Hello lovely readers, Sarah-Leigh here! After another fabulous ‘fashion month’ we’ve summarised the key trends set to inspire bridal style for spring/summer 2016. From New York to London, Milan and Paris, the catwalks were awash with a few crucial themes to take note of next season.
Prairie
From broderie anglaise to delicate lace panels and softly transparent inlaid stripes, life on the prairie is big news next summer and a picture-perfect look for brides and bridesmaids alike.
While shapes take inspiration from the 1800s, with voluminous sleeves, subtle flaring at hems, high neck-lines and bib-fronts, the theme is relaxed yet fashion-forward.
From top left clockwise, Mother of Pearl,
Simone Rocha, Sophia Kokosalaki, Simone Rocha
Take inspiration from Burberry and Alberta Ferretti with their ultra-pretty, panelled gowns, while bridal favourite Sophia Kokosalaki shows how the look can be adapted with chic separates.
Alberta Ferretti (top left) & Burberry (top right)
Erdem (bottom)
Frills
Romantic, sometimes dramatic and always overtly feminine, frills in all shapes and sizes are making a comeback. Frills are perfect for adding interest to simple dress silhouettes, whilst can add shape and form to boyish or athletic body types.
We loved the soft fluid layers seen at Antonio Berardi and Roberto Cavalli, while Balenciaga and McQueen showed beautiful gowns with waves of frills following natural feminine curves.
Cavalli and Marques Almeida also provide alternative inspiration with asymmetric cuts and nonchalant off-the-shoulder styling.
Top – Balenciaga & Balmain
Middle – Sophia Kokosalaki, Antonio Berardi, Marchesa
Bottom – Marques Almeida & Rodarte
Waist-cinching bows
Bows are often a bride go-to but for s/s 16 they become a focal point, used to cinch waists and enhance ensembles in oversized options or contrasting colour-ways.
Amanda Wakeley, Proenza Schouler (left)
Vivienne Westwood (right)
Amanda Wakely shows a structured variation, matching dresses and adding decorative detail to a simple bandeau dress, while Givenchy’s voluminous bows have a vintage feel.
Lingerie inspired
If super-sleek, strappy camisoles and lashings of lace panelling is your thing then you’ll love this underwear as outwear trend.
Balenciaga (top) & Calvin Klein
Sophisticated yet sensual, top designers from Balenciaga and Calvin Klein to Alexander Wang showcased a stunning array of intricately constructed gowns.
Exposed seams are led by the female body – bralet detailing reoccurring too – creating a structured yet beautifully bridal-ready aesthetic.
Top – Sophia Kokosalaki & Dior
Middle – Alexander Wang & Givenchy
Bottom – Reem Acra
Halter-neck
Cross-shaped halter-necks were the ‘detail du jour’ at most fashion weeks, typically seen accompanying form-fitting dresses.
While sleeveless styles like those at Ralph Lauren will be perfect for high-summer months or destination weddings in sunnier climes, gowns that incorporate dropped sleeves with bare shoulders were also abundant.
This effortless, bohemian look is just perfect for relaxed nuptials.
Adeam (left) & Proenza Schouler, Ralph Lauren (right)
Enjoy your weekend everyone,
Love Sarah-Leigh x
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As well as being our regular fashion contributor, Sarah-Leigh Wade is the International Contributing Editor for Olivia Palermo. She also co-runs events and communication agency What Peggy Did Next and is the lady behind Bridal Boot Sales. You can see Sarah-Leigh’s own wedding here.
