Time-honoured elegance with a modern twist
By Ariel Vered
The bridal gowns for the fall 2019 season are sleek re-imaginings of some of the most gorgeous, traditional designs. Millennials are gravitating toward classic styles that have a fresh facelift: whimsical and elegant upgrades.
Hearkening to classic wedding styles, but with a modern spin, these gowns capture the vision of every bride dreaming of gliding down the aisle on her wedding day. From the inspiration of Meghan Markle’s royal wedding to Prince Harry to the enduring influence of Kate Middleton’s 2011 wedding style, the princess gown is capturing the hearts of brides this year.
INFLUENCES OF ROYALTY: MEGHAN MARKLE, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX
One of the most important bridal fashion moments of 2018 was the long-awaited reveal of Meghan Markle’s wedding attire. Her wedding ceremony dress by Givenchy and her wedding reception dress by Stella McCartney have had a creatively important influence on the bridal fashions of this year. Recalling the bateau neck-line and minimalism of the Givenchy dress, designers are showing simple yet chic body-hugging silhouettes. Understated, timeless elegance is the name of the game. This effortlessly chic look can be elevated with tasteful crystal embellishments.
The Duchess’ Stella McCartney halter reception gown has in-spired asymmetrical necklines and sleek lines. The high-neck halter is a great style for showing off sculpted shoulders. For the bride looking for a sophisticated yet modern look, a silky halter-neck sheath is a stunning choice. It’s a no frills look that still speaks volumes of style. Bridal designers are also adding dimension to the high mock-neck with lace, chiffon and other delicate embellishments. There has also been a rise in one-shoulder gowns with the cold shoulder trend becoming a major style accessory in recent years. Choose a one-shoulder gown with a bow on it to give your look dimension, or a full-sleeve for a hint of demureness.
Asymmetry is adding dimension in bridal skirts as well. A water-fall skirt gives the effect of a waterfall through tiers and strategically gathered sections of tulle, satin and more. With a high-low skirt, the bride can easily walk down the aisle and tear up the dance floor.
PRINCESS BRIDE
Young brides of the millennial generation are turning to fairy-tale looks for their wedding day. The princess-style wedding gown, historically a classic bridal silhouette, is a style that suits brides of all sizes. Yes, it may be the stereotypical wedding dress that comes to mind, but brides are gravitating towards a modern update on the classic silhouette. With all the excitement and focus on the royals and their style, brides are taking the chance to be princess for a day. Sweetheart necklines are the most traditional choice.
IT’S ALL IN THE SLEEVES
While strapless has been a reigning wedding fashion for years, sleeves have become an increasingly de rigueur wedding dress element. And what better time to turn to a sleeves style than as the weather starts to cool and winter returns to our lives. But don’t worry, just because sleeves may be demure does not mean they are boring. It may surprise you to learn how sleeves can elevate a look in different and exciting ways, while injecting a subtle sexy vibe. Kate Middleton’s all-lace Alexander McQueen wedding dress turned heads, in no small part because of the delicate beauty of her long lace sleeves. Sheer, gauzy sleeves lend a hint of romance and can feature hints of floral and sequin embellishments to catch the eye. And a voluminous statement sleeve can recall the ‘90s or the Renaissance era. Bring the drama with a floor-length sleeve.
CHIC SEPARATES
The new wave of wedding separates is a fun spin on the traditional dress. Cropped shirts and sweaters have taken over every-day style; now they are finding a place in wedding style. Brides are pairing a bridal crop top with a variety of skirt options: a full, voluminous skirt, a fitted mermaid skirt, an A-line skirt, and even chic slacks for the edgy, fashion-forward bride. A matching skirt achieves the effect of a wedding gown with a hint of something different. Another option is to choose a stylish contrast, such as a feathered full skirt, to amplify the effect.
BRING ON THE DRAMA
Another celebrity wedding dress that took our collective breath away was Priyanka Chopra’s stunning bespoke hand-embroidered lace Ralph Lauren dress. The dress brings together many elements of au courant bridal couture and highlights some of the gorgeous details that brides are gravitating toward for their bridal style. The dazzling details include plenty of bling, in the form of 32,000 sequins and more than 11,000 Swarovski crystals; scalloped sleeves; a modest high-neck collar; an intricately embroidered sheer illusion coat with satin-covered buttons; and the show-stop-ping 75-foot veil.
Much like Chopra, brides are choosing classic dress silhouettes with dramatic details that show off hints of edginess and sass. They include tulle gowns, gold and silver lace detailing, accents of pale blue, watteau trains and dramatic sleeves.
