The wedding dress market is not one that is historically known for its cutting-edge appeal. Yes, trends come and go (albeit at a slower rate to usual fashion trends) and celebrity nuptials will see certain silhouettes spike, but, broadly speaking, it’s a market defined by its traditionalism and adherence to certain ‘rules’. However, with the boom of e-commerce, a new approach to bridal style has come to the fore.
While big fashion brands are no strangers to the wedding dress market, over the last 5 years or so there have been more and more names offering-up their own contemporary spins on the Big White Dress. Add to this the fact that online platforms such as Matchesfashion, Net-a-Porter and Browns are creating dedicated bridal edits, style-savvy, cool-girl bridal style has never been more accessible.
From Vivienne Westwood waist-cinching corsets to Galvan’s silken styles, in celebration of the cult brands that really deliver in the wedding dress department, we’ve compiled an edit of the names that any fashion-loving bride needs to know about.
Vivienne Westwood
If you’re looking for waist-whittling corsetry, Vivienne Westwood is the brand for you. The label’s draped satin fabrics would be perfect for an upmarket city soirée and, conveniently, also offers a re-dying service so you can continue to wear your beloved dress post-nuptials.
Molly Goddard
She may be one of the newer additions to the line-up, but Molly Goddard has already become the fashion insiders’s go-to brand for dramatic occasion-wear dresses and, of course, the brand’s bridal-white tulle iterations are more than wedding-worthy.
Galvan
Recognisable by its more streamlined approach to wedding dresses, Galvan is the perfect option for the minimalist bride. While you can’t go wrong with the brand’s classic silken gowns, it’s also worth checking out its offering of sleek jumpsuits and separates.
Emilia Wickstead
While every one of Emilia Wickstead’s bridal gowns has its own unique identity, they are all united by their ‘classic with a contemporary twist’ approach to bridal design. There’s something very ‘90s supermodel about the brand’s Leila strapless dress, which has to be one of our favourite midi options this season.
Self-Portrait
For runway (or should we say aisle) ready pieces for under £1,000, Self-Portrait is worth your attention. From lace minis to blazer dresses, the brand has one of the most eclectic selection around, and is sure to have something to cater to every taste.
Rixo
Last year everyone’s favourite wedding guest dress brand, Rixo, made the very logical leap into bridal-wear, and the results were truly stunning. By using the brand’s signature dress silhouettes and rendering them in ivory, white and cream fabrics, the resulting collection is wearable, but no less show-stopping.
Alexander McQueen
Sarah Burton brings all the avant garde charm of Alexander McQueen’s ready-to-wear label to the brand’s bridal line. From zip-detail blazers to asymmetric gowns, these are pieces that wouldn’t look amiss on a runway.
Christopher Kane
You know that when a Vogue staffer invests in a brand for her big day that it’s worth paying attention to. Christopher Kane isn’t a brand you would necessarily associate with wedding dresses, but therein lies its appeal. We’re obsessed with the brand’s crystal-fringed mini dress — ideal for casual nuptials and as an after-party dress.
Simone Rocha
Brit brand, Simone Rocha, is another new addition to the bridal line-up, translating her signature voluminous frocks into wedding-ready pieces, rendered in white and cream organza, tulle and satin. These are the sort of dresses that will look just as good with combat boots as they will with crystal-clad heels.
The Row
The ultimate in all things minimalist, The Row’s wedding dress offering is elegantly stripped-back. Expect sculptural separates, crepe shift dresses and floor-skimming slips. A must-see for New York It-style style.
16 ARLINGTON
If feathers are your thing, then 16ARLINGTON will certainly pique your interest. With a definite party vibe running through the edit, the brand has a great selection of mini dresses, which would be perfect for a party outfit change. We also can’t stop looking at the feather-trimmed gowns, which will lend any wedding plenty of old school Hollywood glamour.
Taller Marmo
Founded in 2013 by designers Riccardo Audisio and Yago Goicoechea, Taller Marmo is all about decadent dresses and kaftans in a rich colour palettes. The bridal offering might stick to traditional creams and whites, but they certainly don’t lack drama.
