Read about the latest Janell Berté Trunk Show at The Bridal Shoppe
(as seen in The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and at www.lubbockonline.com )

Berté customizes wedding gowns

The Bridal Shoppe, 3502 34th St., featured the fashion work of Janell Berté from 1 to about 6 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday.

Berté, who was available at the store during those times, also attended a meet-the-designer party from 7 to 8 p.m. Friday at The Bridal Shoppe.

Berté began exploring her fashion inclinations when she was 12 and subsequently won awards in fashion design competitions.

She opened her own business in 1982 in Orange County, Calif., where she first designed private wardrobes and, later, debutante and wedding gowns.

Berté has marketed her fashions at Magnum, Neiman Marcus, Marshall Fields and Saks Fifth Avenue. In 1994, she moved her company to Lancaster County, Pa. Her home is a renovated, 230-year-old stone mill next to a private stream.

"This was my first (Texas) trunk show outside of Dallas and Houston," Berté said. I'm very excited about bringing not only my Collection line retailing between $1,400 and $2,300, but also my Couture line of gowns retailing between $2,000 and $5,000 to our clientele in Lubbock."

She added, "Going to the big city isn't necessary now."

According to Berté, dresses were customized for brides visiting the show.

"We designed it right there on the spot for her," she said. "The difference between having just a trunk show and a trunk show with the designer means that you will get the gown of your dreams."

"The exquisite Italian silks, French laces and hand embroideries are candy to the eye and cream to the touch. As a special thank-you to my brides purchasing one of my gowns during my visit, I gave them a signed copy of my book, 'The Designer Bride,' a wedding planner and an autographed sketch of the dress that they chose."

Rose Nell Burnett, owner of The Bridal Shoppe, said Berté took measurements to change neck lines, hem lengths and other alterations for dresses that are ordered while she was here.

"It was an excellent opportunity for the brides to see some designer dresses and to talk to the designer," Burnett explained. "The dress will be made specifically for them."