Vera Wang

With an eclectic front-row crowd that included Kim Kardashian, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Serena Williams, and a dramatic last-minute arrival by Beyoncé, the Vera Wang Spring 2012 show already had a buzz going by the time the first ethereal white look strode down the runway. It was a collection inspired by Alice in Wonderland — Tim Burton's version, no doubt — that mixed Vera's skill for soft feminine touches with an edge; chiffon dresses had drawstrings, floral prints seemed to morph into something totally trippy and neon-hued, and the skirts were cut away to reveal the models' long legs clad in gladiator heels. Some of the more fanciful looks included a yellow corset with peplum boy shorts and techno cotton eyelet cropped vests layered over corsets. We remain most entranced, however, by the first series of white looks, as the play between transparency and tailoring, between softness and edge, seemed most natural and truly channeled that Alice in Wonderland magic. This can be no coincidence considering Wang's reign as one of the world's top bridal designers.

>> After announcing yesterday that she's going into the engagement ring business with Zales, Vera Wang has complete another, more personal transaction: She's bought herself a home in Beverly Hills, as she's spending more time in Los Angeles, according to her real estate representative.

The midcentury modern home was listed in March for $10.9 million; Wang bought it for about about $10 million, the Wall Street Journal reports. It was completely renovated by the previous owner, real-estate investor and designer Steven Hermann, and has four bedrooms, a home theater, and glass walls. There's also a pool and spa.

Kim and Kourtney Kardashian stepped out of their Manhattan hotel this morning in designer ensembles prepped for a marathon day of wedding dress shopping. First up, the sisters made a stop at Vera Wang's Upper East Side boutique before joining the designer at Sant Ambroeus for lunch. Kim's reportedly searching for the perfect gown to complement her 20-carat engagement ring. She's done her fair share of research by checking out the best NYC has to offer. She visited Bergdorf, Barneys, and Bendel's yesterday following her early morning workout session with Heidi Klum. Heidi and Kim also spent an afternoon together last week when Kim filmed a guest judging cameo on the season nine premiere of Project Runway. Kim and Kourtney are on the East Coast for the time being, but they're sending big love to their sister Khloe, who turns 27 today. The family can look forward to being together in early August when Kim and Kris are reportedly tying the knot at a lavish LA estate.

The wait is over: Vera Wang's bridesmaid collection for David's Bridal is out and ready for perusal. The line captures the same beautiful quality as her bridal collection, and prices range from $158 to $198. Under $200 — now that's a designer deal. Take a look at the rest of the amazing collection in the slide show now.

Leighton Meester wore Vera Wang and posed with the designer at the launch of Vera's Lovestruck fragrance at Harrods in London today. The Gossip Girl actress is the face of the new scent, and Leighton kicked off work for Vera Wang with a photo shoot in NYC last November. She got similarly glamorous at Sunday's MTV Movie Awards, where she donned a sparkling Balmain mini on the red carpet. Leighton will continue to stay in the spotlight as she ramps up promotions for Monte Carlo, which comes out in July. First, though, she'll take the stage to perform a sold-out show at LA's Troubadour club with the band Check in the Dark on June 13.