The first ever Bebe bridal collection, designed by Project Runway alumnus Rami Kashou, has come out. And while I have a deep and abiding love for Mr. Kashou’s work… I’m kind of wishing it had stayed in the closet.
The gowns range from the messy (see above) to the merely expected:
to the frankly kind of tacky.
On the further downside, these gowns are available in sizes from 00 to 12. Yeah, that’s right, size 12. Just for reference, the average woman in America wears a size 14 when last I heard. The model shown in the gowns is – according to the text – 5’9″ and wears a size 6. I like the fact that there is a reference in that regard, but couldn’t they have shown something on a shorter or heavier model? Or one who isn’t white? Or something?
On the upside, the most expensive gown in the collection, the Kate Middleton homage, runs only $2,500, making it the most expensive gown in the collection. Designer gowns for under two grand are pretty rare. In this case, there are several under $1,000, and even a couple under $500.
All in all, I’m kind of disappointed. I didn’t expect Bebe to be much of a bastion for elegance or size acceptance, but I have really loved a lot of Kashou’s designs in the past and was hoping to be able to sit up and applaud a bit more. The designs are scattershot without a real point of view. The design work is some of the weakest I’ve seen from this designer.
Still, I’ll keep a weather eye on the experiment. Who knows? Perhaps if things go well the next collection will make more sense and look less random yet uninspired.
PS: There’s still time to enter the drawing for the gorgeous tiara from USABride. Get your entry in now to have a chance to win something sparkly for your wedding!
Huh. I couldn’t disagree more. I’ve long been a fan of Bebe (despite their weird velour sweatsuit collection). When I got the e-mail that they’d gone bridal, I thought the dresses were lovely. When I found out many were by Rami, it was just a cherry on top. There are a variety of options, and I don’t think a short dress is tacky. I think it is perfect for some weddings. Frankly, there are several I found drool-worthy despite being an old married lady. Just because they aren’t your thing doesn’t mean they are uninspired. I think this looks like some of his most professional work. Plus, he was working for a client in this case and is meeting their market.
Bebe is not a plus size retailer, so I wouldn’t expect them to suddenly change their size range because they have bridal gowns. As for the models, generally models are tall and thin. Is that right? Not necessarily. However, I don’t see it as a shock. Every bridal manufacturer uses the same type of models, as do most fashion houses. I guess I don’t understand why you are so judgy of Bebe when it’s a whole industry.
I do like the top one-but most of the designs seem like everything else out there. Blah.
Thank YOU Raven1025, well written! I also disagree with the blogger “twistie” who seemed to have her information and good taste twisted!!!!… Bebe could not have scored a better designer to collaborate on such a project. Kudos to BEBE for recognizing that KASHOU could in fact polish the company’s image, and create a beautiful collection of affordable bridal gowns, and dresses!
Hey “Twistie”-GET IT RIGHT girl!
Honey … YOUR blog Looks “Bored Suzie home maker on a LOW BUDGET” … GURL : “SIT DOWN..” lol
The collection is Fabulous but will admit I would like to see more options in the near future from Rami.