From ostentatiously glam to starkly simple and sweetly romantic, here are the bridal trends to know, now.
RISE & FALL HEMLINES
Setting aside the idea of floor-length gowns, designers across the globe played with proportions and lengths in the couture shows, ready-to-wear shows and bridal presentations. Blumarine Sposa (bridal) collection featured a model in a tulle full length skirt over her sheer-sleeved mini dress. Ensuring modesty by day, with the option to show a lot of leg a little later on – the ultimate modern bride. Georges Chakra couture show feathered pencil slip and offered a hint of thigh by means of a sheer panel smattered with crystals, while Ralph & Russo’s couture offering was a doubly sexy assault – barely there fabric and a thigh high split.
DELICATE LACE
While lace has previously been such a heavy focus of bridal and couture collections, this season its presence was more thankfully more discreet. That said, its romantic offering is perennial. Elie Saab’s modern iteration of lace was nothing short of dreamy – a floral motif working its way down a form-fitting dress and smattered sparsely over a veil proved divine. Espose Couture also ensured their lace was body-hugging – it’s intensity falling in line with the shape of the dress and the glorious fishtail skirt. Carolina Herrera also opted for a delicate approach, albeit slightly more beohemian, with an off-the-shoulder lace dress and bell sleeves.
THE DRESS ALTERNATIVE
These days, there is so much out there for brides set on eschewing the idea of a traditional dress. From couture to ready-to-wear, we’ve sifted through to bring you a look for every season. Ralph & Russo – a firm favourite – showcased a fur and crystal detail mini dress, complete with pearl crown. It really would make for the most picture-perfect winter bride. The streamline jumpsuit from Viktor & Rolf’s bridal collection oozes summer-in-the-city appeal – the tailoring, the way the fabric has been manipulated into a corsage-like flower, it’s so simple but impactful. For everything in between we couldn’t resist this sheer wrap by Italian bridal designer Elisabetta Polignano, ethereal and decadent and equal parts.
GLAMOROUS METALLICS
Be still our beating hearts. The allure of metallics is almost irresistible right now. When a model took to the runway in a floor length draped and hooded shimmering gown at Valentino, we all cooed with desire. It seemed inspired by the strength and allure of Grace Jones as well as the ‘70s appeal synonymous with Bianca Jagger’s style. At Armani Prive ‘20s headbands topped iridescent corsets and skirts covered in crystals. At Zuhair Murad couture it was go bling, or go home. A model in a bejewelled all-in-one complete with matching cape was show-stopping.
DRAMA AND VOLUME
Perhaps one of the more traditional bridal trends, volume took on so many modern guises for this season. Blumarine’s bride wore pretty cascading peach ruffles, while both Elie Saab and Viktor & Rolf’s wore a million layers of tulle – yet somehow, still look light and delicate. At Alexis Mabille Couture a stark silk-satin was wrapped into a trench-style dress with a dramatic oversized collar. Definitely styles for brides with confidence.
- Words by Lloyd-Jones
- Images: GoRunway.com, supplied
