Bridal to go

Nicole Miller's ready-to-wear collections have been inspired by trips to Ireland, Haiti, and Peru. So it makes sense that Miller's vintage-inspired wedding gowns are the destination bride's frock of choice.

The New York-based designer - with two Philadelphia-area boutiques and a line sold exclusively at J.C. Penney - began designing bridal gowns about a decade ago when clients started to request her runway finale gowns in white.

It was no secret for what occasion they were planning to wear them.

Five years ago, Miller introduced her bridal collection, which means new gowns every fall and spring.

Shying away from using lots of classic billowing confections of fluff and tulle, Miller uses silken fabrics that contour to brides' curves. Her gowns feature lace insets, bows, and pleating, and are easy to pack - essential for the destination bride.

We talked with Miller about the latest in bridal trends.

What was your inspiration for Bridal 2010?

As you know, I'm not really into froufrou. Bridal gowns can be kind of silly. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of beautiful ones out there. A lot of my gowns were previously on the runway. If I really like them, I just make them over. . . .

Can you ever have too much lace?

Yes. A little lace goes a long way.

White or ecru?

Most of my gowns are antique white, or ecru. I don't have that much in chalk white. . . . it seems too hospitalish, you know? There is something a little medicinal abut white white. I think [ivory] is easier on your eyes. There are a lot of varieties, too. You can go champagne, gray, pink, blue. ...

How did destination weddings affect the bridal-gown scene?

Certainly, if you are traveling, you don't want something so precious it's going to be wrinkled. You don't want to get there and worry about it getting pressed. A lot of my gowns are made of metal fabrics; they have a permanent crinkle that you never need to press. Gowns have become simpler.

What is the point of tulle? Is it ever fashionable?

I'm not a big tulle person. Every once in a while, I use soft tulle as a sheer inset in a cutout. That's how I like to use tulle, rather than have a lot of stiff crinoline under the dress.

What's your favorite modern embellishment when it comes to bridal?

I don't have one. I don't really like embellishments. I do have one bridal gown that's all pleated, and the pleating makes it more interesting. I did a very beautiful gown [for a client] with Celtic knot embroidery. It was white on white with pearl and white sea beads. I put it on the [bridal] line after the wedding.

What is your headpiece of choice?

I think it is really cute to do mini-tiaras.

What details are playing the biggest role in modern-day bridal?

There are a lot of raw edges in clothing, and a lot of it has spread to bridal. It's unfinished; that's different.

What about pockets in bridal gowns?

I think it's kind of a fun idea to keep your "something borrowed" or "something blue" in your pocket. Would I do them? Not particularly.

Are you a strapless kind of girl?

My favorite gown is a strapless. I have a built-in bra in it so it stays up without the zipper. I

Contact fashion writer Elizabeth Wellington at 215-854-2704 or ewellington@phillynews.com.