Justin Alexander Collection

We just arrived back in Minneapolis after a fun–filled weekend in NYC attending fashion shows and private showings for the latest collections that will hit bridal salons this coming fall. If there is one BIG wedding in 2018 having an influence on wedding gown designers it has to be the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. If you thought Kate Middleton’s wedding gown took center stage in the bridal world, you haven’t seen the affect Meghan Markle is having. It seems as if the designers at the New York City Bridal Fashion Week channeled their inner-princess for their Spring/Summer 2019 collections. Yes, you can count on seeing long voluminous trains, flowing capes, bows – yes they are back, deep plunging to high collar necklines, low backs, long sleeves and yes even some color.  And the crowning trend – demure tiaras if there can be such a thing were quite the surprise giving off a royal wedding vibe inspired ala Meghan Markle again!

From Princess Ball Gowns, A-line silhouettes to illusion sheaths with over skirts to be accented with feathers and exquisite detailed beading the designers hit all the marks or shall we say the Meghan Markle effect of the season.  But don’t worry if you don’t identify with being a princess bride – not everyone is – there is plenty of strong, powerful and confident looks to fit every style of bride.

Here are some of our favorite silhouettes that graced the runway. Which one fit’s your style?

PRINCESS

Royal wedding mania is all around us no matter where you look.  Meghan Markle hasn’t even ascended the aisle yet, and we’re already seeing the buzz in bridal fashion. From sparkling tiaras, to sophisticated regal styles that give visions of some of the world’s most legendary royal brides.

(from Left to Right: Monique Lhuillier, Monique Lhuillier, Rivini)

JUMPSUITS

As we see the return of tiaras and bows, jumpsuits have become part of the bridal scene and everyone has them in their collections. Not just for elopements, many brides have been choosing a second reception gown or dress, and now we add a contemporary jumpsuit to the mix.

(from Left to Right: Lakum, Rivini, Ines Di Santo)

SIMPLE

For those brides who are not all about the sparkle, we still see gowns of clean lines, and flawless simple

tailoring, while the classic gown continues to be many brides’ favorite choice.  Brides while remaining classic their images become legendary for many years to come.

(from Left to Right: Romona Keveza Collection, Romona Keveza Collection, Gracy Accad)

COLORATION

From soft pastels to bold colors, each collection seemed to feature at least one pop of color in their runway lineup.  From floral prints to soft elegant color details, these gowns allow a bride to dare to be different.

(from Left to Right: Galia Lahav Couture, Leanne Marshall, Watters)

MODESTY

As in past seasons the see-thru illusion gowns continue to dazzle the runway – you can always add a liner – a more modest bodice seems to be appearing in every collection. Mock necklines utilizing illusion fabric to full on lace and almost Victorian era satin.

(from Left to Right: Gracy Accad, Justin Alexander, Monique Lhuillier)

GLITZ

With wedding receptions becoming more of the club atmosphere, metallic colors of gold and silver embellished gowns are all the rage.  From shimmering silver petals and leaves to brush strokes of painted fabrics, when the lights embrace the gown – magic ensues.

(from Left to Right: Berta, Justin Alexander, Mira Zwillinger)

FLOW

As we have always said the longer the train, capes and veils the better. Each designer continued to enhance the dramatic flow of capes and cathedral veils when a bride enters to walk down the aisle.  With many thing hinging on the upcoming royal wedding, trains are longer and detachable. From Watteau trains beginning at the shoulders, to soft flowing chiffon caplet shoulder streamer trains and detachable overskirts let these elements of the silhouette create the drama.

(from Left to Right: BERTA, Claire Pettibone, Legends by Romona Keveza)

VOLUMINOUS

As in past seasons of the red carpet, sheath and mermaid designs continue to embrace the runways for many designers, we have been seeing the return of the Ball Gown!  Let there be no mistake about it again with the royal wedding, ball gowns created out of volume of fabrics are returning more and more this year.  As we have said some elements of the 80’s and 90’s are back in style and ball gowns take the spotlight but hopefully not the voluminous puffy sleeves.

(from Left to Right: Legends by Romona Keveza, Reem Acra, Ines Di Santo, Monique Lhuillier )

DETAILS

Designers did not hold back embellishing wedding gowns this season with strong vivid 3-D patterns, heavy floral appliques, elaborate embroidery/beading and unique fabrications.  The details of even such things as ice allowed the designer’s vision to come alive.

(from Left to Right: Reem Acra, Rivini, Romona Keveza Collection)

BOWS

As girlish as bows may seem to many brides we can honestly tell you they are here to stay in the 2019 Spring collections.  Bold statement bows were seen everywhere from the famous “butt bow” to the more, simple flowing chiffon bows created quite the stir on the runway. Bows are the perfect accent to gowns to get your guests to say, “Ooh Wow!”

(from Left to Right: Monique Lhuillier, Romona Keveza New York, Romona Keveza New York)

PLUNGE

The Deep V Neckline and Backs are getting lower and lower and some wider and wider.  With the help of illusion fabric Deep V Necklines plummeted almost to the navel this season.  Sleek and sexy to romantic ball gowns the plunge is effecting every silhouette while still allowing a bride to feel proper for the occasion.

(from Left to Right: BERTA, Ines Di Santo, Mira Zwillinger)