We were completely honored when Chris Laich asked us to guest-write a post for his [awesome] blog. Chris Laich Music Services provides elegant DJ services and live musicians for weddings and corporate events in the Virginia, DC, and Maryland areas, and is Washington’s most critically acclaimed wedding DJ. He has even been listed as one of the hottest wedding DJs in the country by Modern Bride Magazine as well as the top wedding DJ in the area by Washingtonian magazine.
Thanks again for inviting us on your blog, Chris! In case you missed it, here is our post again:
Bridal Attire Fashion and Advice from DC Area Experts – Part 3 with Ellie’s Bridal Boutique
We often find that fashion follows fashion, and that includes everything from Hollywood red carpet to ready-to-wear to bridal attire. We found some of the top trends for 2013 to show you how your favorite runway looks will translate to the pages of your favorite wedding magazine.
Florals
Without a doubt, floral prints were one of the top trends seen at New York’s Fashion Week earlier this year.This trend is fun and feminine in any fashion setting so it’s not a surprise to see florals emerging in everything bridal, giving a romantic, fairy-tale spin to a look that is still light enough for any spring garden.
For bridal gowns, bold floral patterns add an artful flare when used in place of traditional lace patterns. Proven popular with brides, Blue by Enzoani's Dillon gown (pictured right) is a perfect example of this. Looks like this trend is here to stay!
Far left:Elle Magazine features floral runway designs from New York’s Fashion Week Center left: Zara’s newest collection features a casual Piqué Floral BlazerCenter right: After Six bridesmaid style 6600 Far right: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2833
Pleated Waist
Who ever guessed that pleats would find its way back into our hearts? But one click onto Forever 21’s “New Arrivals” page shows us options to make pleated shirts and skirts cute and wearable again. Above we illustrate how this return styles easily translates into classic bridesmaid and bridal styles. Despite popular belief, these styles are incredibly flattering for most figure types.
Left:Forever 21 Sheer Pleated Waist Top Center: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D524 Right: Justin Alexander Signature style 9688
Bold Ruffles
InStyle’s ruffles trend overview
We’ve seen ruffles before, but as Instyle notes, “these stiff, austere waves are more modern than the floppier furls of past seasons.” Ruffles of past seasons were soft and flowy, moving with every step and swing. The larger, bolder ruffles of 2013 are more carefully constructed and placed with the greatest attention. Gowns with this design in mind are intentionally chic and in vogue, perfect for the fashion-forward bride.
Left: Alfred Sung bridesmaid style D544 Center: Dessy Collection bridesmaid style 2867 Right: Allure Romance style 2605
Metallics
Metallics are in for Spring 2013. Shiny textures & iridescent fabrics were seen all over Fashion Week’s runways earlier this year. To keep the elegance of bridal wear alive, the metallics of bridesmaids dresses are typically more subtle than on most runways. Iridescent and luminescent chiffons offer a soft metallic sparkle that radiates the most romantic aura and should be admired up close. He magical look and feel of these fabrics will be most appreciated as your bridal party graces down the aisle past the gazing eyes of your guests. Certain colors offered in Dupioni, Peau de soie, and Silky taffeta fabrics offer a more vibrant metallic shine that is more eye-catching and modern for bolder bridal parties.
Top left:Fashion Magazine features Metallics on 2013 runways Far right: Jim Hjelm Occasions bridemaids style 5151 in Dupioni Bottom row: Justin Alexander Spring 2013 Signature Collection
Knowing that today’s brides are looking to strike that perfect balance between modern trends, individuality, and timeless style, top bridal designers knew that incorporating the metallic trend into wedding gowns would be a bit more challenging. Stylish brides will love the use of neutral, non-traditional colors and both textured and crystal beaded embroidery used to achieve a glamorous bridal look that gives it nod to modern runway fashion.
Brides may also choose to use shiny shoes and accessories to complement a more traditional bridal gown and keep up with the metallic trend.
Peekaboo
InStyle loves how adventurous the Peekaboo look is. The most daring of brides may want to stun their crowd with this provocative style, though most brides prefer to adhere to more understated appearances for their Big Day. Typically in bridal, you will find the peekaboo in a much more refined way that still shows off the thinly veiled “reveal-and-conceal” dramatic look the style was intended for. Keyhole and illusion detailing across the back is the most popular way this fashion trend finds its way into the elegant tastes of wedding attire.
Left: InStyle’s peekaboo overview Right: Fada from Blue by Enzoani
Lace, Lace, Lace
It’s all about lace! While never out of fashion, we have seen a sharp and steady increase in the popularity of lace since the timelessness and grace of Kate Middleton awed the world on her wedding day just two years ago. Lace gowns are being paired with nearly every other fashion trend out there (see above). With more lace options than ever, lace-loving brides every silhouette and neckline imaginable. Lace-loving brides, this is the ideal time to find your gown. We are also seeing lace displayed on a growing number of bridesmaid designs.
Far left: Taylor Swift at CMT’s Artist of the Year awards Center left: Allure Romance style 2604 Center right: Stacy Keibler at Screen Actors Guild Awards Far right: Allure Romance 2610
I really could go on forever with this post! It really was a restraint to keep from adding a dozen more photos to the above post... showing gowns with combinations of some of the above trend... highlighting more trends with more photos... You'll just have to make an appointment with us to come in and see the rest!
