Elegant Embellishments
Boho chic wedding trends will continue, but some gowns are being pushed aside for those with more sparkle, lace and texture.
With an influx of newer, showier designers coming on board, such as Berta and Dany Mizrachi, spring 2018 collections are overflowing with styles heaping on the crystals, lace and pearl embellishments.
These extras have been on display on celebrity gowns as well. Last year, “Glee” star Dianna Agron wore a long-sleeved gown by Valentino adorned with beads and sequins at her wedding. Australian model Miranda Kerr strutted down the aisle earlier this year in a high-necked, long sleeve satin gown by Dior Haute Couture appliquéd with lilies of the valley.
Designers say these luxe finishing touches are a way to customize a bride’s gown.
“Embellishments can add individuality and character to a gown – to make every bride feel special on their big day,” says Tohfa Hasni, showroom sales executive for Dany Mizrachi.
No designer seems to embrace the trend more than Reem Acra. Celebrating her 20th anniversary in the industry, the designer showed her spring 2018 collection of ornate gowns studded with lace, diamonds, pearls and black bows at the Tiffany flagship store on 5th Avenue in New York. Highlights were a strapless A-line gown with pearl embellishments and a baby blue princess ball gown covered in gold embroidery.
For the bride who wants it all, these looks exude “luxury and royalty,” Acra says.
Retailers appreciate the trend since it works with most dress lengths and silhouettes, even those spilling over from the ready-to-wear runways. Peek-a-boo shoulders and off-the-shoulder styles have infiltrated the wedding market. Berta’s spring 2018 line includes an off-the-shoulder, long-sleeved lace wedding gown with an open back.
“Brides are asking for it in different forms and silhouettes,” says Kelly Leggett, director of marketing for Little White Dress Bridal Shop in Denver, Colo.
Atypical embellishments, such as feathers, fringe and 3D enhancements, are also elevating the looks. Dany Mizrachi’s styles include a fish tail gown with 3D flowers, netting and lace. Berta’s collection includes a short lace dress dripping with feather details and a long dress embroidered with 3D lace flowers. Anne Barge’s line includes a strapless ballgown with 3D silk organza floral appliqués and a halter crepe gown, featuring a crystal bodice and crystal fringe at the waist.
If this latest trend flummoxes brides in terms of how to accessorize or how to avoid crossing over into the tacky realm, experts offer this advice.
Take the wedding venue into account.
“You don’t want to wear an over-the-top gown or tons of jewelry for a beach wedding,” Leggett says.
Don’t overdo it on the baubles.
“There’s so much embellishment on these gowns, keep the jewelry minimal with large studs or a pendant or go for elegant simplicity and don’t wear any jewelry,” advises Donya Williams, bridal stylist at Fleurish LA boutique in West Los Angeles.
Go ahead, wear the veil.
“Dramatic veils are really popular right now, from long veils to cathedral veils,” Williams says. “You just don’t need any rhinestones or embroidery on them.”
Factor in alteration time and expenses.
The more complicated the dress, the longer it takes to hem it and make it fit like a glove. “If the skirt of the gown has lace or beading, there’s a lot more handwork involved which takes time and the adjustments will be pricier,” Leggett says.
Photo courtesy of Berta
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