Back from New York Couture Bridal Fashion Week, the bridal fashion designers are already fast tracking the Fall 2016 wedding collections. While at times wedding gown styles might not change all that drastically from one season to the next, there still are standouts to take a sneak peek at. As last season’s crop top has become a Ghost of Seasons Past, here are highlights and our picks for Fall 2016.
Translucent Vision
Daring, provocative, dreamy, ethereal perhaps and yes even sexy! The list of adjectives could go on and on about the latest and most visible (or invisible) design esthetic. With last season’s introduction of illusion fabrics used on the bodice and sleeves of bridal fashions, we now see this move south to the gown’s skirt. For many this is “Just No Way” but wait don’t say no just yet! The translucent skirts may be provocative but they can also have a silk lining added into the gown allowing more coverage than the strategically placed lace. Yes, this style of gown is not for everyone. For those who are willing to walk out in something more impactful and avant garde this will surely do it!
Gown from Ines Julie Vino

As the classic romantic and traditional silhouette will always have a place in bridal fashion, there seems to be a modern influence taking hold – a more industrial urban look with classic lines. Ball gowns and A-Lines are seemingly becoming more popular than in past seasons where fit and flare gowns became the new take on traditional. Now simple classic lines with textured fabrics and elasticized cap sleeves bring the romance of tradition back in style as modern tradition. Everyone’s family has traditions and designers are embracing the many different worldly traditions into their designs.

The most dramatic part of the presentation of the bride as she ascends the aisle is the ethereal lighting behind her caused by tulle veils or the organza overskirts. If there is one spectacular item you can use for your dramatic entrance it’s the cathedral veil, elongated trains and now dramatic cascading capes. The various capes have evolved to include various fabrics such as tulle, chiffon, organza and yes, even cashmere. An air of sophistication and elegance is secure with these dramatic accessories.

With tradition comes lace and what we know is that everything is cyclical and we are entering a new phase of lace utilization in silhouettes. Reminiscent of some of the sleeves of the 1980’s with lace appliqués, today they are without the satin sleeves. Now we see illusion sleeves with delicate lace patterns to bold “Tattooing” lace, with some even featuring lace collars, which are removable for the reception after the ceremony. From 3-D floral re-embroidered and embellished lace to satin, taffeta and organza overlay hemlines, lace appliqués are accenting gowns instead of an all over lace silhouette.

Gone are the days of white-white wedding gowns. Today more than ever designers are embracing the addition of colors in soft hues of plush, sage, ivory, pale grey, latte and gold. As we have known for many years, most complexions do not pair well with white so we’ve seen designers work with off-white fabrics.We are also seeing color added into the detailing of ribbons, hand painted silks and the colors being introduced in the underskirts.
Images courtesy of Designers.
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