***** This exact gown is in the Winter 2012 issue of INSIDE WEDDINGS*****

A Dream Dress.

From Vera's LUXE collection. Rare + couture + the most expensive of her creations, this dress was made by hand from start to finish in NYC.                        The "Clarissa."

-Retails for $12,900 exclusive of the taxes, customizations and alterations

-Purchased from the Vera Wang Bridal Salon at Alexia’s Bridal Boutique in Cary, NC (check them out, a verified retailer on the designer's website) for my 5.28.2011 indoor ceremony + a few outdoor formal pictures + half of the indoor reception

-Label and hanging straps denote it is from the LUXE line

-Mermaid silhouette with layers of floating fused lace appliqués of French Chantilly lace, silk organza, a ruffle-tiered lace hem, + detail work. The back zipper is lined in the most beautifully unique buttons. I did all additional alterations with the Vera Wang seamstress at the salon, including hem, boning (no need for a bra), bustle and a CUSTOM-CREATED sweetheart neckline (please see the close-up picture of the custom tulle lining that was added). And I added A LOT of crinoline to truly enhance + dramatize the mermaid shape. All this can be removed if desired.

-Originally a size 8 to fit my 34C bust and taken in to an overall size 4/6, where the measurements above are the approximations (also I am about 5'4.5" + wore about 4 inch heels)

-From what I have been told, this gown is STILL available for production in the exclusive Vera Wang Salons

-I will include the veil with this listing. It is not VW, but was perfect with the dress. The veil is a comb attachment, 2 layer (blusher 26", long layer 107"), ‘slight shimmer’ light ivory piece that will glisten in the light and add volume and flare as you walk down the aisle

-Please note that I had the simple, back-only sheer bow removed so that I could add a Debra Moreland Paris sash for the reception (not included in this listing)

-Dress was sent to Imperial to have it preserved but asked to have it sent back after I decided it was unbearable to have it just sit, sealed + boxed, in a closet. I see no stains on the dress, only minor tracking on trim at the very bottom and should not be at all visible when on. The only imperfection I could find is a barely visible (approx. 2 cm) tear in one of the sheer, floating pieces at the bottom. Honestly, the material here is too sheer to tell, and that's even when looking incredibly up close. I assume it can be easily replaced if wanted and have reflected this and the other possible cleaning/minor 'wear-and-tear' normalities in the listing price. The gown looks the same way it did when I put it on on my own wedding day; and I can send pictures of any part of the dress if requested.

-Please check out INSIDE WEDDINGS, a national publication available at Barnes and Noble, if you would like to see verification and more pictures

-To see the dress "in motion" our highlight video can be found at http://vimeo.com/26381462 + I also took a quick video of the dress now that can be viewed at http://youtu.be/qSUOb_mpqRY

-Happy + excited to answer any questions!

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This dress is the one which, along with the Audrey, has the look of the Vera Wang Bride: “The Romanticist” Platinum Label Barbie! Only a few were produced and now even these tiny dolls sell for as much as $800 on Ebay. Here is the description:

Vera Wang Bride: The Romanticist Barbie Doll

PLATINUM LABEL

“For The Romanticist, passion guides every decision, including her wedding gown. The Romanticist is transported by a dress... fantasy is always reality. Her innate femininity and love of beauty can inspire a gown of great fragility and enchantment.

This doll captures the luxury, impeccable detailing, and superior workmanship that define Vera Wang. Created under the direction of the designer herself, this lovely Barbie doll embodies the romance of the bride and her gown.”

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One-of-a-kind Vera Wang... I really want it to make someone else's big day just as perfect.

Xxo. Happy planning!

           {Please click to enlarge to see the dress images full-sized!}

Final Sale