New York International Bridal Week

New York International Bridal Week is held every year in April and October.  This is when industry professionals gather to view the next season's bridal fashions.  Just like New York, London, Paris or Milan Fashion Week, this is a time when the industry trends are determined.

Twice a year I look forward to reading and seeing photos from Bridal Market.  I love seeing all the swoon worthy gowns, the sparkling jewelry and the upcoming trends!  For weeks after I feel supercharged with inspiration for new pieces.

Here is a recap of some of my favorite trends to grace the runway last week...

 

Lazaro 

Embellished sashes are still very much a trend for the upcoming season.  Some say that it is almost necessary for a bride to have a sash for her wedding gown, much like having a veil to compliment the complete look.  Sash embellishments included rhinestones, beads, flowers, ribbon, tulle, lace, millinery supplies or a mixture of these. I am still in awe at the use of these elements, especially the nontraditional ones.

 

1. Lazaro  2.  Anne Bowen  3. Kenneth Pool  4. Jim Hjelm  5. Inez di Santo  6. Inez di Santo

Immaculately beaded bodices were everywhere and oh, how they were stunning!  I think the Anne Bowen is one of my favorites...it's so glam!  In many of the runway shows it was very apparent that the inspiration was the upcoming Royal Wedding.  I think the fully beaded bodice is the perfect execution of a royal wedding look.

 

1. Rivini  2. Amsale  3. Jim Hjelm  4.  Watters & Watters  5. Tara Keely

Many designers were showcasing another take on the already current trend of natural waist accents by using large sheer bows or flowers instead of beads or rhinestones.  Some looks were ethereal like the blush chiffon flower on the Rivini gown above.  Others displayed a structured look and were made using millinery fabrics like horsehair.

1. Elizabeth Fillmore  2. Carolina Herrera  3. Priscilla of Boston  4. Reem Acra  5. Romona Keveza   6. Legends by Romona Keveza  7. Marchesa  8. Modern Trousseau  9. Rivini  10. St. Pucchi

Sleeves graced the runways in abundance this season and that makes me extremely happy!  We've been seeing the sleeve come back for several seasons now and this season was no exception.  I think we can officially say that the sleeve is back in style and no longer a wedding fashion faux pas.  I mean, who wouldn't want to rock one of the many options above?  I'm loving the tailored look by Carolina Herrera, but then again, I love almost anything with her name attached to it.  Romona Keveza mixes the perfect balance of classic and modern;  she's a genius!  And the Marchesa sleeves are to die for with the lovely embroidery and beading.

1. Marchesa  2. Judd Waddell  3. Oscar de la Renta  4. St Pucchi  5. Jim Hjelm

Full skirts were in abundance, many of which were fluffy confections of tulle.  What a perfect fabric to give the bride the look and feel of a princess bride without all the cumbersome weight of a heavy fabric.  Full silhouettes in all fabrics have been making a slow come back the fast couple of seasons.  This year tulle dominated as the fabric of choice for skirts and not only for ball gowns but in many other silhouettes as well.

1.  Elizabeth Fillmore  2. Inez di Santo  3. Ivy & Aster  4. Marchesa  5. Modern Trousseau

Short dresses are so chic!  Personally, I would totally wear any of the above styles.  Also, please check out the full collection from Ivy & Aster...love the styling, their accessories and the gowns!  How do you feel about the short wedding dress?  Ok for a ceremony or should it be left for the reception only?

1.  Oscar de la Renta  2.  Melissa Sweet  3.  Elizabeth Fillmore  4. St. Pucchi  5. Oscar de la Renta

These are a few of my very favorite styles from Bridal Market.  Oscar de la Renta had impeccable styles grace the runway, one of my favorites being a pant suit.  I absolutely love the feminine tailored look as well as the boho inspired pieces.  Melissa Sweet's modern take on the short dress is a mix between 1920's flapper style and 1960's mod;  fun, no?  Detailed needle and bead work is also something that I admire and this type of wonderful craftsmanship can be seen in the St. Pucchi sheer jacket with beading as well as the floral work on the Elizabeth Fillmore gown.

I can honestly say I was blown away by the amazing designs, the wonderful coverage and the endless inspiration!  I can't wait for October Market...it's sure to be just as mind blowing!

Let me know what your favorites are in the comments below!

For more complete coverage of NY International Bridal Market head over to one of my daily reads, Completely Unveiled, a blog by the uber stylish Weddings Unveiled Magazine.

Images from Completely Unveiled and Brides.com