Not for nothing has the phrase “she said yes to the dress” passed into popular parlance. A girl’s wedding day is the one time all eyes will be on her. If you’re planning your nuptials in the near future, make sure you’re ready for your close-up in our pick of this season’s best frocks.
Green Gown
Beauty and the sensual world are at the heart of H&M’s Conscious Exclusive collection for 2017. Every piece is made from sustainable materials, including BIONIC – a polyester made of plastics recycled from shoreline waste. It is a premium collection made for special occasions, great for the wearer and for the planet.
Challenge Traditions
Inspired by the woman of today, Carolina Herrera’s spring 2017 bridal collection explores romance and femininity in new forms. Combining simplicity with sophistication, effortless elegance with meticulous craftsmanship and modern refinement with timeless grace, it challenges traditional shapes while retaining the fairy-tale quality of the look in this Adeline ivory floral French lace strapless gown.
Country Meets Couture
Very British designer Jenny Packham chose a country-style setting to show her spring 2017 collection, but, though a few of the frocks looked at home among the hay bales, most featured the upmarket styling and craftsmanship synonymous with the brand, which is a favourite of the Duchess of Cambridge. This Lyra style harks back to her vintage roots and would not look out of place at a Gatsbyesque party.
Bridal Debut
The first bridal collection from Lebanese design star Elie Saab is true to his ethos of ‘more is more’ with heavy embellishment, embroidery, lace, tulle and chiffon. However, the simplicity of a delicately edged veil and shapes such as this classic column, make the collection at the same time both show-stopping and infinitely wearable.
On Trend
This Gabrielle gown from Oscar de la Renta embraces the opaque trend seen on this season’s runways with its short underskirt, topped with layers of tulle giving a hint of skin but staying demure enough to be properly bridal (with just a little edge). The stunning sequin detailing gives the impression of raindrops cascading towards the skirt’s darling full hemline.
Flower Power
Ever innovative, the doyenne of wedding dress designers, Monique Lhuillier, took inspiration from nature for this season’s fresh and pretty collection. Describing the models as ‘nymphs’ at her spring-summer 17 show, soft silhouettes afforded a lighter touch than her usual fare with body-skimming sheaths and voluminous skirts adorned with delicate flowers.
Pink Princess
If you want to buck the ‘white dress’ trend slightly, without losing the princess look lots of little girls (and some big ones too) dream of, look out for a traditional style in a different colour. The Marchesa confection in softest pink with its tiers, ruffles and off-the-shoulder neckline ticks all the boxes.
Daring Drapery
The barely there bodice on this creation from Zuhair Murad’s collection gives the impression of skin while the nipped in waist and full skirt, embroidered with delicate, sparkling flowers, maintain the vision of bridal modesty. This is a gown for the bride who wants to look the part at the same time as showing her individuality.
