Wedding fashion is ever-evolving with renowned and emerging designers alike pushing the envelope on bridal gowns year after year. Twice a year, in April and October, fashion houses, bridal influencers, salon owners, and wedding enthusiasts from across the world flock to the Big Apple for New York Bridal Fashion Week. This semi-annual extravaganza showcases the bridal industry’s most exquisite and trendsetting attire for the coming year. Engaged couples and fashion aficionados eagerly await as couture designers like Galia Lahav, Monique Lhullier, and Ines Di Santo show off their newest creations.
In the past, designers were typically known for creating signature looks whether it be billowing ball gowns or the use of sultry fabrics. In this new age of bridal, nearly every designer has expanded their portfolio to include gowns across the spectrum. They are catering to today’s brides who are looking for ways to feel like an elevated version of themselves. This has pushed designers to throw everything they know out the window and blend traditional techniques with modern features.
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a rise in popularity of minimalist slip gowns all the way to regency-style dresses with endless layers of fabric and dramatic sleeves. After perusing hundreds of new gowns on the runway, there were three trends that couldn’t be ignored: mini dresses, wedding dress separates and drop waist silhouettes. Weddings are a personal event and everything down to the gown should represent your personality. These ideas are here to provide inspiration as you infuse your own flair into them.
Magical Minis
One of the standout looks from the runway during the most recent New York Bridal Fashion Week was the emergence of mini bridal dresses. Once confined to small celebrations or courthouse ceremonies, brides are embracing shorter hemlines with a sense of playfulness for any type of occasion. There are no shortage of options when it comes to these minis.
Designers love to utilize a range of fabrics from silk to lace and play with various shapes from curve-hugging gowns to architectural masterpieces. A micro dress with a flirty bubble skirt and a high-neck sheer lace top from Monique Lhuillier gives the bride an opportunity to show off a pair of fashionable lace booties. 3D floral is lively and awe-inspiring in a mini gown from Esé Azénabor, while black and white appliqué flowers give gorgeous texture to a strapless midi dress from Arava Polak. LEGENDS Romona Keveza makes a statement by pairing an above-the-knee dress with chic black leather gloves, a chrome belt, and detachable organza sleeves.
Sophisticated Separates
Versatility is increasingly top of mind for anyone looking for the perfect wedding day look, and wedding dress separates are taking the bridal world by storm this year. This trend redefines bridal attire by allowing brides to mix and match different pieces to create a completely personalized look. These separates consist of removable sleeves, crop tops and trousers, or even capes, giving brides the adaptability they crave on their special day.
One look on the wedding day is no longer enough as brides seek outfits that easily transform throughout the wedding day. A crepe jumpsuit with a detachable skirt from Justin Alexander Signature is elegant for the ceremony and shifts into a stylish ensemble for the dance when the skirt and sleeves are removed. A cathedral-length cape takes the place of a veil for the vows and reveals a minimalist party dress underneath by Nardos. High-neck capelets make for a dynamic two-in-one look paired with an ultramodern sculptural mermaid gown by Galia Lahav.
The Return of Drop Waist Dresses
Bridal fashion trends tend to be cyclical, and this one has had a few resurgences itself. First seen in the 1920s flapper era, drop waist gowns are defined by their low waistline that flares out at the hips. It is loved for accentuating curves while elongating the body. It was popular once again in the early 2000s with celebrities including Victoria Beckham’s Vera Wang retro-inspired wedding gown, and now it’s back with a twist.
Contemporary versions of this style have a vintage feel and designers are taking liberties with this traditional silhouette. A hand-crafted beaded bustier cascades into an ethereal A-line tulle skirt by Liz Martinez. Extravagant ruffles anchor this drop waist sweetheart corset with 3D flowers from Lee Petra Grebenau ideal for the fearless bride. Feminine layers of floral lace exude a timeless charm that transcends eras from Francesca Miranda.
