ST. PUCCHI CELEBRATES A GLOBAL VISION
Award winning bridal gown designer Rani Totman prepares to unveil her new collection at prestigious Si Sposaitalia fair in Milan
For 25 years, St. Pucchi has maintained its place in the U.S bridal industry as a trend setter, its name synonymous with luxurious bridal wear. This June, Designer Rani Totman sets out to showcase her new 2010 collection at the prestigious Si Sposaitalia Collezioni fair in Milan.
Host to some of the world's most elite designers, and fashion savvy retail buyers, Rani says "it is with great honour that we take part in the upcoming edition of Si Sposaitalia. My collections aim to raise bridal fashion to the level of artistry, and cater to the vast taste of global brides today. We look forward to presenting our latest designs to an audience committed to excellence".
Born and raised in Bangkok, Thailand to Indian parents, educated at the University of New Delhi and later married in the United States, her multicultural background contributes to her visionary design and international appeal. Drawing experience from her family's business, the largest purveyor of lace in Thailand, Rani pursued her love for fashion and opened her first boutique in Bangkok at the age of twenty. Specializing in ready to wear and evening gown design, Rani participated in Paris Pret-A-Porter and Igedo, Dusseldorf, before realizing her true passion for bridal gowns. As one of the foremost designers to introduce exotic Silk fabrics, hand embroidery and colour to the U.S bridal scene, she was recognized for her design talent in 1990, and went on to achieve the success of Style Innovator and Best Bridal Designer on numerous occasions.
The St. Pucchi brand has since expanded across the globe, with exclusive boutiques throughout North America, Russia, the Middle East, Japan, U.K and Ireland. In keeping with her global roots, the award winning designer travels the world seeking the most sumptuous silks, exquisite laces, crystals and beads for her expertly hand crafted and opulent, signature gowns. Most recently, two St. Pucchi wedding gowns were specially commissioned and unveiled as part of the Swarovski Crystallized Wedding Showcase in New York.
Celebrated for her visionary design and style, discerning brides, celebrities, and media style icons and have all been drawn to Rani's creations that reflect an Old World Elegance melded with a trend-setting, modern sensibility. Among others, Grammy Award winning singer Alison Krauss donned a specially designed Chantilly lace and Silk dress on stage at the Country Music Awards. TV sitcom stars Debbe Dunning from Home Improvement, Candace Cameron from Full House, and Naomi Lowde, wife of Beverly Hills 90210's Jason Priestley have walked down the aisle wearing St. Pucchi. Most recently, Monique Idlett chose a St. Pucchi gown for her high profile wedding to record producer, singer and rapper Timbaland.
Rani's signature designs have also been recognized in the media spotlight, on TV shows such as "Whoopi", "Queer Eye for the Straight Girl", "One Life to Live", "WE" TV's phenomenal hit show "Girl Meets Gown", and most notably, on the finale of "Friends", as Phoebe captured the hearts of millions when she said "I Do" in a unique Lilac, corset bodice A-line gown. Advertised and featured editorially in various high profile website and print publications, St. Pucchi can be found in Brides, Elegant Bride, Instyle Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, The Knot, Town and Country, You and Your Wedding, and Your Wedding Day Magazine, to name just a few.
In describing the new St. Pucchi 2010 collection, Rani says, "Designing is almost like music to me. Every song has a mood that it puts you in, and every creation in the collection does something to reflect that mood." Showcasing this season will be gowns featured in a beautiful palette of colours ranging from traditional white and ivory, to fashion forward platinum, lilac gold and butterscotch. Rich embellishments in the form of elaborate hand embroideries coupled with intricate pearl and crystal beading adorn the finest silks, creating dramatic gowns with depth and dimension. Soft swirls of tulle, flowing organza, luxurious Duchesse Silk Satin and Thai Silk are accented with jeweled appliqués, crystal embroidery, and hand cutwork motifs. Combined with tiered skirts, ruffles, pleats and bustles, each gown is fashioned to captivate the eye from every angle. Matching veils, jackets and stoles complete the look.