By Terri Jo Ryan

Tribune-Herald staff writer

With the date and the site selected — May 10 and the Crawford ranch of her father, President George W. Bush — the focus of the impending nuptials of Jenna Bush and her beau, Henry Hager, now switches to who the bride will be wearing.

Earlier this year, Laura Bush asked 12 designers to create a gown for Jenna: Vera Wang, J. Mendel, Arnold Scaasi, Carlos Miele, Amsale, Carmen Marc Valvo, Angel Sanchez, Badgley Mischka, Nicole Miller, Lela Rose, Marc Bouwer and Oscar de la Renta.

No word had trickled out of the White House as of press time Thursday on who made the final cut. But a few gossip Web sites say that in early February, the first lady and Jenna were spotted at New York’s Seventh Avenue Oscar de la Renta shop.

On the other hand, the Bush family’s favorite designer is reportedly Lela Rose, a Lone Star native who has been designing in New York City since 1996. Rose started designing wedding dresses for the fall 2006 season, and is known for her classic silhouettes with a whimsical twist and a juxtaposition of fabrics to add a modern edge.

Media wags have been joking about “ranch chic” and the “cowboy couture” of a wedding at Prairie Chapel Ranch instead of the East Room. But the first lady has been quoted as saying she hopes Jenna’s wedding will be “lovely and simple and just perfect.”

The Tribune-Herald asked two Baylor University fashion students to imagine what they would create if they had won the dream commission to design a gown for the president’s daughter. They submitted sketches and explained their inspirations below.

tjryan@wacotrib.com

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By Latoya Jackson

Baylor junior majoring in fashion merchandising

Age: 22

Hometown: Killeen

Her inspiration: After researching Jenna Bush’s body type and scanning David’s Bridal for concepts, she devised a “classic, A-line look” appropriate for a president’s daughter, she said.

“People are going away from traditional to modern this spring, with stream-lined, bodyfitting forms with less ornamentation,” she added.

“I went low-cut with the top and sleeveless, because it’s probably going to be very warm out,” Jackson said. “It also has a halter neckline.”

Colors: White dress, with a band of cream, ivory or eggshell around the waist.

Materials: “I recommend using satin for the dress. Also, the shoulder straps would be made with beaded lace, and beads will also be located at the bottom of the dress. The top of the skirt is also draped.”

Hair suggestion: An up-do, with a simple tiara and sheer veil.

Designer’s plans after graduation: Jackson hopes to work in Dallas for Neiman Marcus, and eventually open her own shop.

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By Caitlin Gorny

Baylor senior majoring in fashion design

Age: 22

Hometown: Chicago

Her inspiration: “It’s something I would like to wear and would be flattering on many women. I think all clothes should be part classic, part edgy or frivolous, and part modern. That is how I went about designing this dress.

“I think about the individual who would wear this garment and how it should make them feel. If this design was ever constructed, I hope it would be the type of wedding dress that was worn generation after generation because of its timelessness and because it’s the type of dress that just makes you want to have a party.”

Colors: White

Materials: Satin and organza

Hair suggestion: Wearer’s choice

Designer’s plans after graduation: Gorny began a custom fashion illustration business her junior year, building clientele all over the United States and internationally. She plans to launch her Web site, CaitlynCarlisle.com, this month. After graduation, Gorny will complete a design internship in New York, further her education through course work at the Parsons New School For Design, and continue to expand her illustration business.