2010 Bridal Fashion Trends

Daring. Dramatic. Different. From sweeping skirts to cascading tiers, sheer gloves and asymmetrical draping, 2010 bridal fashions are all about making a statement.
Exciting and eclectic trends will be making their way from overseas runways to Australian boutiques in the next few months, offering the 2010 bride-to-be a multitude of ways to be breathtaking on her big day.

When seeking out their dream dress, style-savvy brides can take inspiration from the following key looks of 2010:

Belle of the Ball

The ballgown is back, bringing drama and detail to aisle style for 2010. Reminiscent of eras gone by, this look is for the girls who let out a sigh at the sight of Scarlett O’Hara descending the steps of Tara in her magnificent hooped skirt. 2010 offers a new twist on the old world style with a moving away from the traditional heavier fabrics like satin and taffeta that usually make up this styles full skirts. Vera Wang’s Spring 2010 collection, which debuted at the recent New York Bridal fashion week, emphasised ‘freedom and fragility’. The revamped ‘Scarlett O’Hara look’ as showcased by Wang, is dramatic in style yet soft in feel. This season’s lavish look is created through layers of lighter fabrics such as chiffon, tulle and organza. Dress ‘architecture’ (the techniques of pleating, gathering and folding to create dimension and volume) is a key factor in creating a gown that causes jaws to drop, so look out for strong structures.

For the true romantics at heart, consider incorporating ruffles. Ruffles appeared on the bridal fashion scene in 2009 and this trend will reach its zenith in the coming year as they are a fantastic way to create volume and drama. When considering ruffles, keep in mind the differences between horizontal and vertical. Horizontal tiers are perfect for creating a wider silhouette and also move beautifully on the dance floor. The long wavy lines created by vertical ruffles lend a whimsical air to a gown and are also visually slimming. They also create lovely texture. Always captivating  2010’s ballgown is a true dream-day dress.

Short and Sweet

On the other end of the spectrum, super short hemlines are poised to be a hot trend for 2010. The vast variety of styles on parade during New York bridal fashion week in November 2009 proved that short can range from sexy to sweet, sophisticated to simply stunning. The mini is a great option for brides wanting to make a bold statement, especially when paired with another of 2010’s more unusual fashion trends – wrist or elbow length sheer white gloves, ala Oscar de la Renta’s recent bridal collection. This style also allows shoe crazy brides to show off a stunning pair of heels on their special day.

For brides who love the idea of a shorter gown, but shy away from showing too much leg, this seasons tea length gown (falling somewhere between the bottom of the knee to the ankle) is a more modest alternative. Reminiscent of ‘50’s fashion, this ladylike length is perfect for a romantic garden reception or a more vintage style affair.

Shorter skirts also equal greater simplicity. A mini teamed with strappy sandals is a fuss free and fun option for low key brides who want to be about to dance the night away at their reception without worry of tripping over longer skirts. Short gowns also travel well, meaning that they are perfect choice for destination brides, especially those saying ‘I do’ in warmer climates.

Blossoming Bride

Flowers will be popping up everywhere in 2010 bridal wear, ranging from delicate lace detailing to large 3-dimensional flower appliqués. Designers at the European bridal shows this year focused on silk blooms that dotted skirt hemlines. The use of white on white and the subtle way in which these delicate rosettes were scattered sporadically across the gowns created a wonderfully feminine feel. Brides wishing to be a ‘spring queen’ can indulge their floral fantasy in various ways. Look out for handcrafted silk petals featuring on gowns of chiffon and sheer organza. The combination of the floaty fabric and the delicate appliqué technique creates a lovely effect when any movement is made – with the tiny petals set aflutter as if stirred by a gentle spring breeze. Brides walking down the aisle in these types of designs give the illusion of a blossom floating gently on the wind.

Another clever use of the floral motif is oversized fabric blooms on one shouldered gowns, ala Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City. Florals will also feature heavily on headbands and hair pieces. A fabric flower looks fresh and pretty in the hair and is a lovely way for fashion forward brides to incorporate the floral trend.

Back to Black

Black and white is always a chic option for a wedding and this colour scheme has surged in popularity in recent years. In 2010, black takes the form of embellishments, ranging from black lace floral detailing to elaborate beaded patterning, a style reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn’s famous black and white gown in the film Sabrina. Designers at New York’s bridal fashion week also focused on black on white or white on black accents. Vera Wang’s 2010 fall collection features a number of designs with the black on white accent, mostly in the form of black ribbon detail either at the straps, bodice or waist of the gowns. Brides who want to emphasise a lovely waistline will find a large number of dresses that feature black waist sashes. The contrast between light and dark is both figure flattering and eye catching. This look is kept soft and feminine through the transparent black grosgrain employed for the waist sashes.

Asymmetrical Lines

2009 proved that asymmetrical lines are attention grabbing. Michelle Obama’s white one shouldered Inauguration gown by Jason Wu captured the attention of the fashion forward worldwide and was a direct influence upon the abundance of asymmetrical designs appearing in bridal collections this coming year. Fashion forecasters are predicting that the one shouldered gown will be the new strapless, offering brides a fresh and exciting way to show off a toned upper body. The good news is that this trend works well for both small and larger chested ladies, provided that the gown is structured properly. Brides wanting to create the illusion of curves should look out for asymmetrical ruching on bodices and skirts, which shapes and highlights the silhouette. This style is also a great choice for a destination bride seeking a simple gown that still makes impact.

The Birdcage is All The Rage

This trend comes direct from the Hollywood hills. The birdcage veil (a veil that usually incorporates a jewelled clip or feathered headpiece that is combined with netting to cover just the face) was a staple for 1940’s starlets and is now enjoying a comeback in 2010. Drew Barrymore recently showcased a birdcage veil at the premiere of her film, Grey Gardens and Katherine Heigl of Grey’s Anatomy looked stunning on her big day in a bejewelled version. The birdcage veil is an elegant choice for brides who may not want the worries that often accompany a heavy veil. It is also a great option for second-time brides seeking a subtle yet sophisticated look or those who want to go vintage style on their big day. The birdcage veils of 2010 will likely be adorned with feathers, flowers or ornate pins. Look for netting that sweeps asymmetrically across the face, giving this old glamour look a cutting edge twist.

And a few others to take note of…

Pockets

Both practical and fun, pockets continue to pop up in gowns in 2010. A number of Alex Perry’s designs for the coming year will incorporate pockets, allowing brides to keep must haves like lipsticks and tissues within easy reach.

New Hues

For brides seeking an alternative to white, gowns in champagne, ivory and antique gold will be gracing boutiques throughout the coming months.

Forget perfection!

Raw edging and intentional imperfection was another interesting look at New York Bridal Fashion week. If done artistically, this type of design can lend a gown an individual edge, amping up the impact.

Fashion Feature by Tara Eglington