The Stunning Bridal Trend We Didn’t See Coming

It’s safe to say that New York’s Bridal Fashion Week, which recently came to a close, is just as trend-driven as NYFW. Though there are fewer shows to see and the majority of the collections are white, or at least presented in a cream derivative, the two events have one common theme: a dedication to newness.

Though wedding dresses and ready-to-wear exist on different fashion planets, there was one crossover trend that bubbled to the fore for autumn. Perhaps mirroring designers like Rejina Pyo, Sies Marjan and Saint Laurent who promoted the look during their autumn winter 2017 catwalk shows, bridal brands like Marchesa, Lela Rose and Dennis Basso for Kleinfeld showed gowns with long lean sleeves.

As if all the designers had held a covert conversation, there was an overwhelming movement towards showing stunning yet conservative ivory dresses. It marked a shift away from the lingerie-inspired lace dresses of the last few seasons that looked like strands of lace barely pinned together. Instead of risqué cuts, the leading names of the season showed silhouettes that covered wrists, shoulders and ankles. Stark in contrast, but equally striking as gorgeous embroidery, appliqué and delicate lace was invoked for texture and tactility.

Georgina Chapman’s Marchesa moved the past summer's off-the-shoulder trend forward with a textured gown with a Bardot neckline. While Lela Rose opted for a beautifully simple boatneck design that tapered at the wrist with covered silk buttons. And, Naeem Khan played peek-a-boo with lace and tulle that modestly revealed and concealed the model’s physique using tactically placed embroidery. Similarly, Canary Island-based labels PalmasFor winter brides and Ogadenia used sheer beaded or lace panels when creating their long-sleeved designs. For winter brides and those less keen on their arms, this will come as welcome news.