There are certain elements of bridal fashion that never go out of style: white gowns, for example; veils, for another. But that’s not to say that wedding gowns aren’t subject to various trends from season to season. With the official arrival of spring, the latest dresses are ready to see the light, and WB checked in with three eminent Canadian designers to see what’s hot (and what’s not) for the warmer months ahead.
According to Toronto-based designer Lee-Ann Belter of Lee-Ann Belter Bridal, the “Fit and Flare” shape fitted over the hips with a flared skirt — is in high demand. And slimmer silhouettes in general are definitely outselling the ever-popular ballgown shape. In terms of fabrics, the lust for lace shows no signs of stopping. When it comes to necklines, many women are seeking an alternative to strapless. For this reason, V-necks are a hot seller and their popularity is likely to continue into next season.
To the contrary, George Caffin of Catherine Regehr in Vancouver reports that “strapless is still very much in demand.” However, he notes that many brides who opt for strapless dresses are adding shrugs and bolero jackets for a little extra coverage on top. These are more current and practical alternatives to the traditional stole; shrugs are modern and they stay in place throughout the day. More brides are also opting for cocktail-length dresses in place of more formal gowns, says Caffin.
At Lowon Pope in Toronto, designer Lana Lowon agrees that less-formal gowns are on the rise. She attributes this trend to the marked increase in destination weddings, as well as more mature brides who are looking for something a little less traditional. For this reason, Lowon is also noticing more interest in colourful wedding dresses. She has recently been commissioned to create gowns in shades of brown and green, to name a few. In some cases, colour may be the perfect complement to a tropical setting. For instance, one of Lowon’s latest creations, an ivory gown with an asymmetrical hemline and layers of turquoise chiffon was an ideal dress for the bride’s seaside ceremony. “Lace is still happening,” says Lowon, in agreement with fellow Toronto designer Belter. Lowon also observes that regardless of trends, every bride, no matter how non-traditional, eventually succumbs to the particularly girly charms of bridal fashion, even if it’s only something sparkly in her hair. After all, you don’t have to wear a grand ballgown and a tiara to feel like a princess on your big day!
