Trend Report: Wearing Your Heart on Your Sleeve
Wedding seasons is about to kick off and while most brides have chosen their wedding gowns and most have even been altered to fit them perfectly, we know that most are not looking for ideas of what to look for. But for the spectator, last minute bride, or newly engaged gal, here is a little trend forecasting on what to expect to see coming down the aisles. Usually, like every season, we look to the runways to dictate exactly what is on trend. And wedding fashions are no stranger to this process either, with new shades, shapes, and details rushing down the runways at Bryant Park from some of the most sought after designers each and every season. Bridal fashion is a perfect mix of what is on trend and what is classic and timeless, (depending on the bride, of course!) And there also may not be a better example of the “what’s old is new” approach than when it comes to bridal dressing. This mantra is perfectly exemplified in our closer look at the trend of the year and somewhat of a new take on an old look: Sleeves!
When skimming the pages of the fabulous coffee table book, Vogue Weddings, the editors have a perfectly curated collection of modern and vintage weddings that are both iconic and still providing inspiration for today’s brides. It takes a closer look at the thoughts behind a dress, and the designers that work hand in hand with some of these very lucky brides. Perhaps the most mimicked look of all time is Grace Kelly. A timeless icon of fashion in her own right, the long sleeves with intricate lace detail is one of the most remembered wedding looks of all time. Modern fashion muse, Nicole Richie, modeled her custom Marchesa gown after the famous frock and added a tulle bottom to add a ball gown effect in effort to bring her own style to it.
Going from one royal wedding to another, no one opitimizes grace and elegance more than Kate Middleton who chose British house Alexander McQueen when it came time to design her modest yet stunningly beautiful long sleeve gown. Paired with a lower cut neck line, the look was anything but conservative and showed that covered arms can be the ultimate in flattering and not frumpy. It also gives brides another chance to show stellar detailing, which for most is a delicate Italian lace sleeve. (Nicole Richie even had her new married name embroidered onto one sleeve! Very, cool.)
Let’s not forget the options are endless when it comes to opting for a sleeve. You can take it all the way or do as the very modern, yet classic, Ivanka Trump did and go with a ¾ sleeve, also in a lace. The look is classic and calls into play, the unmatched attention to detail provided by her dress designer, Vera Wang. It also adds a refreshing new spin in a sea of strapless dresses.
So when looking for something new this wedding season, perhaps expect to take a nod from the old. And don’t forget for all of you future brides out there, sleeves aren’t just for the Fall or Winter bride anymore, they are a statement for all seasons!
