While lace is a classic component of the bridal gown, this season’s crop of lace wedding dresses have been showing their contemporary edge. And, as Pippa Middleton’s gorgeous Giles Deacon gown shows, lace has chic and luxury credentials that will always steal the wedding-day show
Lace wedding dresses are a perennial favourite, but right now lace also has a distinctly fashion-forward flavour. You are spoiled for choice in both this season’s collections and next. In fact, it’s been one of the strongest fashion stories at recent Barcelona and London bridal shows – whether as an all-over design, sexy illusion effect, refined collar and sleeve detailing or ethereal overlayer. While floral patterns still predominate, you’ll also see bolder, more graphic designs in the mix.
However you choose to wear it, lace is always feminine and appropriate for a bride and, as Pippa Middleton’s gorgeous Giles Deacon gown shows, it adds an air of lightness and grace that will always steal the wedding-day show.
Caroline Castigliano
Combining a fitted lace bodice with transparent lace fitted sleeves, Panache is a super sophisticated take on the lace bridal gown from London bridal designer Caroline Castigliano. carolinecastigliano.com
Nurit Hen
This stunning Nurit Hen gown features a bold graphic lace inset bodice and lace cap sleeves, with the pattern continuing down the length of the gown. The lace detail also features on the back of the gown. UK stockists include Mirror Mirror. mirrormirror.uk.com
Savin London
This refined Savin London lace fitted gown features fine embellishment and soft mermaid-effect skirt. Elegant transparent lace elbow-length sleeves add a chic flourish that would be perfect for the city bride. savinlondon.com
Gemy Maalouf
Lace wedding dresses can be edgy, as this design by Lebanese designer Gemy Maalouf shows. Featuring a bralet top and full-length skirt, it has a lace overlayer with high-collar and cap sleeves – a sweetly modest touch on a sexy gown. gemymaalouf.com
Sheila Harding
Exclusive to BOA in Richmond, Sheila Harding’s Dolce – photographed here at Strawberry Hill House, Twickenham – features a plain slip gown with lace panels in the skirt and sumptuous lace jacket. boa-boutique.co.uk
Cymbeline
The Belma from Cymbeline (also featured top) comprises an all-over lace bodice with tulle insets in the mermaid skirt. We love the flattering scallop neckline and soft cap sleeves, creating an almost jacket effect to the front, with cut-out panel at the back of the dress. cymbeline.com
Shamali
This Daniela gown from London boutique designer Shamali features a delicate leaf-design lace bodice with inset panel paired to an A-line savoy satin skirt with tulle overlay and lace detailing. shamali.co.uk
Stephanie Allin
Fitted lace wedding dresses are lovely, but not for every bride – especially if the weather is going to be tropical. Just perfect for day-into-evening destination-wedding dressing, this simple Flavia gown with Flavia lace overtop is from Stephanie Allin’s exquisite Bellissimo collection. stephanieallin.net
Paloma Blanca
Offering pure fairytale credentials that would steal the show at a high-summer or destination wedding, this Paloma Blanca lace-bodice gown with plunge neck and thin straps is combined with a dreamy layered tulle skirt. palomablanca.com
Naomi Neoh
From the Eden collection, Erin combines a fine French Chantilly lace overlay with an Ebony dress. As with all Naomi Neoh gowns, clever corsetry creates an ultra-flattering gown. naomineoh.com
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