s one clutch to take you through all the wedding events, it’s this stunningly embroidered and embellished knuckle clutch.
657.205.4477

Buccellati cufflinks

Gift the groom a pair of elegant cufflinks that will be treasured for years to come.
714.481.1130

Van Cleef & Arpels Folie des Prés diamond watch

Let her know that your love will stand the test of time with this exquisite diamond watch.
714.545.9500

Miu Miu diamond and pearl earrings

Tie it all up in a bow with these gorgeous, feminine and playful bow earrings.
714.617.6927

Wolford stockings

Feel just as luxurious under your dress with wedding white thigh-high stockings.
714.556.7900

SOMETHING BORROWED…

Borrowed from the boys, that is. Feminine suiting with crisp tailoring is a modern take on women’s bridal — perfect to wear for a walk down the aisle, reception or rehearsal dinner and beyond.

Valentino cream tuxedo dress

Short, a touch daring and the perfect reception dress to dance in all night long.
714.751.3300

Thom Browne pink skirt suit

Browne’s thoroughly modern signature suiting is perfect for rehearsal dinners, wedding brunches — or an unconventional walk down the aisle!
714.410.8485

Brunello Cucinelli women’s white tuxedo with short jacket and pleated blouse

Turn tradition on its head in the most chic fashion with a crisp, cropped tuxedo and romantic blouse.
714.957.6930

SOMETHING BLUE…

We love a fresh, new take on a time-honored wedding tradition.

Jimmy Choo Aveline sandals

Our favorite take on something blue? These soft blue Jimmy Choo wedding shoes with a massive blue bow. Perfect to pair with a shorter reception dress.
714.327.0644

Roger Vivier blue pump

A gorgeous Wedgewood blue pump with crystal detailing is unexpected but elegant.
714.435.0015

−

THE GROOM

Classic or cool, today’s groom is as dapper as ever in his own signature style.

−

Brunello Cucinelli

Gucci black men’s tuxedo

This slim tuxedo is the perfect companion for walking down the aisle or the red carpet.
714.557.9600

Thom Browne men’s navy suit

We love this for the man who wants bespoke tailoring and to also turn tradition on its head.
714.410.8485

Canali wool tuxedo

Classic tailoring looks fresh and elegant for summer in navy.
714.662.1800

Brunello Cucinelli cream tuxedo

The ultimate summer wedding suit. Enough said.
714.957.6930

−

WITH THIS RING…

Wedding bands so special they make an elegant statement on their own

−

Tiffany & Co.

Piaget gold band

A classic men’s gold wedding band with a modern edge.
714.361.2020

Tiffany & Co. wedding band

Delicate diamond leaves adorn this beautifully unique band.
714.540.5330

Van Cleef and Arpels Enlacement wedding band

A diamond wedding band is the only statement piece you need.
714.545.9500

David Yurman Infinity wedding band

This rose gold infinity band is a simple and gorgeous way to say “forever.”
714.444.1080

−

HONEYMOON & HOME

Your honeymoon packing list starts with luggage and travel accessories that exude a jet-set lifestyle.

−

Versace

UP, UP AND AWAY

After the wedding, it’s time to embark on a new adventure together

Hermès passport holder

Start your island honeymoon in luxury with this chic and cheeky passport holder.
714.437.1725

Porsche Design luggage

Sleek luggage will be a mainstay on the honeymoon and well beyond.
714.662.2992

Longchamp Le Pliage travel bag

There’s a reason this stylish workhorse is a true travel classic.
714.436.1963

SLIP INTO SOMETHING SEXY

Honeymoon and wedding night lingerie and swimwear to surprise and delight

La Perla Maison pink satin slip

The perfect honeymoon lingerie for a blushing bride.
714.754.7500

La Perla Etoile swimsuit

Take white wedding vibes to the pool with you.
714.754.7500

Frette Puglia Men’s pajamas

We love this simple and summery men’s nod to wedding white.
714.556.7080

Frette Echo long slip dress

Sometimes the sexiest option is simple elegance.
714.556.7080

FEATHER THEIR NEST

Find the perfect gifts for the newlyweds to grow their home and entertain in style

Crate & Barrel monogrammed serving boards

Up their charcuterie board game with monogrammed serving boards.
714.825.0060

Pottery Barn Emma dinnerware

Help them build the perfect entertaining foundation with a classic white dinnerware set.
714.966.2482

Gucci teapot and cups

Gift the fashion-obsessed couple this fun designer teapot and cups to match.
714.557.9600

Versace dinnerware

For the couple who is unapologetically bold and loves to make a splash.
714.380.3237

Versace silverware

This gilded gift will easily become the cornerstone of luxe entertaining.
714.380.3237

−

SOUTH COAST PLAZA

HOME STORE REGISTRIES

−

MORE STORIES

]]> Q&A: Monique Lhuillier Marks 25 Years of Design https://www.southcoastplaza.com/stories/2021/11/qa-monique-lhuillier-marks-25-years-of-design/ Fri, 05 Nov 2021 06:39:41 +0000 https://www.southcoastplaza.com/?p=64021

Q&A: MONIQUE LHUILLIER MARKS 25 YEARS OF DESIGN

BY INGRID SCHMIDT

The LA designer discusses her journey in developing a successful lifestyle brand

Celebrating 25 years in business, Los Angeles-based designer Monique Lhuillier made a name for her dreamy bridal gowns and has since built a lifestyle empire. Her brand is known for a distinct aesthetic that she describes as “feminine and glamorous, but with a modern twist.” 

To mark the occasion, Lhuillier has debuted a 25th anniversary dress produced in a limited run of 25 and inspired by her red carpet gowns worn by Taylor Swift and Kaley Cuoco. Also in the mix is her new book Monique Lhuillier: Dreaming of Fashion and Glamour, which includes a foreword by long-time client Reese Witherspoon.

Monique Lhuillier 25th anniversary dress

−

“If you look at my work from early on until today, you’ll see that my point of view hasn’t really wavered.”

– Monique Lhuillier

−

The center is a fitting venue for marking the anniversary, given that her achievements in creating a coveted brand are manifested in her year-old boutique, the only store to carry the widest range of products reflecting the Monique Lhuillier lifestyle. They include her signature bridal, evening and ready-to-wear collections as well as the more affordable ML Monique Lhuillier ready-to-wear and Bliss bridal collections, shoes, accessories, lingerie in collaboration with Hanky Panky, home fragrance, and a namesake eau de parfum that debuted last year.

Lhuillier’s design signatures are omnipresent, including every hue of pink, wedding gowns crafted in fresh iterations of lace, and convertible dresses with details such as detachable sleeves or capes.

At the Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids and Pottery Barn Teen stores at South Coast Plaza, collaborative Monique Lhuillier collections span bedding, lamps and rugs to tabletop, toys, wallpaper, home accessories and holiday decor.

Since launching her company in 1996, Lhuillier has worked alongside her husband, Tom Bugbee, who serves as CEO. She talked to us about this experience, her advice for fashion entrepreneurs, and what’s on the horizon.

A conversation with Monique Lhuillier about 25 years of design:

Tell us about how you grew your brand.

When we started our company, I was a bride-to-be looking for a wedding dress and I had graduated from fashion school (the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) in L.A. I didn’t think that there were a lot of options for brides, so I decided to start this brand. The struggle wasn’t just breaking through, which was the biggest challenge, but also keeping it owned by us and growing, because we never took outside money. 

So we were always very lean and smart about our decisions. At the same time, we were not an overnight success. We did not have access to PR, marketing, or funding, so we did a lot of things by ourselves.

After four years, I could see that the tide was turning. People started to say my name correctly, and I knew we had some momentum. We opened our first retail store in Beverly Hills in 2001. Because so many celebrities are based in Los Angeles, I had stylists saying, ‘If you could make that dress in a color, I would love to put it on the red carpet.’ That really helped to build our brand and our name recognition and visibility for the world to see. I became a member of the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) in 2002 and showed during New York Fashion Week for many years. That also helped cement our place in American fashion. 

As our brand grew, I wanted to expand into other categories. I didn’t want to just be in a woman’s life for her wedding. What about for her special occasions? So that’s where the evening gowns came from. 

Then it was, what does her home look like when she gets married? And when they have children, what does the nursery look like?  So we started designing home products with Pottery Barn.

Most recently, my fragrance is part of finishing the look. All the puzzle pieces are coming together.

Any mistakes you’ve learned from along the way?

Sometimes our collections were too large, because I wanted to be something for everybody. Then I realized that people come to us for a specific thing. It’s so easy to over-design and make big collections. But then when you go to produce, it costs a fortune and you never get to regroup before the next collection comes out.

Can you call out a dress moment that was particularly meaningful to you?

In 2019, I dressed a record eight women on the red carpet for the Golden Globes. I mean, that’s unheard of! Normally you dress two, maybe three. That night was really remarkable because I knew two were going to wear my designs, but I didn’t know that all the others were going to decide to go with it at the last minute.

Dressing celebrities, you don’t know until they hit the carpet what it is they decide. So we were watching, saying, ‘Oh another one! Another one! Now there’s four, now five!’ They all looked completely different and beautiful in their own way. So that is a night that I will cherish forever.

How has it been to work side by side with your husband, Tom, from day one?

Back then, Tom was getting his MBA at USC and working for Deloitte & Touche, so he has a business background. Our roles were defined, business and creative. But when you’re a start-up, you wear many hats. Now 25 years in, we are still involved in everything from day to day, but have great teams in place, so we can function more efficiently and effectively.

Tom and I have been married for 26 years and the first ten years, we didn’t  start a family because the business was our child. It can be challenging. We may have different opinions about something and then sit down for dinner in 20 minutes.  The benefit is we both really want what’s best for the company. We’ve stayed authentic to what it is that we do.

What’s in the future for you and your business?

I would like to see more international growth from our brand. South Coast Plaza was a fit for us because they have a lot of international clientele. I’d also like to explore getting into the beauty business, because I feel that a color makeup palette makes sense for our brand, especially on those special days. We have more footwear coming in the fall and are expanding our accessories collections. I now want us to go on vacation with the customer, so I have a resort collection coming out in December for spring 2022 that is new to my offering.

An exhibit of Monique Lhuillier’s favorite archival gowns from the past 25 years is on display steps away from her boutique on level 1 in the Saks Fifth Avenue wing through Nov. 15

What advice would you give to young designers who want to succeed in the fashion industry?

If you look at my work from early on until today, you’ll see that my point of view hasn’t really wavered. My biggest advice is to have a very clear vision of what it is you stand for and stick with it.

Monique Lhuillier

LEVEL 1, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE WING
714.241.4432

MORE STORIES

20 Gift Ideas Under $150

From scents to sweet treats and toys that spark glee — something for everyone

The New It Bags

Three Top Fall Trends: Chain Links, Fuzzy and Saddle Style
]]> In Her Own Words: Monique Lhuillier https://www.southcoastplaza.com/stories/2021/10/in-her-own-words-monique-lhuillier/ Wed, 13 Oct 2021 01:23:57 +0000 https://www.southcoastplaza.com/?p=62179

IN HER OWN WORDS: MONIQUE LHUILLIER

The designer marks 25 years with her Spring ’22 Bridal Collection

 

A mong Monique Lhuillier’s bridal collections in recent history, Spring ’22 is personally significant, marking 25 years since she designed the first bridal gown that launched what would become a successful career and business. This collection, “reflects my current state of mind — full of optimism, joy and gratitude, embracing the opening up of the world,” Lhuillier says. 

Here, Monique Lhuillier share highlights from her Spring’22 Bridal Collection:

“

Life is so precious, it should be celebrated to the fullest! This sentiment brings me back to why I got into Bridal – the hope, promise, love and traditions that life is all about.

”

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

SPRING ’22 BRIDAL COLLECTION

  • “Buttercup, a vibrant, yellow open weave silk gazar with cascading flowers.”

  • “Dahlia, a new botanical print with all my favorite florals — Queen Anne’s Lace and pink Dahlias.”

 

  • “Rose, an ombre satin with hand tufted bustles and hand rolled rosettes.”

 

  • “Poetic sleeves, detachable for versatility, three dimensional embroideries and flowers, all signatures reworked to celebrate our 25th year in the bridal business.”

The Spring ’22 collection is available to view at the Monique Lhuillier bridal salon at South Coast Plaza. More details.

Monique Lhuillier

LEVEL 1, SAKS FIFTH AVENUE WING
714.241.4432

MORE STORIES

]]>