Bridal Fashion Week was bursting with glorious creations designed to inspire any newly engaged bride. We’ve identified the top trends emerging for 2023.
MOCK NECK
There is something so timeless and regal about this trend. From Princess Grace of Monaco to Kate, Princess of Wales, a mock neck is chic, demure and now on trend. The high neck of Philippa Lepley’s Sophie Symmetrical Scroll delicately frames the face. The lace-covered corseted bodice drops to a full skirt, complete with a more-than-cathedral length 85” train.
SOMETHING BLUE
Incorporate a little tradition into your gown by making it your something blue. The runways have been awash with rose and blush for the past few years, but 2023 sees blue take centre stage. We love Needle and Thread for their affordable, inclusive gowns and the Willow Ruffle Dress with its low V neck and tiers of frothy ruffles is great choice for fashionista brides.
ASSYMETRY
Assymetry takes bridal and gives it edge, whether it’s the length, the neckline or the back. Aussie designer, Grace Loves Lace, faultlessly showcases this in the deconstructed double-layered stretch silk gown, Anu (£2,000).
3D FLORAL
Florals have always been key to bridal design, but 3D takes them from whimsical to bold: perfect for modern-day romantics. Halfpenny London’s 2023 collection, Courage, features the Elizabeth Gloves which are encrusted with beaded sequin florals and pair beautifully with the similarly magnificent Jubilee Cape, complete with embellished choker, shoulders and train. A fabulous contrast to the cool minimalism of the Evetta Mini Dress.
DISNEY PRINCESS
Some of us never give up on the fantasy of being Princess for the day – and why should we? Say yes to pearl and crystal beading and appliques trailing down to nestle at the base of your train, then twirl through your day with a gloriously swishy full skirt, as seen here in the Julietta Sigourney dress by Morilee.
MINI
The pared-back ceremonies of recent years have made the mini an integral part of most bridal collections and despite restrictions easing, this trend is here to stay. Chosen by KYHA, exclusively from Ellie Sanderson, design for ‘rule-breakers and trend-makers’ This dazzling short style has all the impact of a longer dress, ensuring all eyes on the bride.
SOFT SHEER
Nothing says romance like a soft sheer, and the Milly Gown from Julie Vino’s 2023 collection is a masterpiece in layering. From the intricate, sequin-tipped bodice to fairytale sleeves and billowing skirts, we are in love.
BOWS
Bows are back and bigger and better than ever! We’ve seen them everywhere, from adorning sleeves to statement shoulder pieces, or oversized and lending interest to the back view. The beauty of a bow is that it can be added to customise a dress to make it your own. The Charlie dress by Elbeth Gillis, pictured here, is a sleek, strapless Mikado A Line to which you can enhance with your own details, including a collar and a bow. From the Eternal collection.
SEPARATES
The versatility of choosing separates is not to be underrated. Not only will it cut down on alterations if you take different sizes for top and bottom but they are more likely to be worn again and so they score high on sustainability as well as style. The crisp cotton puffed peasant sleeves of the Seratonin blouse by Rolling In Roses would look equally gorgeous paired with favourite jeans or a tiered skirt as they do here, with the lenzing Satin (vegan silk) Devotion Trousers.
CAPE
We are huge fans of the bridal cape. Doing away with the tradition of veiling the face, a cape brings an element of drama to the big day. Ivory & Co’s Diamond Days cape is made from a full train of luxurious silk chiffon, edged with hand beaded floral appliques.
