(Image: Ines by Ines Di Santo)
Cover (Image: Ines by Ines Di Santo)

Brides of 2021—keep up to date with the latest trends fresh from Bridal Fashion Week

2020 hasn't been a great year for weddings—or anything else, for that matter—with nuptials cancelled and downsized due to social distancing measures, but perhaps we can look towards a hopeful 2021. We see this hopefulness translated into the gorgeous dresses by bridal designers at the virtual Bridal Fashion Week Fall 2021, either by embracing the rise of micro-weddings and elopements with practical and minimalist designs or by creating an outlet for escapism with dramatic silhouettes and ethereal details.

Read on for some of the key trends we picked out.

1. Statement sleeves

Already a trend since fall 2020, statement sleeves continue to fascinate bridal designers for fall 2021, in the form of off-the-shoulder bishop sleeves at Lee Grebenau, as well as dramatic tulle shrugs at Halfpenny London. And if you are afraid of making the commitment, Anne Barge’s rendition offers detachable sleeves to change up your look.

2. Mini dresses

Perfect for elopements, mini-monies, or solemnisations, short bridal dresses are emerging for fall 2021. Naeem Khan’s rendition is a glamorous and sparkly tasselled dress while Eisen-Stein presents a romantic sleeveless tea-length dress. For something in-between, Viktor and Rolf Mariage and Vivienne Westwood offer show-stopping designs that are short in the front, with a trailing skirt at the back.

3. Larger-than-life bows

Maxi bows add a sense of romance and grandeur to your special occasion, and we’re seeing it at adorning the backs, shoulders and waistlines of many dresses for fall. Elie Saab opts for a dramatic ribbon bow on an open-back ball gown, while Sareh Nouri’s rendition is decidedly understated, with a drooping bow almost blending into a minimalist, trumpet-style dress.

4. Exaggerated ruffles

Whimsical ruffles were on full display for fall 2021, appearing on sleeves, bodices, and entire skirts. Kaviar Gauche fashioned ruffles around the bodice of sleek minimalist dresses, while Monique Lhuillier, Ines di Santo, and Marchesa went for full skirts of cascading ruffles.

5. Open back

Barebacks aren’t exactly a new trend, but they are definitely a strong stay for wedding gowns in 2021. From deep v-back dresses, to complete back-less gowns, these silhouettes at Hailey Paige, Amsale, and Steven Birnbaum give an unexpected flash of skin that is modern but modest.

 

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