Editorial: TWG

Writing to different types of audiences is half of the fun of what I do and rarely a challenge — except when I was asked to write a 600-word expert feature on bespoke wedding dress fashion for a lux magazine. However, I heart a challenge and that feature became the cover story.

INSPIRED LOOKS

For modern brides, heading down the aisle is the ultimate runway. Brides are choosing wedding gowns that reflect their personality and vision — not necessarily their mother's. And modern brides wanting a distinctive, maximum-impact, never-to-be-forgotten wedding are increasingly turning to the world of haute couture.

A few years ago, a young bride might have wanted to look hot; today’s bride wants to look haute. And the fashion world is ready.

There were countless wedding dresses on display this season that could work for a modern bride, were she so inclined — from Valentino’s floral silks to Carolina Herrera’s light lace to Oscar de la Renta’s voluminous ruffles.

Fashion-forward designer Rosa Clara recently gave a preview of her 2014 wedding collection in Barcelona that included dresses with layers of silky tulle and crystal and art deco style beading.  Carrie Berend of Bridal Boutique of Lewisville, who attended the event, sees “a huge shift to sheer dresses and overlays that add some sparkle. Glitz and modern sophistication are trending, and runway dresses are embellished with beading and crystals.”

Lacey looks, magnificent plumage, sheer straps and other inspirations can transfer from the catwalks to the aisle, of course. And some chic chicks are going all in by choosing designer dresses for their big day. Whether brides are buying designer dresses or simply being inspired by them, there is no shortage of ideas from Paris, New York or Hollywood.

Not surprisingly, the red carpet is another runway that inspires modern fashionista brides. All the beaded gowns at this year’s Academy Awards are having a big impact. And the glitzy looks of the new The Great Gatsby film have inspired retro ’20s dresses and accents that look equally glamorous coming down the aisle. “The Gatsby film is clearly inspiring a retro, glitzy look with a modern touch,” Berend explains.

One reason modern brides are turning to high fashion is that they know what they want. Some brides walk into bridal boutiques with their mothers, and some walk in with friends — but almost all future brides walk in with photos in hand. “The modern bride is very chic and stylish, knows what she wants and is not afraid to go out of the box to get it."

Most of our visitors walk in the door with clippings from websites like Pinterest. Our role is to help them choose the inspirations that work best with their body type and personality,” Berend says. As a result, confident brides are choosing dresses that more precisely reflect their own style.

Another reason brides turn to high fashion is that there are affordable options in the world of couture. Services such as Rent the Runway offer affordable alternatives to full-priced designer labels for the bride, or her bridesmaids. And bridal boutiques offer accessories that mirror runway-ready looks. These accessible details can add that distinctive look to a more conventional dress.

There is only one rule for a bride who wants to showcase a modern look — she must choose something that makes her feel confident and beautiful on her big day. To help with that, the following pages will reveal some hot looks inspired by the runway and modern brides (and grooms) everywhere.