One of the highlights of being in the bridal business is traveling to see the latest fashions.

On May 30th we were off to Barcelona, Spain to select from the brand new 2008 Pronovias collection.  Wow what a trip!  This is not a normal buying trip for our store.  The Pronovias experience is truly different and I intend to tell you all about it. 

The Barcelona Beach Great Shoe Shopping! Before I get to the Pronovias event, let me tell you about the magnificent city of Barcelona.  Barcelona is located on the Mediterranean in the North of Spain. It is a spectacular city that combines the old and new world. The city is a wonder to wander filled with spectacular sculpture, architecture, markets and shopping.  I would highly recommend a visit for anyone looking for a fantastic vacation or perhaps a honeymoon! If you are interested in finding out more about Barcelona check out http://www.barcelonaturisme.com

Now on to the Pronovias event.  This is a once a year event that takes place over several days.  On the day of our arrival we were treated to a welcoming dinner at our hotel.  Our hotel was one of several that Pronovias books for all its 1900 guests arriving from around the world.  We sat with other store owners from New Jersey, Puerto Rico and Kansas City.  On an interesting aside, the Kansas City store owner we sat with is the mother of Survivor Guatemala $1,000,000 winner Danni Boatwright!  One of the great things about attending a show like this is that you get to meet really interesting store owners from all over the world.

Enjoying tapas on La Rambla	A glimpse from the fashion show

On our second day, Friday, we had the day free to wander the markets of La Ramba and of course sample some tapas.  Friday night was the big Pronovias event.  The evening started by being shuttled by busses to Palau Sant Jordi.  This is a basketball stadium that has been transformed into a fashion show stage.  There are curtains as high as you can see and you had no idea that you were in a stadium.  All of the attendees are dressed to the nines!  It feels like going to the Oscars.  At 8:30 the fashion show begins and it is spectacular. Top models from around the world show off the latest bridal fashions.  There is media from all over the world snapping photos and filming. The show is non stop and upbeat.  The theme of the show is appropriately “Marry Me.”

Upon the conclusion of the fashion show a curtain wall opens to reveal a magnificent ballroom.  The rest of the night is fine dining and dancing to an unbelievable band.  The party rolls on until the late hours.

Party at Palau St. Jordi	Party at Palau St. Jordi	Partying with Pronovias owner Mr. Palatchi

Saturday is all work.  We are shuttled back to Palau Sant Jordi to select Pronovias gowns that will be carried in our store in the upcoming season.  This is more difficult than it seems.  We must select from nearly 200 styles that are displayed around the hall.  Careful consideration is given to styles and fabrics.  With all our years in this business it is still a challenge to pick the best styles for our customers.  I think you are going to love them!  Many of the 2008 styles feature ruching and asymmetrical designs. Quite a few are in silk but we loved the unique lace gowns.  These fantastic new styles will be in the store in September or October this year!    There was however still one more party!  Saturday night featured a roof top buffet on top of one off Barcelona’s most exclusive hotels.  We sat with a table of store owners from the United Kingdom and had a blast.  Sunday was our day to explore and relax before we flew home on Monday morning.  The trip is a whirlwind of activity and is so much fun.  The gowns are gorgeous and Pronovias hospitality is top notch.  It’s events like this that make being in the bridal business so great!

Saturday night roof top party	Saturday night roof top party	The list of countries that store owners visited Barcelona from	Pronovias exhibition gowns on display	Selecting wedding gowns for the store