THREAD Press
NY Weddings Summer 2011
Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2011
Inside Weddings Spring 2011
Southern Weddings 2011
Southern Weddings 2011
Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2011
Martha Stewart Weddings Winter 2011
The Knot Fall/Winter 2011
D Weddings Spring 2011
Destination Weddings February 2011
Destination Weddings February 2011
Brides February 2011
Bridal Guide March/April 2011
The Knot Winter 2011
NY Weddings Winter 2011
Brides January 2011
Brides November 2010
Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2010
Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2010
Destination Weddings Mar/Apr 2010
Bridal Guide September 2010
The Atlantan Fall/Winter 2010
Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2010
Brides Spring/Summer 2010
The Knot Spring/Summer 2010
Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2010
Inside Weddings Spring 2010
Gotham Jan/Feb 2010
Brides Spring/Summer 2010
Brides April 2010
Brides February 2010
InStyle Weddings Fall 2009
Weddingbells Fall 2009
Brides Fall/Winter 2009
Brides Fall/Winter 2009
Town & Country Fall/Winter 2009
New York Magazine Winter 2010
New York Magazine Winter 2010
Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2009
Martha Stewart Weddings Fall 2009
Modern Bride October/November 2009
The Knot Fall 2009/Winter 2010
Destination Weddings Fall 2009
Destination Weddings Fall 2009
Brides September/October 2009
For the bride who's driven to elegant extremes, a slim organza silhouette with a flamboyant shoulder detail is a compelling choice. Loose folds accent the bodice and floor-length skirt.
Brides September/October 2009
The little black dress looks positively tame when compared to this hot fuchsia minidress with decorative bow. (lower right)
Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2009
InStyle Weddings Summer 2009
InStyle Weddings Summer 2009
InStyle Weddings Summer 2009
Pacific Weddings Winter/Spring 2008
The Knot Spring/Summer 2008
The Knot Spring/Summer 2008
Ceremony April 2008
Inside Weddings Summer 2008
Bridesmaids Thread
Martha Stewart Weddings Summer 2008
What's Hot to Wear We know you've heard it before: "You can definitely wear them again!" But these dresses really are cute enough for attendants to put into rotation--note the flirty details like a pleated scoop neck and flouncy, tiered skirt. Pick one style or a few in two tints and let everyone don her favorite. Thread Design, 3rd from left.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2008
Celebrity Weddings: Melissa Akey and Alex Drayer This fashion designer and her groom ring in 2008 with a swanky NYC wedding.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2008
Celebrity Weddings: Melissa Akey and Alex Drayer This fashion designer and her groom ring in 2008 with a swanky NYC wedding.
Glamour June 2008
There are some brides for whom only the Vera Wang will do. But if you're in the market for a steal, check out these finds–chic, and classic enough to pass down to your daughter.
Brides.com May 2008
InStyle Weddings Summer 2007
InStyle Weddings Summer 2007
the look Fashion-forward creations that perfectly suit a less formal affair, like a daytime garden wedding. the fabric "Women often think a print is too dramatic or scary for attendants' dresses," says Thread co-owner Beth Blake. "But a pattern can work as long as it's subtle enough not to compete with the bridal gown," Blake's five fresh designs are all made from "pretty and soft" silk organza.
Westchester Weddings Fall/Winter 2007
the three graces DRESSES from Thread Bridesmaid. Color, orchid/haze; fabric, duchess satin. On standard-size model: "Melissa". On plus-size model: "Sloane". On petite model: "Grace".
Westchester Weddings Fall/Winter 2007
green goddesses DRESSES from Thread Bridesmaid, NY. Color, sage/avocado; fabric, duchess satin. On standard-size model: "Whitney". On petite model: "Agatha". On plus-size model: "Madeline".
Westchester Weddings Fall/Winter 2007
the aquamarines DRESSES from Thread Bridesmaid, NY. On standard-size model: "Fernanda", chiffon and charmeuse. On plus-size model: "Charlotte", layered organza. On petite model: "Siv", chiffon and charmeuse.
Inside Weddings Fall 2007
InStyle Weddings Fall 2005
GODDESS These styles, in a striking mix of salmon and plummy brown, take their cue from Greek-goddess gowns. The flowing fabrics and Empire waists of three of the dresses "flatter a lot of body types," says Beth Blake, co-owner of Thread.
InStyle Weddings Fall 2005
GODDESS These styles, in a striking mix of salmon and plummy brown, take their cue from Greek-goddess gowns. The flowing fabrics and Empire waists of three of the dresses "flatter a lot of body types," says Beth Blake, co-owner of Thread.
Lucky April 2005
(right) Strapless duchess satin ''nicole'' dress by THREAD.
Martha Stewart Weddings Spring 2005
vintage glamour Retro styles for bridesmaids are cheery in creams and yellows. Gowns made with classic fabrics (a Swiss-dot overlay or vintage-looking floral print) and details (bands of ribbon, keyhole necklines) are elegant yet sexy thanks to tea-length hemlines.
Seventeen Spring 2003
Pink Dresses Two-Toned Sleek
Weddingbells Fall/Winter 2003
Middle: Silk wool dress with organza trim and sash.
Modern Bride Summer 2005
Orange organza strapless dress with pleated skirt and coral satin trim by THREAD.
Modern Bride Summer 2005
(left) Meadow-green chiffon knee-length V-neck dress with gathered waist by Thread.
Modern Bride November 2002
Green Scene Dance to a high-fashion beat in this tea-length jade green duchess satin dress with halter straps, an orange organza sash and hem detail by Thread.
Town & Country February 2003
BRIDESMAIDS -- AND BEYOND Yes, it's possible: a bridesmaid's dress that can actually be worn again. V-neck dress with an ivory satin face over a lavender lining.
Town & Country Fall 2003
When it's time to take off on your wedding night, why not use local transportation? At a golf resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, a bride and groom hopped onto the backseat of a golf cart. In New York City you can hire a classic Checker cab; in London a double-decker bus; and in Venice a gondola. A fancy horse-drawn carriage is traditional, and vintage cars or trucks add fun. "Unendingly romantic" is how Gowdy desribes the final departure moment. "It's like watching a movie," she points out. "The ending isn't the end--it's the beginning as well."
Town & Country Fall 2003
Thread silk-wool tea-length dress with organza trim.
Town & Country February 2005
The little ladies sport Thread duchesse-satin dresses with organza sashes.
Town & Country Summer 2005
The bridesmaid is radiant in a THREAD layered white eyelet cotton dress with blue silk organza trim.
Town & Country Summer 2005
The Anna gathered silk chiffon gown, from THREAD has an elegant silhouette.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2005
UNDER $1,000 Steer clear of full skirts or trains; both take yards of fabric that will likely be synthetic. Better: a simple, close fitting dess in a natural fiber. Opt for minimal details; at this price anything more may not be of the highest quality. Silk charmeuse and chiffon, Thread. (left)
InStyle Weddings Summer 2005
Silk gown, Thread.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2005
Silk chiffon dress and capelet, Thread.
InStyle Weddings summer 2005
(2nd from left) silk chiffon dress with satin sash, Thread.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2003
Wisteria silk-wool strapless gown with lavender organza trim and sash (right)
InStyle Weddings Summer 2003
Lagoon satin face organza dress with spaghetti straps (center)
InStyle Weddings Summer 2003
Duchess satin strapless dress with organza trim
InStyle Weddings Spring 2005
Something Blue On bridesmaids, from left: Blue sleeveless dress with ivory organza trim; Blue camisole with ivory organza trim and blue skirt with ivory organza trim.
InStyle Weddings Spring 2003
Ribbons and Lace On bridesmaids: Chocolate duchess satin strapless dress with periwinkle-blue trim and sash.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2002
pink Traditional? Sure. Boring? Nope. You can put your bridesmaids in a wide range of pinks, from petal to fuchsia, and they'll look as vibrant and natural together as flowers in a bouquet. Peony organza dress with spaghetti straps, Thread. (center)
Glamour May 2005
These special-event dresses often have balancing empire waists.
Elegant Bride Summer 2002
EARTH ANGELS Thread's aqua dress with pleated tulle overlay and tulle flower corsage.
Brides Sep/Oct 2005
(On left) A goddess gown looks regally Roman when done in rich-burgundy gathered chiffon.
Brides Sep/Oct 2005
(Middle dress) Opt for the dark and lovely beauty of a navy-blue duchess-satin and chiffon gown with a satin sash.
Brides Mar/Apr 2005
Flirty chiffon frocks from Thread. From left: V-neckline dress with a wide gathered sash. Jewel-neckline dress with a gathered bodice and a duchess satin sash. Duchess satin strapless dress with a gathered chiffon overlay and a wide sash.
Brides Nov/Dec 2002
Sis (far right) tries to deflect attention in Thread's brown duchess satin dress with blue organza trim and belt.
Harper's Bazaar February 2003
The bridesmaids wear Thread by Beth Blake and Sophie Simmons.
Elegant Bride Feb/Mar 2005
Pretty Appealing Chiffon and duchess satin dress with satin sash by Thread.
Brides January/February 2005
This metropolitan marriage is pretty in pink. A bride seals the deal with a kiss in a blush-colored ruffle-chiffon slip dress. Her leading ladies look on in cosmopolitan outfits by Thread.
Entrepreneur July 2004
Beth Blake and Sophie Simmons 34 and 32, founders of Thread in New York City Description: designer and manufacturer of fashionable and fun bridesmaids' dresses Startup: $100,000 in June 1999 2004 Projected Sales: more than $2 million Material Girls: As a freelance stylist and former fashion editor for Vogue magazine, Beth Blake (l.) was the perfect person to design the bridesmaids' dresses for her sister's wedding. Commissioning help from Sophie Simmons, a fellow fashion expert, the two set to work on the bridal project. When their creation turned heads and caused a stir at the wedding, the two knew they had made a fashion statement. Banking on their idea, Blake and Simmons pooled about $100,000. Custom Fit: Within months, they created a line featuring bridesmaids' dresses in all lengths and colors, including black, orange even hot pink. Sexy and fashionable, the dresses suit all occasions, even cocktail parties, and break with traditional bridesmaids' dresses because they can actually be worn again after wedding. ''Usually, bridesmaids dread having to wear the dress,'' says Blake. ''We make it so they're excited to wear it -- they feel as exceptional as the brides.'' Fashion Cents: Though word-of-mouth would have been enough to keep the business strong at the seams, it was a $3,500 ad in Martha Stewart Living that added the flare. Only two days after the ad was printed, they got about 300 e-mails and the phone started ringing off the hook. ''It got going before it really had any identity,'' Blake says. Currently, they have three stores in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York and the line is available through 20 wholesalers. --Sara Wilson
People Magazine July 19, 2004
Tori Spelling & Charlie Shanian July 3, 2004 Bridesmaids (in dresses by design firm Thread) carried bouquets of roses, peonies, gardenias and hydrangea.
People Magazine July 19, 2004
Tori Spelling & Charlie Shanian July 3, 2004
Town & Country Fall 2004
Something New, Something Blue For a sophisticated look, pair navy bridesmaids' dresses with glamorous silver shoes. From top: THREAD bengaline dress with sweetheart neckline and organza trim.
People Magazine July 19, 2004
THEY DO! Tori Spelling & Charlie Shanian July 3, 2004
People Magazine July 19, 2004
Tori Spelling & Charlie Shanian July 3, 2004
InStyle Weddings Summer 2004
Two-piece ensembles can be a god-send for bridesmaids who are smaller on top, larger on bottom. You can update the look by pairing a fuller skirt with a fitted, dressy T-shirt and a sweater. For instance J. Crew will offer a knee-length duchesse satin skirt with a cashmere shell and coordinating cardigan later this year. ''We'll show a bright pink skirt with an orange sweater,'' says Jenna Lyons, the retailer's vice president of women's design. ''The idea is to not be so straightforward.'' Small details help keep dresses from looking too similar. Says Saeyoung Vu, ''Everyone in the group might wear a strapless A-line, but one dress could have a double layer, one a shash, and one a flower pin that matches the dress.'' Or, says Beth Blake, ''reverse dress color and tip on half the bridal party.'' For a garden or country club wedding, try a patterned fabric seersucker, a muted plaid in pink, or a flower print. After all, why can't bridesmaids wear blooms as well as carry them?
InStyle Weddings Summer 2004
COLOR Remember that teal monstrosity that you wore to your cousin's wedding? Color is perhaps the most important element to keep in mind when selecting bridesmaids dresses. One traditional choice, pink, is fashionable at the moment, while combinations of tropical colors are making a splash for destination and beach weddings. ''I did aqua and tangerine together in silk charmeuse for a wedding in Cabo San Lucas,'' says designer Saeyoung Vu. Sophisticated mixes such as chocolate-brown with pale pink are also making news. Perhaps the most talked about trend is buying dresses in a range of related colors. Says Christina Dalle Pezze, owner of Simple Silhouettes, ''Try dressing one bridesmaid in coral, one in peony-pink, one in mango and another in poppy.'' Splitting the party into groups of two distinct colors offers another fun option, though you probably want to avoid too much of a contrast. Instead, says Thread co-founder Beth Blake, ''choose two different shades in the same color family.'' Center: silk organza and duchesse satin, Thread.
InStyle Weddings Summer 2004
Maid Service Don't just dress your attendants in designs they won't complain about -- choose outfits they'll love. Check out these fresh sets and our tips on color, style and more. Put yourself in coral taffeta, suffer for a night. Put six bridesmaids in pastel powder puffs, suffer for a lifetime (two words "wedding album"). Not that you were thinking of choosing designs like that, of course. And given the sophisticated range of options available, there's no need to do anything cloying or cookie-cutter. Several years ago smaller, independent designers, emboldened by friends' pleas for classier looks, started the trend toward simpler and more elegant shapes. The idea has taken firm hold, with larger bridal companies (and now even J. Crew) fulfilling the need for dresses that can be worn long after the cake is cut. This season the style veers toward the ladylike with an emphasis on color. Pick from the beauties on these pages, and we bet your attendants will vow to love, honor and cherish you.
Weddingbells Spring 2004
Right: Celery green satin dress with gathered bust and pink organza sash and trim by Thread.
Weddingbells Spring 2004
Bottom row, center: Pale pink bengaline dress with ivory organza sash and trim by Thread.
Weddingbells Spring 2004
Pink layered organza halter dress with cummerbund by Thread.
Weddingbells Spring 2004
2nd from right: Silver printed organza over yellow-lined dress by Thread.
Weddingbells Spring 2004
Right: Coral satin-face organza dress with ivory sash and trim by Thread.
Elegant Bride Summer 2004
Elegant Bride Summer 2004
Left: Silk duchess satin strapless tea-length dress. 2nd from left: Layered silk organza spaghetti strap dress. 2nd from right: Silk duchess satin strapless dress. Right: Silk georgette dress with halter tie.
New York Magazine Spring 2004
The dresses at this tiny gem come in your choice of 35 styles, seven fabrics, and ten colors -- and can, like most bridesmaids' styles, be mixed and matched, and can fit just about any of your friends. But the best part is, these chic, floaty frocks are designed to look like regular cocktail dresses, and your attendants will be proud to wear them after the wedding.
New York Magazine Spring 2004
Right: black ruched halter dress, Thread.
New York Magazine Spring 2004
Center: Periwinkle dress, Thread.
New York Magazine Spring 2004
Left: Champagne strapless dress, Thread.
New York Magazine Spring 2004
Bridesmaids' dresses: Thread.
Town & Country February 2004
Bridesmaids' silk-chiffon gowns are by Thread of New York.
Town & Country February 2004
InStyle Weddings Spring 2004
Floor-length organza dress (second from right)
InStyle Weddings Spring 2004
Blue organza dress with square neck.
InStyle Weddings Spring 2004
Georgette top and organza skirt.
InStyle Weddings Spring 2004
Watermelon Duchesse Satin dress
Modern Bride Feb/Mar 2004
Tres Sorbet Bright berry colors are always in good taste. Choose a high design style such as this strapless multilayered and hued organza dress in gumdrop. The pleated belt detail defines the waist.
Chicago Social January 2004
Bridesmaids Revisited Modern brides know that beautiful bridesmaids are the threads that seam together a stunning wedding day. Often intentionally neglected so that all eyes will be on the bride, bridesmaids have long been the victims of frilly dresses designed in unflattering colors. Enter Thread, an innovative boutique specializing in fashionable bridesmaids' dresses and accessories with locations in New York, Los Angeles and, now, on Oak Street in Chicago. Owners Beth Blake and Sophie Simmons offer a complete line of sophisticated dresses that balance traditional cuts with modern details. Although they don't custom-design dresses, they offer five to eight styles in each fabric so that bridesmaids can wear dresses unique to their individual styles while still being coordinated with the rest of the bridal party. With dresses and separates in ankle and cocktail lengths, the best part about the collection is that the dresses are trendy enough to be worn after the wedding day. Spring and summer dresses are made with fabrics like silk chiffon and layered organza and come in a variety of hues such as pinks ranging from magenta to melon, several shades of blue, greens, yellow and ivories, as well as pinks. Fall and winter dresses are designed with materials such as duchess satin and silk wool and come in colors like gleaming gray, Bordeaux, chocolate and black. Thread also designs maternity dresses, flower girl dresses and accessories...
Chicago Magazine December 2003
Here Come the Bridesmaids ...all dressed in some icky shade of baby blue? It doesn't have to be. Just ask designers Beth Blake and Sophie Simmons of Thread The Destination Thread, 65 Oak Street; (312) 475-0180 The Owners Beth Blake, 33, and Sophie Simmons, 31, the designers of Thread bridesmaids' dresses, agree about many things bridal. They share a love for bright flowers, natural fabrics, and all-ivory wedding parties, along with a deep disdain for dyed-to-match shoes. So what color shoes should bridesmaids wear with ivory? ''Gold is classic, but I can also see something colorful like orange or red,'' says Simmons, a former intern for designer Michael Kors who has been a bridesmaid herself eight times, the last five wearing her own dresses. The Vibe The utilitarian space is appropriate, because a bride needs to concentrate. So there is no superfluous froufrou, only two large dressing rooms, a couple of enormous mirrors, and, of course, the dresses. The space is not without its charm, however: Bouquets of fresh flowers sit on a Lucite desk; the air is perfumed by Diptyque Tubereuse candles; there are contemporary crystal chandeliers, a cheerful yellow upholstered vintage pouf, and plenty of flattering lighting. Don't think shop; think showroom. The Goods More party wear than stiff wedding attire, the dresses and separates in ankle skimming and cocktail lengths are clearly made for dancing, for flirting, and for having a good time. They hang in a rainbow of sherbety-toned colors for spring/summer weddings, in natural fabrics like silk chiffon and satin face organza. There are ten shades of pink from pastel to intense, eight blues, six greens, yellow, ivories, spicy oranges and reds, and one surprisingly tempting shimmering gray confection trimmed in nectarine. ''Most girls come in looking for blue, since it looks good on everyone, but very often they change their minds, and go to pink or ivory,'' says Blake. There are dresses with and without straps, and with a choice of line including the universally flattering Empire waist. Ensembles run from $275 to just over $400, the average cost is around $300, and turnaround time is 10 to 12 weeks. Blake and Simmons recommend ordering so the dresses arrive a full month before the wedding and trying them on immediately. ''Issues do come up,'' says Simmons, and last-minute alterations can try a bride's patience. The Verdict Since there isn't a bride who doesn't wish to flatter her friends and relatives and attire them in a dress that can truly be worn again, Thread has come to the rescue with a charming selection. - Stacy Wallace-Albert
People Magazine October 6, 2003
Tracee Ellis Ross (left) and Chynna Phillips wore Threads sheaths at pal Dilyn Cassel's wedding.
People Magazine October 6, 2003
Bridesmaids Revisited Two designers hatch a novel idea: a dress you can wear after the wedding. ''Everyone will say the bride looks pretty,'' says Beth Blake (left, with Sophie Simmons in their studio). ''But bridesmaids are reviewed sharply.''
InStyle Weddings October 2003
Silk chiffon gown, Thread New York
