We love it when designers create beautiful wearable gowns in effortless silhouettes that “real” brides want to wear; and we get even more excited when we see high-end designers remembering that not every bride or potential customer is a supermodel size. Jenny Packham is loved for her glamorous Old Hollywood style, which many women may only admire from afar because they think the gowns would never fit their body type. However, Packham proved that her dresses are truly for every bride and shape by opening her spring 2015 show with a plus-size model”. There were models of different sizes and they all looked amazing in the complimenting cuts and flowing fabrics. The intricate beadwork was signature Packham, but they didn’t overpower the silhouettes. A short sleeve sheath dripping in crystal embellishment and a champagne silk halter dress were two stunning looks, but the draping and soft movement of each super feminine gown made the entire collection breathtaking. There were dresses a bride can pick for every occasion during her bridal season, from the engagement party to the after party.
Bridal Market, Spring 2015: Jenny Packham
Bridal Market, Spring 2015: Moniquer Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier loves to show off her dresses—in a good way. Her bridal shows always allow each and every gown to standout. No models racing down the runway here! This season, her latest collection was shown in a well-choreographed presentation where the models walked around in figure 8 formation and then took their place on a stage simulating a John Singer Sargent portraiture—think surreal Vogue photoshoot. The collection was pure fantasy with clouds of tulle, silk satin organza, and delicate embroidered lace details abound. Lhuillier also included color, but the pastel shades of blush, pistachio, and mist were so subtle that they simulated the classic bridal white. A few stunning gowns of the evening were a hydrangea blue strapless gown with a full A-line floral skirt, a long sleeve embellished column dress with a front slit and tulle overskirt, and a sweetheart embroidered A-line gown with a matching tulle shrug.
Bridal Market, Spring 2015: Atelier Pronovias
Atelier Pronovias is currently celebrating their 50th anniversary, and the collection hints towards fabrics and silhouettes that are part of their heritage—mainly the two-piece wedding dress and their start as a fabric house. Actually, when I discovered this brand years ago while in Spain, it was with their two-piece gowns. This was years before they came to the U.S. Pronovias’ two-piece gowns are sold as separates, so they can be mixed and matched allowing brides to customized their gowns.
