"Jasmine" from Janet Nelson Kumar

Today we received a design for our permanent collection that we have been eagerly anticipating from Janet Nelson Kumar. "Jasmine" is a delightfully light and elegant design that is intensely flattering and feminine. There are touches of lace along the neckline and midriff that I wasn't absolutely certain would resonate with all of our brides so Janet, being ever-so-resourceful, made the lace along the neckline detachable making it possible to see it both ways. All of Janet's designs are highly customizable and this just further proves it. What do you think? All lace, some lace or no lace? You can have it any way that you like! Because, while it is incredibly important that we offer you the very best in design, it is of equal importance that your gown reflect your individuality.

Janet tells us that her New York City brides can't get enough of these frilly-feminine touches.

Isn't it amazing what a big difference a little change can make? Either way, you simply cannot go wrong.

Customer Service Defined

Over the years Laura and I have aspired to surround ourselves with the very best businesses knowing that our reputation is only as good as the service and products that we offer. And we believe that we have truly succeeded as we enjoy excellent relationships with some of the finest designers in the wedding industry. What does this mean to our customers, you may ask. Occasionally an event will arise that clearly illustrates the importance of the choices we make. One such occasion involved a veil that, because of unforeseen circumstances, appeared to be in jeopardy of arriving on time. Upon this discovery, we called Sara Gabriel, apprised her of the situation and appealed to her for assistance. She agreed without hesitation, literally dropped everything, created a custom veil to my exact specifications with a special edge that she does not generally offer and then shipped it overnight to arrive today, pristinely presented and beautiful. All of this is to say, when you're in a pinch, it's nice to know who's got your back. Thank you Sara!!!

Also, Sara recently created for one of our customers one of her signature flower hair pieces from silk dupioni provided by our wonderful Lynn Lugo to perfectly coordinate with her silk dresses. She was so pleased with the result and confident that we would be too (and, of course, she's right) that she sent one for our display.

So this is spring.....

Good day to you all on this snowy Good Friday! Laura and I will not be at the store today, but Abby will be in to assist anyone with order pick ups and such. I'll be available via phone and Internet to assist Abby, but she's still fairly new here so be gentle! We want her to keep coming back!

(By the way, did you know that we are still looking for another part-time employee? Ideally, we need someone for Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. E-mail or call if you're interested.)
This is spring? You've got to be kidding me!

Catching Up

Time to get caught up on last week's happenings. It was a true joy to have Christina Garcia in our presence once more. Thank you, Christina, for flying in to Madison and giving such personal attention to each of our brides.

We started our annual Prom Clearance Sale on Saturday and already the gowns are flying off the rack but there are still lots of great designs waiting for you to save 20-30%!!

Last weekend we had a little fun and gave away a beautiful Marc Jacob's clutch to one fortunate winner, Therese. Thank you to everyone who entered our drawing! We plan on doing this again so check back for the announcement.

Christina Garcia and Designs That Inspire

Laura and I are so excited about this weekend! (If you think I over-use the word excited it's just because we truly have so many completely awesome things going on here!) Christina Garcia will be, for the first time since we relocated to Madison over three years ago, making a personal appearance during our showcase event! We can't wait for you to meet her! Christina has been the leader in bridal jewelry, hair art and accessories for at least the last six years and we have had the genuine privilege of working with her the entire time. Her designs are both inspired and inspiring. What she creates so reflects the women wearing the creations. They are sophisticated, artful, intelligent and complex in make-up but understated and refined in presence.

When you meet with Christina as she assists you in completing your wedding-day vision, you will discover for yourself why so many brides before you have included her designs in what will become their family heirlooms and why many other designers cannot help but draw inspiration from her.



Just look at these few pieces so artfully captured by Front Room Photography - you will kick yourself if you allow yourself to miss this opportunity! If you haven't already, contact us now to make your appointment!

Lynn Lugo, Grace Shoes, Front Room and Vera Wang

Lots happening at Premiere Couture...

Of course this weekend is the Lynn Lugo trunk show so we put Abby, our ever-impressive new employee in one of Lynn's freshly-arrived frocks. "Model" was not in the job description when we hired Abby so we greatly appreciate her willingness to participate in our blog.

Don't miss the chance to win that cute Marc Jacobs clutch - shop this weekend!


We've received some beautiful new silk shoes from Grace: adorable peep-toe "Chelsea" and twinkling strappy sandal "Elena." Anyone who has stepped foot into our boutique is immediately greeted with our shoe adoration - we have the best selection of special occasion and bridal footwear that you'll find.



Front Room recently blogged about The Veil magazine's newest issue. We haven't actually laid eyes on it but we're excited because Neil posted one of his favorite photos from it which happens to be our "Tandie" from California designer Amy Kuschel. It's absolutely breathtaking Neil!


We're starting to receive our 2008 collection of new Vera Wang Maids. Her designs are very "fashiony" this season and feature defining details like top-stitching, belts, high necklines, short hemlines, box pleats, interesting color combinations and handy pockets. Laura and I both agreed that Abby looked particularly fetching in the little Audrey Hepburn number in spruce green.

Lynn Lugo and Marc Jacobs

We're excited about this weekend's event, a Lynn Lugo trunk show, and Laura and I wanted to add a fun element. Some of you may not know that Premiere Couture is situated in one of the best shopping areas in Madison and just three doors down from Twigs, one of Monroe Street's gems. In fact, we always recommend allowing time to shop on the rest of Monroe Street when you visit us. Anyways, back to this weekend. Laura walked down to Twigs and was inspired to pick up a gorgeous, black leather clutch purse - the large flat clutch, $260, to be exact - by Marc Jacobs that we are going to give away to some lucky shopper this weekend. It could be you! Have you made your appointment? (Everyone who shops this weekend is eligible to enter the drawing!)

Success!!

Laura and I want to thank all of our incredible brides and Janet Nelson Kumar for such an incredible weekend! Premiere Couture was able to give Non-Toxic Teen Center a nice donation to help create and maintain programs that benefit at-risk teen girls. We are going to continue to look for creative ways to support this incredible organization so stay tuned!!

27 Dresses (minus one!)

That's how many incredible designs Janet Nelson Kumar has sent us for our trunk show this weekend. Her amazing collection could single-handedly end your winter wedding doldrums. Janet's design sensibility caters to those with refined taste, a demand for impeccable quality and intolerance for the boring. Fifteen different fine French laces, practically as many different necklines as there are dresses and every silhouette elegant - such is the collection of Janet Nelson Kumar and she is enthusiastic to meet you. Have you made your appointment yet?

Non-Toxic Teen Center

Non-Toxic Teen Center in Edgerton, Wisconsin, is an organization that exists to place value on teens that remarkably is celebrating it's 15th year of existence this year. In teen-center years that's well over 100! There are many things that make Non-Toxic unique besides its longevity, not the least of which is the fact that 100% of the financial support they receive is used to benefit the teens. It is completely volunteer-run; no one receives or has ever received a salary. I do not know of another non-profit organization - especially locally - that can make those same claims. To help Non-Toxic celebrate this awesome milestone, we are going to donate to them $50 for every bridal we sell through Saturday. The funds we give will be specifically designated to support programs targeted for at-risk teen-age girls. In fact, the first event that will be sponsored by Premiere Couture is Chick Flick night on Sunday, March 9. If you would like to learn more about Non-Toxic, I would be more than happy to talk to you!

Rosemary