Sabra Minkus (photo: Wes Naman)

Ah, the wedding issue — always a favorite. You might recall that I got married nearly four months ago. Does that still make me a newlywed? I vote yes, mostly because I’m lazy and don’t want to wipe the shoe polish off my car windows or untether the cans from the bumper. Did I say lazy? I meant really busy. Leave me alone.

This year’s Fabü wedding edition topic is extra-fabulous: custom attire. Last spring, my friend, Sabra Minkus, contacted me about helping find a dress she could wear to her daughter Bonnie’s summer wedding to Jayme Holmes. However, this wasn’t just any dress for the mother-of-the-bride — it was a Chanel gown that Sabra saw in W magazine’s New York Fashion Week coverage.

After several calls within various levels of the Chanel hierarchy, I finally got my answer. “Zat was for ze runway only,” declared the oh-so-French couture specialist, who I imagined was dripping in pearls and clutching a quilted leather phone. “It eez not available for purchez.” Sigh. Mission failed. Dream shattered. Or was it?

I contacted Teresa Romero, designer and owner ofThe Designer’s Lounge (7101 Menaul NE, 505.508.1750, designandlounge.com), a fashion design and sewing studio. A nearly 20-year fashion industry veteran, Romero came highly recommended for her custom dresses, particularly for brides and bridal party members.

“The women I am commissioned by have shopped around and can’t seem to find their dream dress,” said Romero.

Together, Romero and Minkus mapped out a plan for a custom, Chanel-inspired gown. 

Click here to read the rest of the column in Local iQ magazine’s special wedding issue! 

Wonder what he’s advertising? Eager to find out!

Tricky is 44 today. Happy birthday, Tricky. We love you.  

I once literally bumped into Tricky at a cocktail party in Washington, DC. I got so excited that I appeared fairly ridiculous. I mean, seriously—when you bump into someone at party and you turn to say “Excuse me,” you don’t expect that person to be Tricky, ever. Fortunately, he was very kind and gracious, and even engaged me in a brief chat.

Thanks for not making me feel like a total idiot, Tricky. Hearts to you. 

Actor Robert Hegyes, who played Sweathog Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein on “Welcome Back, Kotter,” died Thursday of an apparent heart attack in New Jersey. He was 60.

See ya on the other side, Epstein.  

Happy 57th birthday to Eddie Van Halen. Shred on, sir. 

Behold: the Darth Vader Burger.

In honor of the release of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace in 3D, European fast-food chain Quick launched this new burger. 

Sadly, it’s only available in France, where he’s known as Dark Vador. 

May the black bun be with you. 

Happy 79th birthday to Corazon Aquino.

She was a pillar of democracy and a bad-ass betch.

Her story is awesome and incredibly inspiring.

Viva radical women!