Last week, the bridal world came together for one of the most exciting New York Bridal Fashion Weeks in recent years. Designers showcased their fall 2024 collections with grand runway shows, packed presentations, and market showcases that highlighted the growing boom of the bridal industry and clearly indicated that the bridal space is getting creative, with plenty of bold designs that push the envelope.
Floral Appliqués
While florals may be synonymous with spring, almost every fall collection brought in the motif in fresh ways. One standout trend was the use of appliqués to create unique 3D floral moments. From sweet rosettes at the bustlines of dresses at Alexandra Grecco to textural white and light green petals along a stunning column dress by Monique Lhuillier to grand organza additions in Milla Nova’s gender-neutral capes and jackets, these designs are proving that flowers are blooming in the wedding season ahead.
Photo: Courtesy of Alexandra Grecco
Bows
The impact of balletcore has led to the rise of petite ribbons and dramatic looped fabric in the world of bridal fashion this coming year. Normally used as an accessory, the bow has become an integral part of the structure of many gowns for Fall 2024. Elie Saab even leaned into the trend wholeheartedly with a collection that bejeweled bows into bodices and sculpted bow-like bustlines.
Photo: Courtesy of Theia
Structural Shapes
After the rise of the ‘90s slip-style silhouette, designers have been countered with their inner maximalist. This season’s selection of dresses does not hold back with grand ball gown skirts, voluminous fabric explosions of tulle and lace, and interesting applications of boning to create artistic shapes.
Photo: Courtesy of Ese Azenabor
Dramatic Overskirts
Since many couples today are opting for second looks at their weddings, designers have been finding ways to provide options that allow brides to get more bang for their buck. For those who want a dramatic shape for only a portion of their wedding, an overskirt provides the flexibility to easily remove layers of fabric and reveal a more fitted silhouette. Multiple designers like Enaura embraced this trend by pairing sleek column dresses with gorgeous overskirts with full trains to create an elegant contrast in shape. We also saw the rise of hemlines at Reem Acra and Monique Lhuillier with sexy minis made formal with overskirts for a ceremony to after-party transition.
Photo: Courtesy of Reem Acra
Bold Color
Next year, don’t always expect to see the bride dressed in white. Color was a common sight at presentations this season. Pastel pinks and blues created dreamy, whimsical touches to collections at Ines Di Santo and Honor, while Galia Lahav and Nadia Manjarrez offered designs in black for the gothic marrier. Many mini looks throughout collections also offered a touch of color for couples who want to forgo tradition after the ceremony.
Photo: Courtesy of Ines Di Santo
Pants
Not all brides wear dresses—and many designers this season have created beautiful designs to reflect that. Standouts included a unique jumpsuit with a billowing overskirt at Viktor and Rolf and a sexy, lingerie-inspired short set that made waves at the Rime Arodaky runway show. Quite a few designers also offered pants as an option to swap with a full skirt beneath stylish bustiers to allow a more comfortable change later in the evening.
Photo: Courtesy of Viktor & Rolf