Top Bridal Styles For 2011
Confetti’s fashion guru, Carol Richardson, glimpses some big ideas for brides in 2011 at the inaugural British Bridal Exhibition at Harrogate. It promises to be a stunning season for bridal wear and you can follow all the trends right here on Confetti as we bring you the latest fashion news!
It’s clearly going to be a romantic season, with opulent statement gowns offering plenty of embellishment from hand-sewn crystals to soft petal trims and lashings of lace and tulle. The shapes are ultra feminine, with ruched, fitted bodices flowing in to a full skirt shape with plenty of volume. Cinched waists, trailing tiers and soft ruffles contrast slim tops with wide skirts for a look that mixes modern and vintage, seen at key designers from Jason Jennings at Veromia to the wonderfully elegant styles at Ritva and Chenca.
Images courtesy of, left: Augusta Jones, right: Heirloom Couture
Asymmetric shapes
These were evident everywhere, with the one shoulder look coming to the fore. Silks and satins rise from the bodice in plain or pleated fabrics sweeping over to one side, often trimmed in extravagant floral detailing as at Madeline Isaac-James (read interview), or finished with crystal inserts or softly pleated trims at Augusta Jones.
Images from left: Rosa Clara, Lusan Mandongus and Maxima
Ruffles
Straight from the catwalk ruffles make their mark on bridalwear with fabulous effect. This look was seen everywhere, with tiered ruffle skirts adding volume to an otherwise slim silhouette, ruffle trims on elegant off- the –shoulder designs, and shredded ruffles on modern shorter lengths. Rosa Clara offers full-on ruffles across shoulders and bodices, while Linea Raffaella shows ruffle details on skirts and bodices. Fancy a bit of a ruffle without the full effect? Seek it out on tulle headpieces at Rainbow Club, on shoes and as a trim detail on the décolletage.
Floral detailing
It’s huge, with oversized floral trims on waists and shoulders, three-dimensional flower details on dresses, flower edged veils and headpieces. Flowers worn as corsages add interest to plainer gowns and look beautiful with sashes to bring attention to a slim waist at Alan Hannah. Sequin flowers at Romantica add delicious detailing while floral trims on shoes add a vintage feel at Hassall and Freya Rose, while embroidered roses make sweet detailing on bridal and bridesmaid dresses at Dessy.
Beading
So opulent and detailed, with tiny detailing on concentrated beadwork bodices, intricate beaded designs on shoulders and empire lines at Charlotte Balbier and Suzanne Neville and on bridal shoes from Hassall.
Sparkle
Obviously here to stay, with clear hand sewn crystals replacing opaque for extra shine. Wear this look as a detailed trim on the shoulder, waist or neckline, or opt for uber bling with corseted, glittering bodices flowing in to a full skirt. Scattered crystals look sophisticated on soft tulle overlays or as a veil detail.
Off the shoulder
This style remain popular, often with ruched or pleated bodices finished with delicate embroidery and beading, worn with voile wraps tied with ribbon and roses or as simple satin corsets flowing in to a full skirt or hugging the body as a slim, sleek gown.
Floaty
Looks add extra femininity, with oodles of net, lace and organza dropping in soft layers that offer gentle volume. Elegant detailing includes ribbon trims, embroidered and beaded dropped waists and delicate ruffles.
Twisted fabrics
Everywhere, from figure–hugging bodices at Donna Solado to voluminous skirts at Dessy, on shoes and bags at Paradox, Pink and Rainbow Club.
Bows
They prevail, with glamorous and chic oversized glittering bows at Olivia and delicate chiffon bows at Kate Sherford and D.Zage.
Latina
These styles include tight, figure hugging bodices flowing in to a layered, ruffled skirt. There were fewer shorter lengths this year, but for cocktail chic, opt for a slim, lace dress with crystal detailing worn with the new kitten heel for a modern take on a vintage look.
Destination gowns
They now make up a proportion of every collection, with more brides opting to get married abroad. Slim, bias cut slip dresses with added back detail or diamante trims on shoulder straps and slim belts add a dash of glamour to the simplest beach wedding, worn with strappy sandals or with brown, bare feet.
Shades
It remains firmly romantic and veers on the traditional, with ice white, soft ivory and cream with touches of old gold and rose. The bolder bride has plenty of choice, however, with dramatic black and white making a sophisticated statement, and flashes of red, purple and turquoise adding a dash of colour.
Bridesmaids
Talk about spoilt for choice, with gorgeous slim, full-length dresses, often echoing the trend for one shoulder, ruched styles at Linzi Jay, or sweet prom style dresses in every shade from soft pastels to bold brights at Dessy. Again, detailing is key, with crystal brooches, floral corsages, and sparkle trims on everything from dresses to shoes, bags and headpieces.
Veils
Making a comeback, with styles ranging from ‘50’s style bouffant face veils at Rainbow Club to stunning cathedral length trains. In soft Italian tulle, single or double layers, veils make their own statement, edged in French lace or covered in scattered Swarovski crystal. Headpieces move away from the full tiara, to fashionable side pieces at Linzi Jay and Leigh-Anne McCague in gleaming crystal, with vintage styling such as scattered pearls, beads and diamante.
Shoes
Slim, straight heels, stacked platforms and cute peep toes, with extra detailing such as sweet crystal buckles, overblown rose trims, and sparkly jewel beading.
Get more great advice on our Fashion pages!
