Trash the Dress

I've decided to embark on a bit of a project... it's a little something called Trash the Dress, and it started a little over a year ago. See, I've had a hard time understanding why so much money is spent on a garment worn for only one day. Why not create something really memorable after that day is finished? I've also decided that it's a statement to make to brides on their wedding day - their dresses will never look as dirty or destroyed as I hope to make the ones I use in my dress trashing shoots. In other words, STOP WORRYING ABOUT THE DIRT ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE DRESS. NOBODY EVER SEES IT!!!

Trash the dress is not my idea, unfortunately. There are several photographers out there who do sessions. You can take a look at the original website at www.trashthedress.com. By participating in this project, I hope to help brides have one more fun use out of their gowns that would otherwise sit in a box or a bag in their closets only to discolor after years of storage. I also hope to create some great art.

Anyway, most of the dress trashing photos that I've seen out there have involved beaches, water... you know, stuff the typical bride would NEVER do on her wedding day. I, however, would MUCH rather have my brides (or models, in some cases) do things a little... messier.

Rather than give away some plans, I'll show you the gown that I picked up from a suburban Chicago thrift shop for $17.50. It's already gotten a head start in the trashing department - snags, dirt, discoloring. The most important thing about this gown was that it was cheap and looked fairly modern (i.e. it didn't have those mutton sleeves reminiscent of the 80's).

I have to say, I cannot wait to start trashing!!!