Tis the season when all your favourite couture designers unveil their newest works of art known to us as Bridal Couture. At Valencienne we often look to couture for inspiration in our own collections. We recently stumbled upon (and fell in love with) Harper's Bazaar's Top 10 trends from New York Bridal Market 2019. We're happy to see so many trends that highlight our newest Havana collection. So here you have it! Your top 10 Bridal Trends for 2020 courtesy of Harper's Bazaar!
It may be residual regal inspiration from The Duchesses of Sussex and York, or a strong reaction to fashion's progressively casual takes on street style—but nonetheless, long live exaggerated puff sleeves, ruffles, and confection-like skirts.
2019 bridal and Couture is stepping back in time to periods of courtly dress, featuring large pleated ruffs, ultra-high necklines, and Victorian-inspired everything. When dressing for a church ceremony, traditional affair, or an ultra-romantic formal event, channel your inner Marie Antoinette.
Meghan and Eugenie may have gone modern for their recent weddings, but it seems the fashion set prefers you turn up the volume on all things royal.
From left: Vera Wang Bride; Sandra Mansour (top); Viktor & Rolf Bridal; Valentino Haute Couture; Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2019
With boho bridal on its way out (but more on that later), designers have gone all out glam. Layered skirts, ruffles, and embellishments are just the beginning—flights of fancy have taken designers to new heights, and all-over feather frocks, plush details, and plumes galore have become mainstays for evening and the aisle.
When it comes to this trend, don't skimp. What might have felt trite or try-hard in seasons past is now theatrical, yet chic. 2019 is all about flairs for the dramatic, the grand, and the over-the-top that make fully feathered looks feel au courant; keep the hair and makeup ethereal, edgy, or minimal to avoid this look going costume.
From left: Oscar de la Renta Bridal; Huishan Zhang (top); Giambattista Valli Haute Couture; Ashi Studio; Elie Saab
Sheer, gossamer tulles and satins and chiffons that waft like smoke—all paired with mirrored embroideries—were on display in droves this season and make for a fresh alternative to ivory.
In reflective and uniquely embellished designs, these mirrored pops and all-over accents in chrome and silver are sure to replace the onslaught of sequins and crystal beading that have flooded bridal collections in years past. Be it for the aisle, the rehearsal dinner, or the after-party this new take on sparkle and shine is elegant, elevated, yet edgy.
From left: Inbal Dror (top), Paco Rabbane for Net-a-Porter, Naeem Khan Bridal, Dana Harel, Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2019
While the color blue is nowhere near groundbreaking in bridal, consider donning your wedding dress as a "something blue." Blush and champagne both had their debut, and have since become mainstream fore the aisle; now, designers like Vera Wang and Reem Acra are looking to make waves with this cool shade.
Opt for a touch of the tone a la Carolina Herrera's ribbon straps, or dare to be different in a head-to-toe look of whisper-thin tulle or lace.
From left: Ralph & Russo Haute Couture (top); Reem Acra Bridal; Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring 2019; Vera Wang Bride Fall 2019
Capes aren't groundbreaking in the wedding world, but the new renditions of them this season were innovative and fresh for both the aisle or the after party. Be it a sheer covering embellished with embroidery, a cocktail cape covered in ruffles, an unadorned coverlet, or a full-length option that could sub in for an adorned veil, the wedding cape levels up a minimal silhouette, or ups the ante on an already stunning ensemble.
Whether or not your gown has sleeves, this is still the chicest way to cover up.
From left: Berta Bridal; Savannah Miller Bridal (bottom); Sandra Mansour; Elie Saab Bridal (top); Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall 2019
New twists on metallics, jumpsuits, fringe, and all things disco are making a comeback—with a '70s meets '80s edge. Sequins paired with plunging necklines, sexy satin slips, lame, all-over-glitz, and over-the-top accessories will have you ready to hit the dance floor and shake things up for the aisle. From rehearsal dinner looks to after-after-party vibes, shop like a badass disco diva—we dare you.
From left: Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2019; Rodarte Fall 2019; Dundas Fall 2019; Naeem Khan Bridal Spring 2019
Royal weddings are the prime example of traditional bridal sleeves and coverage, but if you’re after something a little outside-the-box, you’re in luck. This year, bridal sleeves are anything but ordinary. Be it a puff, raglan, or a detachable sleeve, the options are endless.
Nobody is up for bridal sleeves for the warmth—and this season's options are all about the look. Sheer sleeves provide the illusion of a long line, while still showing skin; and gossamer sleeves with a pouf, flare, or ruff mix up monotonous wedding dress silhouettes that are tired and overplayed.
Structural and draped sleeves create an eye-catching look that is upgraded and highly sophisticated. For a wow-factor transformation, opt for 2019's newest rendition of this trend: detachable sleeves. Don them down the aisle for a more traditional look, and then shed them for dancing.
From left: Rodarte Fall 2019; Chanel Haute Couture Fall 2019; Galia Lahav Bridal Fall 2019 (bottom); Vera Wang Bride (top); Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2019
Bows are back; in fact, they never left. A dramatic take on a '50s staple, as seen at Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera and at Balmain and Givenchy Haute Couture, bridal bows aren't going anywhere; they're simply getting bigger.
Departing from last year’s variations, which were more girly and quaint than theatrical, these deconstructed versions are more statement and super-structural, adorning shoulders, backs, veils, embroideries, and more. The irony about this super-femme trend? The bigger the bow, the edgier the look.
From left: Lena Medoyeff Bridal (top); Oscar de la Renta Bridal Fall 2019; Balmain Haute Couture Fall 2019 (top); Sandra Mansour; Carolina Herrera Bridal Fall 2019
Princess Eugenie and the Duchess of Sussex both opted for gowns that were void of lace and embellishment—and a rise in bridal minimalism soon followed, with designers showcasing simplicity and all things unembellished.
This year it's more about the gallery girl and the cosmopolitan than the unadorned princess. Contemporary cutouts, boyfriend-inspired suiting, and clean cuts are all on offer once more, thanks to designers like Cushnie, Brandon Maxwell and a squad of other new designers tailored to those looking to stand out from the Chantilly-clad pack.
From left: Dior Haute Couture Fall 2019 (top); Ralph Lauren; Balmain Haute Couture Fall 2019; Brandon Maxwell Bridal for Moda Operandi (top); Ines di Santo Fall 2019
Perhaps it was the Duchess of Sussex's epic veil, trimmed in embroidery designed to symbolize the flowers of the British commonwealth; or, it could be Priyanka Chopra's spectacular 75-foot raw tulle veiling, held by six handlers as she walked down the aisle in Jodhpur towards her now-husband, Nick Jonas.
Or, it could be that these It-brides were simply embracing a trend they noticed was on the horizon. This traditional accessory is having a major moment—but this time with unique twists. Strategically designed embroideries and pieced lace veils are more statement than accent in 2019. Designers are encouraging that brides see veils as not only an add-on to the gown, but as a part of an overall look.
From left: Naeem Khan Bridal Fall 2019; Elie Saab Bridal Fall 2019; Lola Varman Bridal (top); Danielle Frankel Objet
See the original post on Harper's Bazaar here!