If we could use three words to describe Day 2 of NY Bridal Fashion Week they’d surely be: majestic, ethereal, and classic. Unlike day 1, today’s shows had a somewhat unintentional cohesion. While some fashion houses took hold of the dazzling over-the-top design wheel, others opted for the simplicity of bridal fashion.
We launched day 2 with luxurious regality from Berta’s 2016 collection. If Berta’s bride is the reigning queen, we were all her loyal subjects. Hosted in the Grand Ballroom at the iconic Plaza Hotel, the venue was an obvious hint at what we were bound to see. The show opened with a stunning lace gown with guider appliqués, a deep open back with illusion panel and a matching beaded cape. An accurate foreshadowing of the majesty the 36-piece collection would possess. We continued to marvel in handcrafted gowns composed of lace, BERTA appliqué, and sensational beading. Each look was appropriately crowned with Maria Elena headpieces with emerald, ruby, and diamond-like accents. Silver tone payette embellished gowns in long sleeves celebrated the sensuality of the queen while detachable soft tulle skirts made her a true sophisticate. The collection was the culmination of BERTA’s victorious bridal reign.
Next we were invited to see the light at Ines Di Santo. Inspired by a bride standing in front of a sunlit morning window, Ines captured the sparkle of the rising sun. Sheer layers and Chantilly lace caught the light that delicately peeked through each design. Fitted sheer and lace jumpsuits with attached trains added edge to the light filled bride, an unexpected couture twist to the hyper feminine collection. Tulle overlays added surreal drama to sheer long sleeved appliquéd bodices. Jeweled backs danced in the light as garden fairies would. But it was the cape inspired trains that trended in the Di Santo collection, giving flight to the lucid line.
We charged further up Chelsea for quintessential bridal with the Amsale Group fall 2016 collections. Silk chiffon, cloud filled tulle, and weightless ballgowns floated down the vast runway. Pivoting around corners was an effortless Chantilly lace off the shoulder gown by Christos, a dramatic fit to flare hand beaded gown in crystal shimmer by Kenneth Pool, and a luxurious but romantic silk bazar drop waist ballgown from Amsale. A crew of classic bridal with trends on its heels. The group didn’t stray too far away from its core aesthetic, keeping the upscale, understated, and fabulous bride always in mind.
Monique Lhuillier made Madison Ave. her very own romantic garden. The intimate show was an elaborate fantasy of romance and opulence. The simplicity of the Lhuillier designs channel the likes of Halle Berry and more recently Grace Gealey. Sheer bodices were modestly covered by lace appliqués. Tulle skirts flowed effortlessly through the hipline creating fluidity. Strapless ballgowns were made in the garden’s image with hand sewn rosettes. Though Monique is known for her easy wedding gowns, this season we saw a reconfiguring of that aesthetic with the incorporation of sheer and detailed appliqués.
Next we dusted off our library cards for entry into the maleficent beauty of Galia Lahav. Housed in the New York Public Library, the show featured two collections from the ornate bridal house. Gala Collection I was inspired by the romantic capitals of the world. Taking in scenic rooftops, busy metropolitan streets, and historical landmarks like The Louvre, the collection told the story of the romantic unabashed bride. Blush and nude tones were the perfect pallet for sweeping trains and soft tulle. Glass beading added the shimmer that Galia has signified. The haute couture Ivory Tower collection took to the warrior side of the Galia bride. Inspired by a medieval princess preparing to unite with her knight in shining armor, dramatic headpieces complimented figure defining gowns with hand-beaded crystals and luxurious lace. We saw the NYBFW “little red bride in hood” as the closing look featured a stunning thigh high split gown with detachable tulle hood, a serious showstopper. It was the sort of show that required a standing ovation and a willing sacrifice.
Day two’s take away is that every bride deserves her reigning moment. Also, hand-beading, lace appliqués, and cape inspired trains are definite 2016 trends. Be sure to follow us on Instagram, Snapchat, and Periscope for up-to-date NYBFW coverage and let us know what trends you’re spotting this season.
Click here for the Day 1 recap.
Definitely elegant–gowns fit for a queen!