Ahead of the game: retrospective on New York Bridal Fashion Week

June 10, 2016

Though the 2016 spring New York Bridal Fashion Week has come and gone, we are still in full swing of wedding season, and brides who are tying the knot next year have already started to scour magazines, online stores and bridal boutiques for that special dress for their big day.

Between April 13 and 18, 2016, this fashion week presented eager brides (and bridal salons) with a variety of looks and silhouettes. We picked a few that we think will please the classic, but discerning bride, as well as those brides looking for a touch of drama and modernity.

Galiah Lahav’s “Le Secret Royal” was both evocative and demure. This bridal and evening couture house created pieces that mixed low decolletés with long sleeves, hard edges with soft materials. This collection is not for the woman seeking a simple dress, with simple details.

On the runway the same day was Anne Barge’s spring/summer 2017 collection. Though the gowns focused mostly on mermaid and trumpet silhouettes, some of the clean-lined looks were paired with jewelry delicately draped over the models’ shoulders.

For the bride wanting to add a little punch but not willing to stray too far from the more traditional looks, this may be the right trend. The few high-low hemmed dresses were also fun, especially for the bride looking to kick up her heels (without taking away some of the drama).

One of our favourite collections was “Whisper of Blossom” by Mira Zwillinger. The mother-daughter duo created an effortless line, where all looks centered around delicate floral and “blossom” details.

Each piece had its own voice, with a unique use of see-through and metallic fabrics, as well as soft silhouettes. And there were many silhouettes! This gave a nice choice and variety, and the ability to dress many shapes.

For Reem Acra, it was all about “regal touches, elegance and Europe”. Adding small details to timeless shapes, Acra stepped up the competition this year with strategically placing see-through fabrics throughout her designs. Another thing we can say for sure after seeing her show is: lace is here to stay.

The spring/summer 2017 collection from Rivini held more of a classic touch. With basic fit and flare, and ball gown silhouettes, the devil was in the details for this designer, as well as the overall simplicity of the designs which only seemed to elevate the elegance “factor” of each dress.

And, last but certainly not least, if you are looking for something completely out of the box, look no further than Naeem Khan. His collection was a mix of bright colours and accents (including a black number and a few bright blue accents), and softness (including blush and soft white).

Variety was also the name of the game, with silhouettes and lace detailing seemingly molding the brides. The designer brought his trademark lightness and sheer accents, offering elegance with sexiness.

A few points to consider in our trend report:

Sheer accents and materials are here to stay. In a tasteful manner, of course.

Leave much to the imagination. Even with all the sheer material on the runway, there were just as many looks for the demure bride (from covered shoulders, to full sleeves, and even turtle and mock-necks making an appearance).

Don’t be afraid to accessorize! From striking jewelry to fascinators, don’t discount these for the full effect on your wedding day, especially if you are looking for drama.

Romance and lace. Lace, a staple in bridal gowns, is being reinvented, with the accents becoming more dramatic (especially when used with other sheer accents).