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Known for her sweeping silhouettes and attention to detail, Rivini designer Rita Vinieris dresses today's brides in timeless style.

Q: Your designs encompass everything from sportswear to fur coats. What first attracted you to the bridal industry?
A: Although I was working for a sportswear company in the early nineties, I was also creating evening gowns on the side for friends and family. When two close friends got engaged in 1995, they struggled to find dresses in a simple, elegant style. So I ended up designing gowns for both of them! The results were luxurious yet understated dresses, with clean lines and classic elements. As it turned out, I really loved working with the fabrics and silhouettes. After that, it was natural for me to move into the bridal realm.

Q: What can we expect to see in your new collection, and which Hollywood celebrity would you most like to see wearing one of these dresses?
A: Rivini gowns are known as the essence of simple luxury, and my spring line will continue to carry out that theme. For this collection, however, I put an emphasis on texture and lush fabrics—light silk voile, crinkle chiffon, Italian Mikado and duchesse are my staples—with understated jeweled beading. My aim was to create gowns that enhance the female figure, regardless of a woman’s size. I think Kate Hudson and Halle Berry best emulate my style philosophy. They’re both elegant and sophisticated, but fun, too.

Q: You’ve been working with brides for more than 13 years. What advice would you give to an engaged woman just starting the search for her gown?
A: I believe a wedding venue sets the stage for the overall feel, and it’s important to take this into consideration when choosing the style of your dress. For example, if you’ll say your “I do’s” on a cliff overlooking the sea, I would look for a gown made of a light, sheer fabric—silk charmeuse and chiffon would both look stunning blowing in the breeze. If you’re holding your reception in a formal ballroom, you might consider a more structured dress with jeweled embellishments. As for your hair and makeup, don’t do anything drastic–you want to look like yourself. Everything should work in harmony so no one element overpowers any other.

Q:Bridal Guide is celebrating its 20th anniversary. What are some differences between today’s brides and those of years past?
A: It used to be that bridal gowns had specific elements that were customary, even expected. For instance, a gown with a long, billowing sleeve was a traditional style that most brides chose for weddings held after Labor Day. Now we’re seeing bridal gowns that more closely emulate current fashion trends; pretty much anything goes. If you see a strapless gown for evening on the runway, chances are you will see the same cut and design in wedding collections. A-lines and bias cuts dominate, whereas once upon a time the basque waist and full skirt were the winning looks. Today a bride has the freedom to follow her own style and sensibility.

From left: SIMPLY LUXE Strapless silk voile organza fit-and-flare gown with a dropped waist and bias banding detail, about $3,400. All gowns by Rivini; call 877-4-RIVINI for store listings. WHITE MAGIC Silk double-faced satin fit-and-flare gown with ruched empire bodice, embellished with pearls and Swarovski crystals, about $3,520. AMAZING LACE Strapless Alencon lace gown with pearl and crystal bands at the natural waist and along the A-line skirt, about $6,435.

Rita’s Recommendations

• Check out your current wardrobe to see what necklines and silhouettes are the most flattering. This will help you choose a gown that will best suit your personal style.
• Make sure you’re comfortable in your gown; this will ensure that you’ll feel beautiful and sexy on your big day.
• If your dress has embellishments in the bust area, keep your neck bare and go with great earrings. It’s all about creating the right focal points–you don’t want to clutter any one area.