2017’s Bridal Fashion – a return to the classics

2016 may have been the year of the “sexy bride” but 2017 heralds in a youthful, romantic and perhaps more demure approach to bridal fashion.  Collections this year were full of contrasts though – while we have some plunging necklines and sky-high slits; we are also seeing more modesty. This return to the classics is anything but stodgy though – it fits the spirit and confidence of the modern bride.

Here are some of the more notable trends I’ve seen on the 2017 runways:

Bows – Certainly not your average bow from the 1980s! This year’s bows are more sculptural, such as the origami-esque ones executed by design house Lela Rose. Bows have also popped up in unexpected places on gowns, for e.g. Reem Acra dotted tiny ribbon bows on its ballgown skirts and Viktor and Rolf in their debut bridal collection, created a stunning back on one of their 2017 pieces – with a smattering of different bows that cascaded from the neck to the lower back.

 

Minimalist Gowns– Not a pearl, piece of lace or beading to be found! 2017’s minimalist gowns are redolent in luxe fabric and clean cuts. Designers who had some stunning, unassuming designs this year were Amsale, Romona Keveza and Alfred Angelo.

 

Lingerie-inspired – Many gowns seem to have made a return to the boudoir this year; with corsetry and bustier styles – as showcased by Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera and Rivini.

 

1990s inspired – Many silhouettes which were featured this year harken back to the 1990s; such as simple, slip dresses. Halter-styled gowns (another 90s trend) were also featured by designers like Romona Keveza and Claire Pettibone

 

Dramatic sleeves – Bohemian bell sleeves, cold-shoulder sleeves, poet sleeves and gossamer-like, streamer sleeves – almost reaching to the floor, were featured on the bridal runways for 2017.

 

Layers – Skirts are voluminous this year but not necessarily always in the ballgown format. They’re getting their airiness from flouncy tiers, ruffled skirts and chiffon pleats.

 

Texture – Fringed gowns, 3D flowers and chunkier laces like Guipure, Alencon and embroidered lace, were featured on gowns this year as opposed to the more delicate knit and Chantilly laces used in 2016.

 

Off the shoulder gowns – This trend had its resurgence in 2016 and will continue into 2017. Some Designers who showed “off the shoulder” gowns were: Marchesa, Christos and J. Mendel.

 

Choker necklines and turtleneck lines – Gowns with higher necklines reminiscent of the Victorian era will continue to be fashionable this year.

 

Tea Length Gowns– Gowns that hit the “midi” length will be popular this year and were shown by many designers, such as: Marchesa, Naeem Khan, Oscar de la Renta and Inbal Dror.

 

Detachable – Gowns are being accessorized with detachable elements such as overskirts, bows, detachable trains on jumpsuits and removable bustles. The use of the sheer cape as a substitute for the veil will also be in vogue this year.

 

For more visual inspiration on 2017’s gowns, please visit the TrinidadWeddings’ Pinterest Board here:

https://www.pinterest.com/trinidadwedding/2017-bridal-fashion/