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Looking for a gown that's Earth-friendly? Designer Chris Kole creates beautiful styles in a luxe natural fabric.

Q: The Cotton Bride is your first bridal collection. After years of designing eveningwear, what attracted you to bridal?
A: I felt there was room in the market for beautiful wedding gowns crafted in natural materials. It’s a mystery to me why cotton has so rarely been used for bridal gowns—it’s light, airy and a pleasure to wear. I was also excited about applying the same couture design standards to bridal that I use in my eveningwear. In both collections I start by finding the right fabric; this choice dictates what the treatment and embellishments should be. For example, certain lightweight fabrics, like cotton georgette, are great for draping, while others, such as cotton satin batiste, look best with a lace overlay. The difference is that a bridal gown needs to be much more than
just a glamorous, stunning dress; it also has to capture the romance, spirit and joy of the bride on her wedding day.

Q: What else is it about cotton fabrics that make them so appealing to work with?
A: Many people don’t realize there are literally hundreds of different types and grades of cotton, some costing much more than many of the luxurious silks and fabrics I use for my couture eveningwear. Interestingly, cotton is one of the only fabrics that comes in pure white, without any of the off-white characteristics of a fabric like silk satin. What could be more suitable for a bride? Lastly, I am just amazed by how each type of cotton has its own character. One of my favorites, cotton batiste, has an incredibly smooth finish and is one of the softest, lightest fabrics I have ever used.

Q: There is a growing trend for eco-friendly and sustainable products. Did this influence your choice of material?
A: Not directly, although The Cotton Bride line is a great option for brides seeking an all-natural wedding dress. The fabrics and linings are all made from a hundred percent natural fibers, including cotton, linen and raw silk; in the future, I will be introducing gowns made from organically grown fibers and will incorporate natural embellishments, such as shells and stones. Many brides today are not comfortable wearing an overly elaborate gown and are looking for something less extravagant—what I like to call refined simplicity. It is my hope that The Cotton Bride collection will appeal to a bride’s sense of her own natural beauty.

(Left to right) BE DAZZLED Cotton gown with subtle two-tone stripes and Swarovski jeweled banding, about $2,725. All gowns from The Cotton Bride by Chris Kole; call 718-729-9730 for store listings. FRESH TAKE Cotton eyelet gown with princess-seamed bodice and dropped waist, embellished with a satin ribbon sash, about $1,975. IN THE PINK Linen gown with raspberry-colored floral embroidery and matching grosgrain ribbon at the natural waist, about $2,225.

Q: What types of things should a bride keep in mind when trying on dresses?
A: Whatever gown she chooses, it should be comfortable and allow her to feel happy and at ease. If she is the least self-conscious, she should probably keep looking. The gown that is right will allow her to move gracefully, dance passionately and have as much fun at her wedding as she hopes her guests will. An A-line silhouette seems to be the most universally flattering, and fuller ballgown skirts are also an excellent idea for many brides as they accentuate the best parts of a woman’s figure.

Chris’s Recommendations

• One of my favorite looks pairs an adorable tea-length gown with a pair of embellished flats—the simplicity is striking.
• Look for a hair and makeup artist who is able to enhance your natural features without transforming your look completely. If you are clear about your expectations, you won’t be shocked by the end result.
• Your wedding day is a celebration of love—relax, have fun and be yourself. Remember that your gown plays only a supporting role to you on this day.

Visit our Wedding Dress Gallery to find more Chris Kole gowns.