Last night I had the distinct pleasure of attending L’Atelier Couture’s grand re-opening in the warehouse district. Once Amy Jane Bridal, then L’Atelier on Selby in St. Paul, owner Amanda Kautt picked up and moved to Minneapolis for the most incredible space. The industrial setting—cement floors, exposed pipes—combines with an incredible view of Minneapolis and the destination-shopping-worthy, exclusive, ethereal couture gowns that hang down the center of the space.
Now that they’re settled, it was time for a grand re-opening—appropriately called Fete de Blanc—and exacting owner Amanda Kautt did it flawlessly: wedding gown designer Peter Langner (formerly of Dior and LaCroix design houses) flew in from Italy to show his latest collection. The show had a little something for every bride’s style, from classic white silhouettes bedecked with bows, appliques, or sweet ruching to flushed-pink gowns with covered buttons and flouncy tutus, which reminded me of something Gwen Stefani wore down the aisle on her wedding day.
There were definitely some gasping from the audience, and many excited women pointing at the details they loved best. Even though I’ve been married for almost four years, it temporarily made me want to plan a big wedding. (I ran away to Hawaii, so that’s saying a lot.) It was pure fantasy, except for the lucky women who might be meeting with Langner this weekend to plan their dress for their big day. After viewing the exquisite details, Langner should be your man if you are in the market for a couture wedding gown. After all, he said in his closing remarks: “This is the one dress where there is no compromise.”
That must be the reason Kautt wholeheartedly endorsed Langner as her favorite wedding gown designer. It’s immediately obvious walking through the doors at L’Atelier that there are no compromises. The most incredible gowns for the most incredible day. Period.
See for yourself (photos by the crazy-talented, super gracious Liz Banfield):
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