Wedding Fashion: The White Room
Image by Amanda Marie Photography
“The White Room was founded to redefine both what a wedding gown is ‘supposed to be’, and the dress shopping experience as a whole,” Pegeen Lamb explains. Her passion for the wedding boutique where she is the creative director bubbles just under the surface as she continues, “We strive to provide a space for Minneapolis brides who do not feel that their personal style is represented in traditional bridal fashion, while creating an intimate and memorable appointment that they will cherish forever.”
The White Room was built on those two founding principles: innovative bridal design and high-end customer service. Carmen Duerr, The White Room’s owner, has utilized her extensive background in these two areas to create the best possible experience for every future bride who walks in the door.
“Our appointments are intimate and detailed,” Lamb explains, “They begin with a stylist touching base with you and your group to get a feel of the vibe of your wedding, and the type of look you are hoping to find. Our brides are then allowed to search the showroom and pull a handful of gowns that they are drawn to initially.” Paying close attention to the way their clients react to each of the dresses that they try on, the stylists balance their intimate knowledge of the available dresses with the client’s feedback so they can “pull dresses that may be a better fit based on what you are liking. We offer ideas and suggestions for styling and accessories, and ultimately help you build a one of a kind look that you feel amazing in!”
Photo courtesy of Amanda Marie Photography
Given the times we find ourselves in The White Room has introduced several new safety and sanitation protocols. Lamb explains further, “We have a small team of three, which ensures that each bride is in good hands, and that each stylist is invested deeply in their client’s experience.” In-person appointments are still available and the boutique goes above and beyond to make sure that everyone who enters The White Room is safe – even in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Of course, as an LGBT-identifying person, safety goes beyond the pandemic. The White Room does consider itself an inclusive boutique and the entire team treasures their LGBT clientele. “We welcome absolutely everyone in our boutique and [are] constantly expanding our inventory to be more and more inclusive!” Lamb says, “Our clientele knows that the only thing you have to ‘be’ to feel bridal is ready to marry your person.”
Photo by Gretchen Powers Photo and Film
Lamb cannot help gushing a little bit further. “Our clientele is strong, fashion forward, modern, with an artistic edge. We love working with brides who know who they are, who want to take a risk, who love one-of-a-kind luxe fabrics, and who style their whole bridal look to make an impact.” This boutique loves people who want to explore their personal style in meaningful, unique ways and push their fashion boundaries.
On that note, Lamb gave us the inside scoop on three new trends emerging in wedding dress fashion this year: simplified necklines, capes, and statement sleeves. “A squared or straight-across neckline is very in right now,” Lamb says, “We’re finding that our minimalistic brides are straying away from a sweetheart or rounded neckline [and opting for] something more angular.”
Tulle capes have been a unique alternative to veils for a while, but recently materials like crepe and wool have also surged in popularity. Lamb smiles: “We are seeing our fashion forward brides really embracing the magic of a bridal cape this year!”
Statement sleeves are perhaps the boldest of the three new trends. “We didn’t know we were ready for the 80’s to be back until we saw how well our brides were responding to our designers’ reimagined take on the Princess Diana poofy sleeve!” Lamb laughs.
Whether you want to try on the latest fashions or go for something a little more traditional, you do not need me to tell you that the best way to find your dream dress is to schedule an appointment and try some on for yourself. With the knowledgeable and friendly assistance that the team at The White Room is known for and their stunning collection of dresses, you are almost guaranteed to find and fall in love with the perfect dress for your special day.
No matter what else might change in these strange times – you can control your dress.
