I have always been curious about what, technically, is the difference between various bustles. What exactly is a French bustle as oppose to an American bustle? When I was invited to Winnie Couture, to study the specific types, my heart jumped! I’ve known of Winnie Couture’s garments but I have never actually been to a Winnie Couture salon. Here I was with an appointment to visit their new flagship store in Beverly Hills. What a treat! Above, is a sample of Winnie's gorgeous 'Ramona' gown with a double French bustle.
I must admit, I was a bit nervous as I approached the salon. The store’s appearance is magnificently stunning. Unlike many boutiques (everywhere, not just Rodeo Drive), the girls who work at Winnie Couture are genuinely friendly, warm, & a breath of fresh air. When you enter the showroom you feel like you are in a dashing gallery. This is not your everyday bridal shop. The salon is absolutely breathtaking with crystal chandeliers, custom made furniture, & a VIP section, so chic it could rival any elite LA club. Visits are by appointment only, which makes your visit that much more special & memorable.
Amanda, Winnie Couture’s amazing store manager, displayed samples of bustles & described what styles worked best with each gown’s silhouette. Although there are quite a few types of bustles, the two we generally see are the American Bustle & the French bustle. The French bustle is folded
down & tucked inside the gown. The American is folded up & drapes outside the skirt of the dress. The Ameri
can bustle tends to be a lot less tricky than the French bustle. A-Line & ball gowns work best with American bustles. The French bustle is, typically, for mermaid silhouettes. Often, when the train is on the longer side, you create a double or triple bustle. This explains the “complicated” ones I have dealt with in the past. This is an example of an American bustle on an exquisite hand-sewn beaded, dropped waist, A-line gown.Winnie Couture Flagship Bridal Salon
9393 Wilshire Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310.858.8868 Fax: 310.858.8867
www.winniecouture.com
