Bridal fever continues to grip the Grazia offices, with the recent McCartney nupitals setting off the Great Wedding Dress Debate once again. Would you make like Nancy Shevell and wear a demure, buttoned-up frock or are you more of a Kim Kardashian kinda gal, dreaming of being swathed in reams of frou frou? Well, happily Bridal Fashion Week has just kicked off across the pond to give us wannabe brides a confection to satisfy every whim. Whether princessy, tailored, dusty pink or blacker than black, let’s take a look at what trends will be hitting the aisles for autumn / winter 2012…
1. Tulle up
At Carolina Herrera, Theia and Amsale, ballgowns were frothier than our morning cappuccino thanks to lightweight layers of tulle pouring from satin bodices. Perfect for gliding towards your groom, no?
2. Go back to black
No, seriously. Vera Wang’s collection was free of traditional white tones, with dresses in nude, ivory, blush and even BLACK. We gasp! This one's for you, goth brides.
3. Be a Little Mermaid
A form-fitting bodice that flares at the knee is an ideal way to combine a sleek and sexy design with a frou-frou skirt, as best represented by Vera Wang's dramatic creations.
4. Feminise with florals
3-D floral appliques are always a fun way to modernise your wedding dress, as seen at Reem Acra and Monique Lhuillier. Gagalicious!
5. Give a flash of flesh
A cheeky flash of the lower leg or a tantalising peek at a shoulder? Yes please! Transparent details appeared at Vera Wang and Carolina Herrera for a sophisticated take on sexy.
6. Slit it
Speaking of bridal-appropriate sexiness, thigh-high slits that would make Liz Hurley blush stalked down the catwalk at Monique Lhuillier and Reem Acra, providing us with a red carpet spin on traditional bridal wear.
7. Be individual
Ooh-eee! Theia's collection offered an individual twist for those quirkier brides among us. Think thigh-scraping mini-dresses and high-waisted jumpsuits. Genius or what?
8. Get lasered
A laser-cut gown is a nice alternative to layers of lace and how perfect would this laid-back Carolina Herrera number be for a wedding in the countryside? We can totes imagine frolicking through the fields in this one.
9. Try slinky sleekness
If you’re more of a sleek Pippa than a full-skirted Kate, look no further than Carolina Herrera’s minimalist, no fuss column gowns, or add a few ruffles with a Theia confection.
10. Make like Middleton
Of course, Middleton mania has influenced every designer, most notably through lace sleeves that repli-Kate the famous Alexander McQueen gown of Royal Wedding day. It's perfect for a demure Duchess, wouldn't you say?
So do tell – which bride would YOU be?
by Jessica Vince
