What makes Weschler's gowns "green"? Eco Couture gowns are made with certified organic fabrics, which include, hemp and silk blends; vegetable dyed silks, and recycled fabrics and lace. The gowns, which range from $1995 to $3500.00, are produced entirely with Fair Trade Labor in Toronto, Canada. As a member of "1% for the Planet" Weschler and donates 1 percent of the sales of the gowns to environmental groups.
"I think it is essential for each of us to do our bit no matter how small, in order make an overall difference," Weschler says. "It is this approach that inspired the Eco Couture collection. It is my way of offering brides an opportunity to incorporate a value, make a statement and leave an impression."
Chicago brides can meet Weschler and see the eco-friendly gowns this weekend at the Bridal Salon at Macy's on State Street. The designer will be holding a trunk show from Friday, September 12 through Sunday, September 14. In addition, Macy's is holding a special green wedding workshop on Saturday, September 13 from 10 am until 5:30 pm. Brides will able to choose from a selection of "green" gowns and Weschler will be on hand for fittings. Brides can also check out other eco-friendly options for their wedding such as:
· Origins bridal skin care program
· Organic wine and Frango tastings at Market Place
· "Haven for the Home," eco-friendly bedding available exclusively at Macys
· Organic and locally-grown floral arrangements from Anthony Gowder Floral Designs
· Eco Friendly products from Merz Apothecary
· Susan Allen Jewelry
For more information, visit www.macys.com and www.AdeleWechsler.com
"Green" Wedding Workshop
10:00AM to 5:30PM
Saturday, Sept. 13
Macy's Bridal Salon
State and Washington
Chicago
www.macys.com
BRIDAL GOWNS FROM ADELE WECHSLER'S ECO COUTURE AND HELLO AFRICA COLLECTIONS
Dresses available exclusively at Macy's in Chicago
The Adele Wechsler collection has become synonymous with streamlined, alternative wedding gowns, evoking moods of feminine romance, completely alluring in their subtlety. Shrouded mystery is created by innovative sheer overlays and softened edges. Hidden, unexpected organic elements, like the exotic hibiscus, the orchid or delicate pansies and lilies appear as embroidered applications and hand-crafted flowers. Fashion conscious in their modernity, yet elegantly classic, Adele's couture possesses a timelessness that ensures the bridal gown. Be the first to see Adele's Eco Couture collection at Macy's, the exclusive bridal salon in Chicago to carry Adele's line. The Eco Couture collection represents Adele's classic design with an eco conscious twist with fabrics made from certified organic hemp and silk blends, vegetable died silks scrap and waste fabrics and lace. Visit us to view her latest collection and meet with Adele
Model 1 - Andrea
Misty gown from the Eco Couture collection
$2,780
Ivory strapless wrapped and draped vegetable dyed silk and scrap organza gown. The organza overlay suggests the mystery of a misty day.
Paired with short sheer veil.
Model 2 - Natalie
Twigy gown from the Eco Couture collection
$1,995
Ivory hemp and silk blend strapless, flirty short wedding gown. Knife pleated yoke detail adds distinct tailored romance. The stain ribbon bands contrast the matte grainy textured fabric.
Paired with a hemp and silk blend bolero jacket (jacket sold separately.)
Model 3 - Carol
Flora gown from the Eco Couture collection
$2,300
Ivory gown made from a hemp and silk blend.
Paired with a long sheer veil.
Model 4 - Robin
Nzima gown from the Hello Africa collection
$2,730
Ivory 100 % silk satin sheath with a gentle sweep. V-neck sleeveless beaded empire yoke. Ethically inspired, organic beading with cowry shells, freshwater pearl, wood and crystal.
Adele Wechsler Trunk Show and Personal Appearance
The Bridal Salon
Macy's on State Street, 4th floor
Friday 10am -- 8pm
Saturday 10am -- 6pm
Sunday 11am -- 6pm
For appointments, call 312.781.3545
www.adelewechsler.com or www.macys.com
About Adele Wechsler
Born into an unconditionally loving family in Durban, South Africa, Adele grew up very conscious of the strife that was tearing her country apart before Apartheid came to an end. As was the case for many spirited, young South Africans, Adele always had one eye on other parts of the globe during those years of instability. From a young age Adele knew her career would be in the world of fashion. After high school, she studied at the Natal Tecknikon which offered the finest design program in the country. Three years later, she graduated with honors and the distinction of the Most Outstanding Student for Design and Technical Ability, while winning numerous design awards along the way. After completing her studies, she moved to Cape Town and her first job as assistant designer with Chelsea West, a producer of high fashion sportswear. Nine months later, she met her partner, Len Wechsler, who was about to immigrate to Toronto, Canada. After a whirlwind courtship, Adele, at 21 years of age, was torn between remaining in South Africa or joining her love and breaking away from a country that seemed far removed from the world of fashion. Six months later, she headed to snow-bound Toronto and was married soon thereafter.
Adele didn't waste any time launching her career in North America and within a few weeks of landing in Toronto launched a company mixing woven fabrics with knits–which became her inspiration for years to come. Customers were drawn to her distinctive designs that combined fine European laces and fabrics with luxurious yarns in silk, angora, mohair and cashmere. Her fine quality workmanship attracted women wanting distinctive special occasion wear. The luxury fabrics looked fabulous in shades of white and ivory, and inevitably her knit ensembles became popular for weddings. In a fashion world dominated by Cinderella-style gowns, Adele's designs were a welcome alternative for fashionable brides. With a move to larger premises, Adele began the transformation into a full-fledged bridal designer in 1991. The knits she had started her career with were gradually replaced by a fully developed bridal collection of fine silks and laces.
In 2002 Adele expanded her business into the United States. As more American bridal salons carried her line, her collections evolved. She introduced sheer fabrics, embroidery and organic elements into her designs and captured the interest of the growing Destination Wedding market. In April 2007, Adele moved into the stunning showroom and manufacturing space that now serves as headquarters for her growing business in the North American and international markets.
Adele and Len just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary with their three children. Besides the challenges that come along with running a business and caring for both her family and "the extended family that comes along with teenage kids", Adele stretches herself with another creative passion–cooking.
The future holds great promise for Adele. "I want to reach out to women in a different way. I want to help them connect to their history and roots and deepen the meaning of their special day. I know today's women care about the world we live in, and I see my collections with some unique element which brings that to life." says Adele. In 2007, that involves working with Zulu artisans who have produced the exquisite beading.
"There is a wonderful African philosophical concept with a universal idea called UBUNTU*" she explains. "Through fashion we are able to dream and live our dreams, to express our realities, to share our experiences with others. Fashion has brought us together. Through fashion we have transformed our worlds and journeyed into others and others have, similarly, journeyed into ours."
* Ubuntu represents the idea that no person is an island. Every endeavor is collaborative. Every decision is effected, at least partly, by the community in which it is made and the communities in which the person has previously lived. Every single action relies on the actions of others. And every action and decision is oriented toward enriching the community in which it occurs.
