This season designers have gone big with their ballgown shapes, creating super-glamorous styles that are perfect for taking you from ceremony to the grandest party
The ballgown shape is a perennial favourite for brides, but for the new season it is bigger, bolder and often dramatic. With frothy or full skirts, features such as bows and gorgeous embellishment, this is the perfect look for the bride who wants standout glamour all the way from aisle to after party. Our eight great picks include designs for everything from formal ball to destination or high-summer celebration.
1. Sassi Holford – Light touch
Angelica is a gorgeous contemporary ballgown style from the new En Amour collection. With a light ballgown skirt in soft tulle, it has an abstract-pattern hand-appliquéd bodice. A low back with illusion-panel straps makes this perfect for a summer party. sassiholford.com
2. Elbeth Gillis – Bold bow
From the new Desire collection by leading South African designer Elbeth Gillis, Vivian is an elegant structured ballgown with flattering wide neckline and split-side effect bodice. We love the slouch pockets and wide belt with oversized bow detail at the back of the gown. London stockist is Angelica Bridal. elbethgillis.com
3. Carolina Herrera – Top tiers
Lillian is a glamorous party dress from New York designer Carolina Herrera. With a fitted bodice, curved at the neckline to put focus on the shoulders, it has a full tulle skirt falling in frothy tiers. UK exclusive stockist is The Wedding Club’s Knightsbridge store. thewedding-club.co.uk
4. Cymbeline – Full glamour
Irlande, from French bridal house Cymbeline, is a classic strapless gown with full and frothy tulle ballgown skirt with silk stripes. The close-fitting silk bodice has stripes at the neckline and a cummerbund-effect detail to define the waist. cymbeline.com
5. Lyn Ashworth – Black tie
This classic strapless Duchy ballgown is designed and made in Staffordshire by Sarah Barrett and the team at Lyn Ashworth. Featuring a sweetheart neckline, boned bodice and full skirt with train, it is accessorised here with a simple black belt. Stockists include BOA Boutique in Richmond, London. boa-boutique.co.uk
6. Zuhair Murad – Flower queen
This fabulous full gown from the new Zuhair Murad collection is dressed with beautiful silk and crystal embroidered lotus flowers. The bodice features a sweetheart neckline with lace illusion panel and the full skirt has a detachable overskirt. UK-exclusive stockist is The Wedding Club. thewedding-club.co.uk
7. Jesús Peiró – Smooth line
A smooth take on the ballgown shape, this design from the Cala collection would be perfect for a summer ball. In Mikado taffeta, it combines a neat high neckline and low back with thin crossover straps. The full wraparound skirt with discreet front split has a train and slouch pockets. jesuspeiro.com
8. Galia Lahav – Fairy story
With a finely tailored bustier bodice embellished with flowers, this fairytale gown from the Making a Scene couture collection features a dramatic ruffled and layered tulle skirt. UK stockists of Galia Lahav include Browns Bride. galialahav.com
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