Launching another season of bridal collections virtually, designers prepped for everything from intimate COVID weddings to post-pandemic revelries. Uncover the chicest looks for Spring/Summer 2022.
1/ Voluminous Sleeves
Galia LahavSleeves are going big and bold for the coming year.
Who should wear it: Voluminous, full sleeves are a great addition for the theatrical bride looking to add a bit of drama to her overall look.
How to wear it: Whether you opt for Princess Diana inspired puff sleeves or more bohemian bishop sleeves (full and flowing for the length of the arm and fitted at the wrist), your accessories are intended to complement the gown and not distract from it, so stick to simple, classic pieces when choosing jewellery.
Collections where it featured: Claire Pettibone, Willowby, Savannah Miller, Galia Lahav, Lihi Hod, Ines by Ines di Santo, Oscar de la Renta, Prabal Gurung, Viktor & Rolf, Wiederhoeft.
2/ Romantic Ruffles
Anne BargeGlide across the dancefloor in fun, flirty ruffles.
Who should wear it: Dramatic and undeniably romantic ruffles add that fairy-tale element to any dress for all the brides dreaming of that wedding worthy of a princess.
How to wear it: Tulle ruffles will create a spectacular full skirt, so pare back accessories accordingly, allowing the dress to remain centre stage. Silk ruffles are more lightweight, embodying a more ethereal vibe – think delicate, fine jewellery.
Collections where it featured: Anne Barge, Rivini by Rita Vinieris, Francesca Miranda, Markarian, Temperley, Justin Alexander, Ines di Santo, Viktor & Rolf, Eisen Stein, Andrew Kwon, Halfpenny London, Oscar de la Renta.
3/ Minimalistic
Savannah MillerWith an increase in more casual and impromptu weddings, simplistic gowns have been a popular option.
Who should wear it: Whether you’re having a low key pandemic wedding or simply don’t see yourself in a princess ball gown, a simple, streamlined dress offers understated elegance which will endure the test of time.
How to wear it: Inject some personality into your bridal attire with your accessories if you opt for a simpler gown. Whether it’s a show-stopping pair of heels, some statement jewels or a bold headpiece, minimalist gowns give you more options when accessorising.
Collections where it featured: Justin Alexander, Tadashi Shoji x BHLDN, Alyne by Rita Vineris, Anne Barge, Savannah Miller, Safiyaa, Prabal Gurung, Viktor & Rolf, Jenny Yoo, Temperley London, Lihi Hod, Galvan.
4/ Deep V-Necklines
Elie SaabFeaturing prominently across a diverse range of collections, designers took the plunge with necklines this season.
Who should wear it: This neckline helps brides wanting to elongate their torso and draw the eye down whilst flashing an alluring glimpse of skin. Depending on how daring you wish to be, choose how deep you want your neckline to go.
How to wear it: Balance the look with a necklace that intersects the V-neckline to complement it. Lariat style necklaces are a great option as they elongate the V-cut of the dress, complementing the look without taking away from the focal point of the V neckline.
Collections where it featured: Anne Barge, Wona Concept, Dana Harel, GALVAN, Elie Saab, Galia Lahav, Eisen Stein, Andrew Kwon, Viktor & Rolf, Monique Lhuillier, Justin Alexander.
5/ Square Necklines
Ines di SantoInspired by this year’s hit Netflix series Bridgerton, square necklines are set to play a big part in 2022 designs.
Who should wear it: Universally flattering for both big and small busts, this neckline gives support and coverage whilst exposing the décolletage and offering a tasteful glimpse of cleavage.
How to wear it: A delicate necklace or pendant will help bring the eye towards the bust and works best. Avoid any chokers or stiff collars which will detract from the overall look.
Collections where it featured: Erdem, Ines di Santo, Alexandra Grecco, Peter Langner, Jenny Yoo, BHLDN, Marchesa, Viktor & Rolf, Galia Lahav, Monique Lhuillier.
6/ Bursts Of Colour
White One by PronoviasA breath of fresh air amidst the traditional sea of white, 2022 introduces an exciting pop of colour.
Who should wear it: This opens up a whole host of options to the non-traditional bride who wants to avoid the typical bridal white.
How to wear it: From hand-painted details to delicate floral motifs and exquisite embroidery, allow your personality to shine through in your choice of gown.
Collections where it featured: Claire Pettibone, Temperley London, Ines by Ines di Santo, Naeem Khan, Markarian, Romona Keveza Collection, The Atelier Collection by Jimmy Choo, Monique Lhuillier, White One by Pronovias.
7/ Floral Embellishments
Eisen SteinThree-dimensional floral appliqués are a timeless addition that can work for any bride’s style.
Who should wear it: Fun, flirty and feminine, floral embellishments are a breath-taking addition for a romantic, ethereal look. We particularly love this style for a gorgeous garden wedding.
How to wear it: If your dress is adorned with delicate motifs, choose a sheer veil rather than one with a double layer to show off the detailing on the back in full.
Collections where it featured: Markarian, Marchesa, Alyne by Rita Vinieris, Andrew Kwon, Eisen-Stein, Monique Lhuillier, Viktor & Rolf, BHLDN x Willowby for Watters, Mira Zwillinger, Oscar de la Renta.
8/ Off The Shoulder Sleeves
Viktor & RolfRomantic and sensual, this neckline exposes just enough skin for that chic yet captivating look.
Who should wear it: Exposing your neckline and shoulders, this style is suited to most brides as it flatters the décolletage. In addition, this neckline pairs well with all gown shapes, whether you opt for minimal or a fairy-tale princess gown.
How to wear it: Try to keep the attention on the neckline and don’t allow your accessories to distract from it. Less is more could be the best option here, but chokers and collar necklaces work best if you want to wear a necklace. Alternatively, forgo the necklace and opt for a pair of earrings to wow.
Collections where it featured: Lihi Hod, Markarian, BHLDN x Willowby for Watters, Eisen Stein, Savannah Miller, Danielle Frankel, Rivini by Rita Vinieris, Galia Lahav, Naeem Khan, Viktor & Rolf.
9/ Feathered Fun
Elie SaabMake a bold statement with some fun feather details.
Who should wear it: This is ideal for brides waiting out the COVID restrictions and ready to embrace bridal fashion in full with these dramatic details.
How to wear it: Commanding attention, feathers elevate your bridal look to the next level. From feather-trimmed hems to plume-embellished skirts or even a fun feathered headpiece, à la Carrie Bradshaw add a little glamour with these playful embellishments.
Collections where it featured: Elie Saab, Naeem Khan, Marchesa Notte Bridal, Eisen Stein, Wiederhoeft, Gigi Burris, Galia Lahav.
10/ Short & Sweet
MarkarianWhile most bridal collections normally carry a little white dress, COVID has seen them surge in popularity due to smaller ceremonies. Playful and fun, these shorter designs offer a less formal option to brides.
Who should wear it: From more intimate COVID weddings to registry office nuptials, hen parties or day two celebrations, there is always an event which calls for the perfect little white dress.
How to wear it: Whether you’re rocking a thigh-skimming hem or opt for the more demure knee or tea-length styles, your shoes will be on show no matter what, so it’s the perfect excuse to splurge on something special.
Collections where it featured: Jenny Yoo, Markarian, Alexandra Grecco, Ines di Santo, Sareh Nouri, Gracy Accad, Naeem Khan, Andrew Kwon, Prabal Gurung Bridal, Oscar de la Renta, Maison Sully, Viktor & Rolf, Prabal Gurung.
- Alexandra