The hottest trends from New York International Bridal Week
CAP SLEEVES & DELICATE BEADING
Last season was all about opulent beading directly from the “Great Gatsby” movie trend. This season the beading was much more subtle and delicate; It was shown either just on the cap sleeve of a gown or scattered all over.
OFF THE SHOULDER NECKLINES
I am happy to report the neckline of the season is definitely off the shoulder! It graced every runway show and designer I visited. This neckline style is so flattering because it still shows off your décolletage, but provides a little more coverage and interest than a strapless gown.
GOLD
A staple at Fall 2014 Bridal Market was gold. Many designers incorporated it into their collection through gold thread woven into laces, providing a subtle hint of metallic shimmer. Accessories seem to be taking on more of golden hue, in both gold and my favorite rose gold. This warm metallic tone was a breath of fresh air against the flurry of blush tone gowns being shown. I am sure this trend will translate into wedding décor as well.
DRAMATIC BACKS
The interest on wedding gowns has shifted to the back. Every designer had at least one plunging-back design in their Fall 2014 collection. We also saw quite a few illusion backs. These are excellent for the bride who wants to create drama without a lot of bulk or beading. The look of a plunging back is stunning with or without a veil.
ILLUSION NECKLINES
Neckline variation is so exciting for me. This season another hot neckline is sheer illusion. It was shown in organza, sheer lace, and even delicate beading. This look creates a very classic and elegant silhouette that flatters nearly every figure. I am so happy to see it re-emerge on the runway this season.
BRIDESMAIDS IN LACE
The hot trend for bridesmaids is lace! Lace has been so popular for brides for many seasons, now maids get to share in the fun. Lace was shown in both short and long silhouettes, in pastels, in neutrals (grey, champagne, and black) and in metallic. I just simply cannot get enough! As an event stylist this is welcome trend. It allows bridesmaids’ dresses to be more stylish and fun.
BLUSH
Blush made a debut last season as the color-du-jour in bridal, but this season Vera Wang brought it to another level by showing her entire collection in various shades of pink! Vera’s selected more intense hues of the color for her pieces, however, I foresee these choices being more popular for bridesmaids rather than the brides but who knows! It cannot be denied that brides respond more openly to gowns in a subtle blush tone. Blush is truly a romantic color that flatters all skin tones and it seems this trend will continue in varying shades this season.
TEXTURE
In contrast to what we saw with the bridesmaid styles, designers were showing striking textures as an alternative to lace, which has been extremely popular over the last few seasons. Texture is a stunning option for a fall or winter wedding.
CAPES
Laser-cut leather, lace dots, faux fur, wool, and everything in between. I absolutely was floored by the resurgence of capes/shawls. For too long, especially in chilly St. Louis, the options were limited for brides to stylishly cover themselves. This season sets the stage that these are no longer a photographer’s nightmare.
HEADPIECES
Halo-veils, floral headbands, small golden crowns and crocheted headbands were worn low and wrapped around the temple. Brides can do this with a large, voluminous veil or with a short, wispy blusher.