But retailers of Israeli bridal wear say the cost doesn’t dissuade
diehard fashionistas. Caitlin Ohle, director of communications at
Elizabeth Johns, said the store started carrying the Mira Zwillinger
line last year to give couture-loving brides a high-end option — and
customers have opened their wallets gladly. “Brides just love it,” said
Ohle of the Zwillinger line, which features a dreamier, more romantic
take on the Israeli look. “It’s a showstopper. They fall in love.”
If the tulle inspires the passion, Instagram and Pinterest are
the sartorial Tinders that match gowns with girls. Retailers and
brides alike confirm that social media ignites the spark of bridal
interest; phones were ringing off hooks at wedding salons every-
where the day after Beyoncé wore her long-sleeved, floor-length
Inbal Dror at the Grammys, a look that instantly went viral online.

It certainly caught the eye of Marisa Awad, whose social-media
browsing had led her to a long-sleeved, intricately detailed gown
by the same designer.

“I knew I wanted something couture, and I knew I wanted to
go the Tel Aviv route,” said Awad, a professional wedding photog-
rapher based in Philadelphia. In addition to falling in love with the
aesthetic — fuller coverage, she said, looks more interesting in pic-
tures — Awad, like other Jewish brides, was pleased that the gowns
are made in Israel. As she and her mother browsed fashion from
See Dress, Page 22
Name: Gladwyne Pharmacy/KZ Enterprise
Width: 3.625" T h e p l e a s u r e o f y o u r c o m p a n y
i s r e q u e s t e d t o v i s i t
Depth: 4.75"
Color: Black plus one
The Invitation & Stationery
Comment: Simchas/JE
Shoppe Of Gladwyne
Ad Number:
00065966 Featuring invitations for
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs
Weddings Bridal Showers
Corporate Events
Parties —
Stationery Calligraphy
H o s t e d b y :
Lynn Spector & Naomi Zipkin
352 Righters Mill Rd.

Gladwyne, Pa
610.649.1100 A Mira Zwillinger gown
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM SIMCHAS
MARCH 31, 2016
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