Carolina Herrera
POLKA DOTS
What started off as a few hot spots on fall's ready-to-wear runways (à la Stella McCartney and Marc Jacobs) has become bridal fashion's must-have motif. From dainty point d'esprit decorating Isaac Mizrahi's tulle column, to the bolder-the-better circles splashed on Carolina Herrera's and J. Crew's gowns, the quintessential pattern has been revived for your big day.
FLARE picks: Carolina Herrera ivory and ash polka dot strapless gown, price upon request, at White Toronto. Isaac Mizrahi point d'esprit tulle tot one shoulder gown, $2,850. theaislenewyork.com. J.Crew Collection Dominique silk jacquard gown, $3,302, jcrew.com.
J.Crew
Monique Lhuillier
ILLUSION NECKLINES
Sheer, delicate, and often embellished, illusion style necklines veil the skin in a subtly sexy way. From classic lace sleeves à la Kate Middleton to sleeker, gossamer-light fabric around the décolletage, it's suddenly cool to cover up. If you're in search of a refreshing alternative to the ubiquitous strapless gown, these are the dresses for you.
FLARE picks: Monique Lhuillier Chantilly lace corset bodice sheath with crystal embroidered tulle one shoulder, $6,600, at White Toronto. Reem Acra pearl embellished silk organza gown, $10,500, at White Toronto. Vera Wang lace and tulle gown, $8,500, at Vera Wang in Toronto.
Reem Acra
Vera Wang
Vera Wang
COLOUR
One of the boldest looks for bridal comes in a full spectrum of colour. From the faintest hint of silver and blue to bright lettuce green, bridal designers are going beyond the pale. Dazzling gowns also took a romantic turn in shades of blush, apricot and lilac meaning there's no better time to just hue it.
FLARE picks: Watters blush tulle Olivia gown with Swarovski crystal-embellished flowers, $4,200, watters.com. Vera Wang mint organza mermaid gown with looped petal details, $6,700, at Vera Wang in Toronto. Jenny Packham silver silk chiffon gown, $3200, at White Toronto.
Jenny Packham
Watters
Isaac Mizrahi
TWO-TIERED SKIRTS
Cheers for tiers! Directional bridal designers focused on hemlines, adding a touch of flair (and flare!) at the hips with the addition of multiple layered skirts. In sophisticated styles such as Isaac Mizrahi's kicky peplum and Jason Wu's diaphanous tiers of ivory tulle, the look cuts an exquisite-not to mention super flattering-silhouette by ingeniously camouflaging wider hips.
FLARE picks: Isaac Mizrahi silk faille peplum gown with black grosgrain belt, $4,400, theaislenewyork.com. Christos duchess satin gown with ruched bodice, $3,800, christosbridal.com. Jason Wu tiered tulle gown, $5,475, net-a-porter.com.
Christos
Oscar de la Renta
EMBROIDERED FLORALS
Is there anything more fanciful than embroidered blooms? Wedding gowns are in stitches-literally-with couture-worthy details inspired by nature. From Oscar de la Renta's lilies of the valley to Carolina Herrera's feminine anemones, these gowns are a garden of delights.
FLARE picks: Oscar de la Renta silk faille lily-of-the-valley embroidered gown, $9,200. Carolina Herrera cotton embroidered lace with anemones, price upon request. Alvina Valenta organza dress with embroidered roses, $685, alvinavalenta.com.
Alvina Valenta
Carolina Herrera
Marchesa
SHEER SKIRT
Brides have a new erogenous zone: the legs. Asymmetrical skirts and gauzy, transparent wedding gowns have arrived. Whether racy and revealing or subtly sheer, the effect is undeniably enchanting. Plus, there's no better way to show off a spectacular pair of shoes!
FLARE picks: Marchesa Alençon lace and silk chiffon gown, $6,600, at White Toronto. Halston Heritage ruched silk gown, $695, net-a-porter.com.
Halston Heritage
Ines di Santo
FEATHERS
Dainty, delicate and exotic, plush plumes and fluffy feathers tickled the fancy of bridal designers. The result? An opulent wedding look that's in full plume.
FLARE picks: Ines di Santo silk tulle Genova gown with ostrich feathers and Swarovki crystals, $9,800, at Ines di Santo. Carolina Herrera embroidered Eloise gown with ostrich feathers and matching bolero, price upon request, at White Toronto. Ivy & Aster knot-front crinkle chiffon mini dress with feather skirt, $1,100, at White Toronto.
Carolina Herrera
Ivy & Aster
J.Crew
SEPARATES
One of the most directional takes on bridal for 2012 is the maxi skirt. The look is at once modern and an elegant take on retro. Pair the romantic separate with a cashmere sweater or simple tee and you've got a breathtaking and effortlessly chic big day look.
FLARE picks: J.Crew tulle Paget skirt, $3,186, jcrew.com. Oscar de la Renta silk floral brocade skirt with silk flower satin ribbon, price upon request, at White Toronto. Fancy New York tulle skirt, $1,200, dressmefancy.com.
Oscar de la Renta
Fancy New York
More stories from Flare
- Top 5 Trend-Setting Celeb Bridal Looks
- 10 Sexy Bridesmaids Dresses
- Bridal Q&A: Dress Trends For 2012
- The Latest Wedding Dresses From Bridal Fashion Week
- 10 Messy Wedding Updos
Connect with Flare:
There are no comments yet