by K. Finley
When Vera Wang and Monique Lhullier were just beginning their careers, their soon-to-be famous dresses appeared in a salon called The Collection in Winter Park, Florida.
Rolling the dice on these now legendary designers must have paid off for The Collection - they’ve been in business for over 20 years and have become Central Florida’s premier bridal salon.
The next time you’re on Park Avenue, walk through the park past the rose bushes, past the train depot and the bandshell, and pop in The Collection. Depending on the day you arrive, and whether or not you have an appointment (not necessary), you may be handed a glass of champagne - with or without a strawberry atop - especially during trunk shows (try Saturdays).
I walk in on a beautiful October day, having flown in from JFK. Inside, I find an adorable salon full of charm and elegance. The Collection’s chandelier, bright, comfortable decor, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide style while lacking pretension.
Champagne in hand, I tour The Collection with Milly, the salon owner, who has just returned from Bridal Fashion Week in New York City a week earlier, where we’d bumped into each other.
The salon features some powerhouse lines - everything from Paloma Blanca to Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra. The Collection’s lineup seems to work for almost any bride-to-be’s budget: the prices range from $2,000 to $14,000.
During my tour I encounter Stephanie Leftwich, a Collection customer trying on her dress for the umpteenth time. It’s from Vera Wang’s Lavender Collection ($5600), and features a sweetheart neckline and two medium-sized lavender bows on the back, a selling point for the Orlando Resident. I ask her when the date is.
“October 3rd at the Ritz Carlton,” replies Stephanie. I look down at my watch, certain that it’s mid-October. “Next October” she says. “I’m just trying it on to show my aunt”.
Milly explains that it’s perfectly normal for their customers to try on the dress multiple times - whenever another family member is in town, for example. The Collection’s bridal consultants seem to thrive off their customers’ enthusiasm, as Stephanie is happily assisted by two attendants - three if you count her aunt.
Considering their very chic location, The Collection exudes little hoitey and even less toitey. Instead, they reflect the best kind of salon, big enough to carry top designers, small enough to provide no-pressure, easy-does-it-service that a few unnamed New York City salons could learn from.
And the champagne? I recommend it with the strawberry.
