I can hear the bells! Bridal Fashion Week took New York by storm, and sent us all back to the days of our girlhood wedding dreams! Houston Bridal maven, Joan Pillow, gave us the rundown!
Just when the withdrawal was starting to set in from fashion month, Bridal Fashion Week is here to save us! On the second weekend of April, bridal designers around the world rolled into New York ready to present us with marriage-ready masterpieces. With runway looks worthy of a fairytale, Bridal Fashion Week had us all (single and married, alike!) wanting to run to the altar!
To cover a bridal week with such huge trends,we knew we had to turn to Houston’s own bridal guru, Joan Pillow of Joan Pillow Bridal . The blissful catwalks were crawling with usual bridal signatures- tulle, beading, lace- but she gave us the rundown of the major trends you can get ready to see make their way from the runway to an aisle near you!
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Minimalist
One of the first that came to mind for Joan when she spoke about minimalism was Oscar de la Renta. “Oscar has a minimalist look with an edgy twist”, making it the perfect go-to for those brides who like simple, but still desire to be fashion forward. Her favorite for the more demure bride is Romona Keveza who is known for their timeless look and elegant minimalistic designs.
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Feathers
Though this trend is nothing new to the fashion world, feathers are taking the aisle by storm this season! “Feathers were first introduced by Monique Lhuillier“, says Joan, but this season they are being used in less traditional silhouettes. Minis, midis, off-the-shoulder- this whimsical embellishment just got a major upgrade!
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Heavy Embellishment
When we asked Joan about high-impact gowns with heavy embellishment she immediately names Ines Di Santo and Reem Acra! One look at both designers’ Bridal Fashion Week runways, and you will understand why! Head-to-toe embroidery, beading, appliquès…you name it they have it!
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Sky High Slit
This trend is definitely not for the faint at heart. But, it IS for those who want to have their own Angelina Jolie moment on their wedding day! Many brides use their big day as their workout motivation, so it’s only fitting to show off the hard work with a sky-high slit and start the marriage with their best leg forward!
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Sleeves
From Left to Right: Francesca Miranda, Monique Lhuillier, Lela Rose
According to Joan, strapless and sleeveless have had their time to shine, this season it’s all about the sleeves! As many brides move toward more modest looks for their wedding day wardrobe, it’s no surprise that long sleeved dresses are on trend. Whether they are sleek & sheer or puffy & renaissance-inspired, the added fabric comes with added impact!
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High-Low
High-Low hemlines are making a return this season according to Joan! Party in the front and business in the back…makes these gowns perfect for the party girl at heart. Whether its layered fabric or bare leg underneath, a high-low silhouette is here for a good time!
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Outerwear
Sometimes even the perfect dress needs just a little something to make the look worthy of the big day! Bridal Fashion Week showed us that outerwear can go far beyond practicality! From sheer capes to full length jackets, wedding outerwear is a great way to add another level of fashion to the fairytale.
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Shorts & Jumpsuits
Who says gowns are the only way to go on the big day? For brides who want to forgo the fuss and say yes to the shorts, Joan turns to Mira Zwillinger and Reem Acra! Pairing the shorts with elegant outerwear, or layering them under a sheer skirt, are are key ways to keep it less casual and more chic! For those that want a little more leg coverage, a jumpsuit is an elevated alternative that keeps the comfort!
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Unconventional Colors
From Left to Right: Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Reem Acra
Not every bride dreams of a white wonderland on their wedding day. Some prefer to be the blushing bride or wear their something blue! The toned down pink and blue hues are perfect for that unconventional bride who still wants to celebrate the love all in the air. These colorful pieces will make any bride who steps in them feel like the princess she should be on her big day!
From Left to Right: Mira Zwillinger, Anne Barge, Vera Wang
As you can see we absolutely loved what Reem Acra had to offer this season, so we are so excited for Joan Pillow Bridal‘s Reem Acra event May 16-18! Reem Acra’s Global Director of Bridal will be in store on Friday and Saturday, so it’s an event any blushing bride simply cannot miss! To request an appointment, click HERE.
For all things weddings and brides, check out our Pinterest page, Bridal Bliss!
All images courtesy of Vogue Runway, Mira Zwillinger, Romona Keveza, Sahroo