Operation Dream Dress Winner Revealed!

Nov. 5, 2010— -- Vanessa Tapia of Aventura, Fla., was crowned the winner of the Brides magazine's Operation Dream Dress, a competition for up-and-coming designers to create the ultimate wedding dress.

Tapia, born in Quito, Ecuador, crafted an elegant and flattering design with knife pleats to elongate and slim the figure. The pleats were all hand-pressed and hand-sewn to create a structured gauze silk corset. The skirt has a classic softness and femininity. The detachable swirl train is made of chiffon and drapes from the front of the dress off to one side.

Brides editor in chief Millie Martini Bratten said the dress has a tribal, global feel in a classic shape.