The Brands To Turn To For Your Big Day
Discover the contemporary designers delivering what every bride wants: a modern, scene-stealing look that speaks to her personal style
Finding the perfect wedding dress is perhaps one of the most crucial details for your big day. After all, a bride wants to feel like the best version of herself, dressed in something beautifully cut and crafted that adheres to her personal aesthetic. Many brides are therefore choosing to sidestep more traditional silhouettes in favor of something that they feel at ease and more themselves in. And luckily, many designers have begun catering to this need, producing white and ivory creations that imbue cool-girl energy – think contemporary gowns, chic suiting and sultry minis. Whether you’re hosting a big banquet at a luxury hotel, heading to a registry office for your nuptials, or saying “I do” barefoot on the beach, there’s an outfit to complement your surroundings and sartorial preferences.
Australian designer Toni Maticevski is a master at balancing formality and finesse with unexpected edge, delivering dresses that are both seductive and sophisticated. Brides hosting a more formal event will be romanced by his high-impact, drop-waist ‘Harlequin’ gown. With an angular strapless bodice juxtaposed against a dramatically full and voluminous skirt, it’s got all the scene-stealing potential of a classic princess dress, without being remotely saccharine. Pair it with classic ivory accessories for a country wedding, or, for a more directional feel, opt for pointy black heels, such as Saint Laurent’s velvet ‘Spontini’ pumps.
“Both dresses easily segue from dinner to dance floor and need little else in the way of accessories — simple, slicked-back hair and a dusting of dainty diamonds will semaphore effortless elegance
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For something slinkier, Maticevski’s silk ‘Desires’ gown puts an avant-garde spin on the bridal slip, with expert draping that perfectly envelops the silhouette, plus a skin-baring leg slit and angular low back to offset the formality of the flowing train. Alternatively, the romantic, long-sleeved guipure lace gown from Greek designer Costarellos, which features beautiful cutout detailing at the back, perfectly treads the line between sophisticated and sexy. Both dresses easily segue from dinner to dance floor and need little else in the way of accessories — simple, slicked-back hair and a dusting of dainty diamonds will semaphore effortless elegance.
“The romantic, long-sleeved guipure lace gown from Greek designer Costarellos, which features beautiful cutout detailing at the back, perfectly treads the line between sophisticated and sexy
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For those planning a more intimate celebration, or shopping for a multi-event wedding, finding a polished mini dress might come high on the pre-wedding to-do list — after all, whether it is destined for an engagement or rehearsal dinner, a registry-office ceremony, or an outfit change on the big day, a mini promises big impact. The micro hemline and dramatic floor-sweeping train on Alex Perry’s ‘Blair’ mini dress creates a fabulous, flirty aesthetic for pre-wedding festivities or dance-floor shimmying. Pair with Jimmy Choo’s sleek white satin ‘Azia 95’ point-toe pumps for a look that’s sharp and sophisticated.
“If the idea of a wedding dress you’ll re-wear for summer parties appeals, try London designer Clio Peppiatt, whose playful, bead-heavy bridal range is perfect for more intimate events
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If the idea of a wedding dress you’ll re-wear for summer parties appeals, try London designer Clio Peppiatt, whose playful, bead-heavy bridal range is perfect for more intimate events. Her cute, corseted mini dress, which comes with pearl embellishment and a detachable petticoat, looks particularly cool accessorized with her ruched tulle gloves and scallop-edged veil. Meanwhile, Polish designer Magda Butrym’s floral appliqué dresses have become a cult fashion-girl favorite, and this power-shouldered jersey mini is perfect for high-gloss, party-heavy nuptials. Alternatively, pair it with pointy pumps and diamanté jewelry for ultimate bachelorette cool.
Whichever your vibe and aesthetic, these more modern takes on bridal attire will ensure you spend the first day of the rest of your life feeling your most beautiful, radiant self – the only question now is: to which dress do you say, “I do”?