Combing through the umpteen magazines, Pinterest boards and tastefully curated roundups of nontraditional wedding dresses can be a daunting task for brides-to-be. What if you just want an idea of what’s hot now to get you started? You know: the latest styles that everyone will be drooling over in six months? We have just the thing for you. During the last week of April, Barcelona’s top bridal designers showcased their latest wares, and a few fascinating trends popped up again and again. Below, we’ve rounded up eight of our faves so that you can switch gears from the dress to, say, the minimalist wedding decor of your chic dreams.
Gold was an unmistakable presence at Bridal Fashion Week, often as an accent to designers’ larger visions. Carla Ruiz’s lush Baroque creations, for example, wouldn’t feel nearly as true to the time without using the world’s most luxurious metal to enhance it.
2. Elegant Backs
Creative silhouettes were all the rage. Jesús Peiró’s off-the-shoulder number seemed cinched into the model’s upper arms but still, paradoxically, exuded effortlessness. Justin Alexander showed off another popular item with a trio of bows above a row of tiny decorative buttons, and Pronovias went high with a full back leading up to a feather collar.
3. Bows
These flourishes call to mind a romantic past but, given the right treatment, they look right at home on a modern bride. Jesús Peiró uses an angular bow to punch up a traditional white dress. Jordi Dalmau, meanwhile, goes for a sort of deconstructed flower-bow shape to move from the shocking red body of the dress to the flouncy tulle skirt. And Matilde Cano’s thoroughly modern minidress of black and white lace is tied together, if you will, with a black satin bow.
4. Lace
Of course lace is a staple of bridal style, but even the hallmarks of fashion have their moments of reinvention. For lace, the time is now, and brides are wearing it in ways old and new. The “new” ways are usually very, very sexy, as seen in Barcelona this year. Galia Lahav covered a model’s arms in sheer lace, which was still more than she was wearing on her midsection. Sonia Peña put pale lavender lace over a blue top and paired them with a floral skirt for a very old-Hollywood feel. And Yolancris showcased a guipure dress that was more lace than fabric, but if you dare to wear it, no one will forget your wedding anytime soon.
5. Brocade
Rich, luxurious brocade is a serious statement, and these dresses really lean into that. Rosa Clará stuck to a full skirt and simple, sweet style, and Sonia Peña created mid-century glam with a belt and wide-brim hat accompanying the luscious brocade gown.
6. Nature
Some designers went subtle on this one, like Inmaculada Garcia’s tone-on-tone lace flower overlay. Others, like Isabel Sanchis, opted for a bolder approach: a flowing-cape-with-bird-illustration approach. Then there was Ana Torres’ high-low gown with a floral print set on pale pink, which fell somewhere in the middle. Something for everyone!
7. Statement Collars
Until recently, the sweetheart neckline was almost a requirement for a proper bridal gown. Thankfully, space has been made for creativity in this department, and designers are making full use of it. Actual collars were a huge and glorious presence in Barcelona, from Naeem Khan to Marco & Maria and Matilde Cano.
8. Gemstones
Embellishments were everywhere, but especially common on necklines (as with Cristina Tomborero and Pronovias) and backs (Rosa Clará), the focal points for design this season.
(Photos via Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week)
