Dancing into the world of bridal separates

By MIKE CHAIKEN
EDITIONS EDITOR
About five years ago, Martha Flemming had an idea.
The driving force behind Greenwich bridal design house, Pas De Deux Bridal, said most bridal designers didn’t take into account that women are made differently. Bust sizes vary. Hip sizes fluctuate. Some legs are long, some are short.
Flemming said the best way to address the differences between women—without engaging in alterations— is offer separates in bridal wear. Give them a different top to fit their bust. Give them a different skirt to fit their hips and accommodate their legs.
The swimsuit industry follows a similar pattern. Women can buy a separate top and bottom to fit their own bodies.
But Flemming said she is all about identifying a problem and coming up with a solution. But she’s not a fashion designer so she had no skills in implementing a solution.
Than she met designer Heather Royal. And the plan came together.
Now, piecing the garments together to create a unique look for a bride is like dressing a doll, said Flemming.
And at last month’s New York International Bridal Week at Pier 92, Flemming’s idea has become a trend with many designers also delving into the separates market for bridalwear.
Pas De Deux, besides offering brides-to-be separates, finds its inspiration in the ballet, said Flemming (hencing its name, which a ballet duet between a male and a female). The garments draw inspiration from dance costumes but then transform into garments appropriate for a modern bride. The current lines for fall 2015 and spring 2016 in fact are called “Coppelia,” after the ballet about a life-sized dancing doll.
For more information about Pas De Deux Bridal in Greenwich, go to PasDeDeuxBridal.com.