Luxury Fashion & Couture Styling Blog

White Stole Presents: SILK WEDDING GIFTS FOR BRIDE AND BRIDESMAIDS

8/30/2014

In the nuptial spirit, White Stole has compiled a collection of quintessential Bride and Guest-of-the-Bride Silk Wraps we encourage you to take to heart....and shoulder…as these are the Wraps you’ll want to never take off! Treating your Silk Wrap as the new neutral that it is, this accessory is one that goes with everything - especially now as mixed prints are back in high-style.

Whether you are going to a Country, Garden, City, Glam or Island Resort Wedding, if you are in need of a luxe bauble that will serve as a ‘Thank You’ Gift for your bride or bridesmaids, look no further than the chic, luxury-approved curation White Stole has spent hours putting together for you.

The unexpected set of Italian hand silk-screened, inspired colors and designs in the White Stole Silk "Gift" Stole Wrap Collection will rock any bride and her bridesmaids past the ceremony and on into her lifetime. We have picked the perfect presents for your bridesmaids or best-friend that will be cherished - and used - forever!

View White Stole’s entire Gift Collection for size color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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Newest Summer Wedding Trend looks to the historic appeal of long Shawls

6/21/2014

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The first Shawls, or "Shals," were part of traditional Persian costume in Achaemenid Persia worn by both males and females. Shawls were also part of the traditional costume in Kashmir, India, which was probably introduced via assimilation to Persian culture. They were woven in extremely fine woolen twill, some such as the Orenberg Shawl, were even said to be so fine as to fit through a ring.

Kashmiri Shawls came in two classes: they could be loom-woven in one color or in different colors (called tilikar or tiliwalla), and woven in one piece but more often sewn in small segments that are imperceptibly sewn together; or they could be ornately woven and embroidered (called ameli or amlikar). in which an intricate and elaborate pattern is stitched on top of plain pashmina wool.

Kashmiri Shawls as high-fashion garments were brought to Western Europe in the early- to mid-19th century. Imitation Kashmiri Shawls woven in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Scotland are the origin of the name of the traditional paisley pattern. Shawls were also manufactured in the city of Norwich, Norfolk, England from the late 18th century (and some two decades before Paisley) until about the 1870s. The Kashmiri Shawls from Asia maintained a pre-eminent place the world-over for their beauty and quality, particularly the Lightweight Wool Shawls, delicate Silk Shawls, and more sturdy Wool Shawls, however, it is due to their western imitations that Shawls took Europe by storm, replacing fibers like cotton and linen, thereby making it one of the most important accessory pieces in garment history.

The Kashmiri Shawl is characterized by the elaboration of its design, in which the "cone" pattern is a prominent feature, and by the glowing harmony, brilliance, depth, and enduring qualities of its colors. The basis of this richness is found in the very fine, soft, short, flossy under-wool, called pashm or pashmina, found on the shawl-goat, a variety of Capra hircus inhabiting the elevated regions of Tibet. There are several varieties of pashm, but the finest is a strict monopoly of the maharaja of Kashmir. India. Inferior pashm and Kirman wool - a fine soft Persian sheep's wool - are used for shawl weaving at Amritsar and other places in the Punjab of India, where colonies of Kashmiri weavers are established.

Kashmiri Shawls reached their widest and most universal appeal in the West due to Napoleon’s conquests in Egypt and his alleged gifts of Shawls to Josephine, that galvanized their notoriety.

Silk Shawls with fringes, made in China, were available by the first decade of the 19th century. Ones with embroidery and fringes were available in Europe and the Americas by 1820. These were called China Crepe Shawls, China Shawls, and in Spain " Mantones de Manila" because they were shipped to Spain from China via the port of Manila.

While the importance of Embroidered Shawls in fashionable women's wardrobes declined between 1865 and 1870 in Western culture, they became part of folk dress in a number of places including Germany, the Near East, various parts of Latin America, and Spain where they became a part of gypsy dress - especially in Andalusia and Madrid. These Embroidered Shawls were revived in the 1920s under the name Spanish Shawls, a named derived from their use as part of the dress of Spanish Gypsies, also known as Gitanas. Their use as part of the costume of the lead in the opera Carmen contributed to the association of the Shawls with Spain rather than China.

Shawls are used today to keep warm, for added fashion to complement a costume, and for symbolic reasons at outdoor or indoor evening affairs where the temperature is not warm enough for women in sheer or off-shoulder dresses where a jacket might be inappropriate.

View White Stole’s entire collection of Cashmere-Silk Shawls, Stoles, Silk Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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Newest Summer Wedding trend….the elegance of a Bride by the Sea in Silk

6/14/2014

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One of the most difficult decisions a future bride and groom must make is the location of the ceremony. Without a doubt, it has crossed the mind of some brides, at least once, the romantic possibility of getting married on the beach. No sooner is it envisioned, however, the problem of which gown is most suitable quickly arises.

The cut of the gown most recommended is short. However, for those who dream of a train, the alternative of a long Wedding Gown and Silk Stole Wrap sewn in a fluid and flowing fabric that exudes the sensation of lightness, is the sought-after alternative. The best choices for both dress and wrap accessories are certainly natural silk satin, silk chiffon, or cotton-silk blends to lend the bride features of a refined pearl.

The most alluring way of all to enhance the Wedding Gown is with drops of color and the addition of Silk Stole Wrap Accessories with floral or marine designs and motifs that bring out the blues of the sea, the gold of starfish or the many shades of coral present all around her.

Wedding guests will simply admire the elegance of a Bride by the Sea wrapped in Silk!

View White Stole's entire collection of Stoles, Silk Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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The new "must-have" accessory for the modern wedding ~ the Stole Wrap!

6/7/2014

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We have seen them on the runways, but of all the elements within designers’ bridal collections, it is the Stole in it’s many forms that is truly outstanding. Alongside the traditional Veil, the Stole is irreplaceable for the bride who wants to feel like a fairy princess on her “I do” day.

This “must-have” gives a royal touch to the wedding - a princess allure that each of us look for on our big day. An elegant detail, light and sinuous, capable of enchanting our guests during the triumphant walk down the aisle. Short or long, the Stole Wrap or Stole Cape is present today in all variations, from tulle, lace, organza, and chiffon, in white, pastel, or stunningly bright colors. Extremely light, the Stole lends an elegant touch that gives fluency to the bride’s movements.

More sophisticated is the Stole Wrap in embroidered or appliqued lace. The Stole Wrap becomes an essential accessory for every respectable bride, useful to conceal jaw-dropping necklines or shoulders, and when the time is right, to uncover them and be able to enjoy the party. Truly infinite are the combinations of materials, from cashmere-silk blends for those who are always cold, to tulles that give soft volume to figures, to chiffons and silk satin for the most luxurious touch.

Reserved for true dreamers is the transparent and very delicate silk chiffon Stole Cape that enriches the shoulders with see-through grace and elegance. It is well- known that the details make the difference in elegance itself.

View White Stole's entire collection of Stoles, Silk Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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The “Stole” "Stole Wrap” and “Stole Cape” share a long, elegant history

5/31/2014

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The elegant inspiration of a flowing Stole as a formal wrap of expensive fabric wrapped around the shoulders over a long dress or ballgown, created from silk or natural fabric, and of a length long enough to be draped across either shoulders, or around arms or neck has survived in all cultures throughout the ages.

A Stole Wrap is typically narrower than a Shawl, and of simpler construction than a Stole Cape, and is typically worn loosely around the shoulders. Lighter materials such as silk and chiffon are simply finished or cropped, hemmed and bound. Heavier materials such as fur and brocade are typically lined. A Silk Stole is essentially a small version of a ladies’ Stole, made of silk. Though these garments or accessories aren’t always made of silk, they are typically manufactured with similar quality fabrics.

A Stole can also mean a fur or set of furs. For formal wear, a finished length of fur using pelts from more than one animal is worn over a suit, dress or gown. In this case, the word Stole stands alone or is used in combination: Fur Stole, Mink Stole. A Stole is typically narrower than a Cape or Wrap. The Fur Stole is kept fastened and held together at the front of the collar. Unlike a Silk Stole or Shawl, which is wrapped loosely around a lady’s shoulders and occasionally the neck, a Fur Stole is manufactured to fit the body more snugly

Similar to a Shawl, the Stole Cape typically uses more material length and covers more of the upper body. Also occasionally referred to as a Stole Wrap, the Stole Cape is likely to be found in a wide array of materials and colors, but the most common type of Stole Cape is typically made of fur. Some popular dressy styles of Stole Capes might include ostrich feathers, marabou, or other material. The feathers can come in various colors, although black, brown and white are generally the most commonly seen.

In addition to making an elegant fashion statement, all types of Stoles have been used to show respect while in a church or in a formal setting, such as for a Wedding, where it might be inappropriate to display bare shoulders or a low-cut gown.

Historically, Stoles were considered ceremonial dress worn for special occasions or at formal events such as weddings, coronations, graduations, parades, religious rites and galas. Besides the Wedding Dress, throughout history the formal dress code of ceremonial dress has included the Ermine-lined Cloak, Crown and Septer of a King or Queen, Tribal Dress, Suit of Armor, Military Dress, Liturgical Robe, Graduation Gown, and Robe and Wig worn by British judges. The Stole as an ecclesiastical vestment consisted of a narrow strip of silk or other material worn over the shoulders or, by deacons, over the left shoulder only, and arranged to hang down in front to the knee or below. The Stole as a long robe was worn by the matrons of Ancient Rome.

The lithograph plate posted here showing a variety of ways of wearing shawls in early 19th-century France (ca. 1802-1814), is redrawn from various early 19th-century sources by Durin for Albert Charles Auguste Racinet's Le Costume Historique (1888), and shows the myriad, exquisite ways the Silk Stole Wrap has been worn over the ages.

View White Stole's entire collection of Stoles, Silk Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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Modern American Bride ~ The Bold and the Beautiful love Luxury Accessory

11/30/2013

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From the 1960's and beyond, among the “Fun and Flirty” looks that new Bridal Fashion has adopted is the Statement Dress, Tee Shirt Gown, Top Hat and Tails, the Caftan, Native American and the Palazzo pant. With all, the preference for wearing Silk has remained the fabric that most completely brings out the Romantic Heart of a woman.

An ethereal vision…the Silk Chiffon Shawl blowing in the wind strikes a magical pose with its muted tones of dark and sky blue, chartreuse green and purple accented with gold. For the daring bride, a printed shawl can be something new, inventive, bold or simply a soft and whispered statement of beauty. Set against endless blue, the blues and greens of White Stole's "Gisele" Shawl almost trumps the sky itself.

Whether wearing strands of diamonds and pearls, vivid tangerine or chartreuse silk chiffon, silk emerald green jersey trimmed in beads, pink flamingo, deep ruby red, pure black, or plaid, the Modern Bride intuitively understands the mantra of Oleg Cassini ~ “Do something you will be really proud of ~ make a unique statement!”

View White Stole’s entire collection for size color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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Tieing the “Wedding Knot” means lasting marital bliss

11/23/2013

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Universally, “knots” in the origin of the wedding ceremony with its centuries of tradition, have had a place in the folklore of many cultures as a symbol of unbreakable pledges.

Historically, the knot as the symbol of a lasting unity dated back to the Legend of St. Katherine, circa 1225, where the Middle English word “enotte”, or ‘knot,’ was used to mean "the tie or bond of wedlock." From that point ‘To tie the knot’ as an expression came to mean getting married.

The costume of the bride is the pivotal image that sets the theme for the event itself.   The design of the gowns and their "Stole Wrap" accessories, floral arrangements, and decorations symbolize the tying of the knot custom, representing the bonds of marriage.

Historically, the bride would arrive at the altar with an untied shoe, and the groom would tie the lace. Knots were tied in the bridal bouquet with a fabric or silken cord or within silk garments as part of the ceremony. In Italy, a knotted ribbon is tied over the entrance to the reception, within bouquets and Bridal Wraps, and in the frosted pastries tied in knots which are served to symbolize the Love Knot.

View White Stole’s entire heirloom collection for size color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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“Something old, something new…marry in blue, lover be true”

11/9/2013

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The wedding ceremony, with its origins in centuries of tradition, has evolved out of legend, and the many “taken for granted” sayings associated with it.

“Something old” traditionally has symbolized the link with the bride’s family and the past. “Something new” has stood to inspire optimism and hope for the new life ahead. “Something borrowed” has stood as a token from someone happily married whose good fortune in marriage may carry-on to the new bride and remind her of history that precedes her. And, over the centuries, “Something blue” has become part of the tapestry that is “The Wedding.”

In ancient Rome, brides wore blue to symbolize love, modesty and fidelity. Before the late 19th century, blue was a popular color for wedding gowns, bringing about the saying “Marry in blue, lover be true.”

These ancient beliefs and practices are pivotal images that the curators at White Stole have put their whole hearts into. While our beloved Vintage Stoles stand as a HERITAGE PIECE that brings to the wearer good luck from the past, our couture Silk Wrap Stoles offer themselves to you as a KEEPSAKE and treasured momento of the most special day in your life.

View White Stole’s entire collection for size color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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“Beauty is a form of genius” in Luxury Silk Bridal Wear Accessories

10/12/2013

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“Beauty is a form of genius” ~ Oscar Wilde

Timeless Wedding Gown images have led the Modern Bride to step out further to choose from an opulent array of emotions, themes and elements as diverse as the Hi-Lo silhouette, the Short and Flirty knee length or Above-The-Knee Cocktail Dress, the Little White Dress, the Tee Shirt gown, Suit, Top Hat and Tails or the Caftan for her Spring or Summer Wedding Day.

The Statement Dress and its Bridal Accessory has arrived on the scene in vivid colors from emerald green to fuchsia, chartreuse or pale ivory, embroidered with floral bouquet or with sequins. Our modern weddings see brides wearing deep red, black, black and white, plaid, sky blue and bright pink.

Whatever the color her love is displayed in, the opulent luxury of a silk or natural stole, cape or shawl enveloping her arms and shoulders is one of the bridal accessories that have timelessly stood as the icing on the wedding cake.

View White Stole’s entire collection for size color ranges of Stoles, Stole Wraps, Vintage Stoles, Stole Capes and Shawls for purchase, or rental, on our website.

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Forward>>

White Stole Presents: SILK WEDDING GIFTS FOR BRIDE AND BRIDESMAIDS

Newest Summer Wedding Trend looks to the historic appeal of long Shawls

Newest Summer Wedding trend….the elegance of a Bride by the Sea in Silk

The new "must-have" accessory for the modern wedding ~ the Stole Wrap!

The “Stole” "Stole Wrap” and “Stole Cape” share a long, elegant history

Modern American Bride ~ The Bold and the Beautiful love Luxury Accessory

Tieing the “Wedding Knot” means lasting marital bliss

“Something old, something new…marry in blue, lover be true”

“Beauty is a form of genius” in Luxury Silk Bridal Wear Accessories

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