Clare Thompson of The Wedding Club picks out key trends for 2018 in bridal, as spotted on the runways of London, Barcelona and New York and in new-season designer collections
From boho and ballgown revivals to amazing textured gowns, and edgy bridal pantsuits, Clare Thompson of The Wedding Club highlights the key trends she’s spotted at runway shows in New York, Barcelona and London.
Ballgown shapes
“The ballgown shape is a strong element in many 2018 bridal collections,” says Clare Thompson. This is a timeless look, but for the season ahead you’ll find contemporary and edgy takes in collections of designers such as New York’s Carolina Herrera, who has included full-skirted gowns with sculpted off-the-shoulder detailing, oversized bows and lavish trains.
Savin London has full feather-trimmed skirts and Zuhair Murad features slimline gowns with matching coats and overskirts to give you the option of a full ballgown entrance and slimline gown for after-party.
Boho twists
Romantic styling always features in bridalwear, but in the season to come more designers are including modern boho twists, from willowy and dramatic bell sleeves to fine French laces and bold textural combinations. Past masters of romantic dressing, such as Temperley London, Costarellos and Marco & Maria, have really interesting textures on soft and empire-line silhouettes to make this whimsical bridal look feel fresh and contemporary.
Texture story
Unusual burnout – and almost découpage effect patterns – are adding detail and interest to skirts, sleeves and bodices. Clare says: “Look out too for clever uses of sheer fabric, often in combination with strong textures.” This is seen to striking effect with designers such as Costarellos and Zuhair Murad. You will also find lots of sparkling embellishments, including sequins, beads, crystals and glittery trims.
Astral motifs and feathers are also cropping up across collections: “Houghton NYC – a new label that joined The Wedding Club last autumn – created a glamorous slimline gown with feather and star-decorated bodice, while Savannah Miller has a romantic sheer dress and matching cape top with silver star motifs”.
Corset bodices, cutouts and splits
A complete contrast to the new boho look is the underwear-as-outerwear trend, focused around corset effect bodices. Splits and cutout details are strong stories – whether it’s a split-front plunge bodice, cutout on the back or midriff of the gown or thigh-high split skirt. The new Berta collection features lots of sexy pieces, including a high-glamour sculpted bodice cut to create a bustier effect and paired with a form-fitting skirt with mermaid kick pleat. This collection also features a standout off-the-shoulder gown with plunge bodice, cutout back and long fitted sleeves.
Jumpsuits and bridal trousers
The jumpsuit is cropping up across collections, says Clare, while bridal trousers are in many bridal designers’ collections, with options ranging from wide palazzo pants to crisply tailored, skinny and crop shapes. This is a luxe look, often with a 1980s club-scene twist, especially when trousers are in satin or textured silk. Savannah Miller’s new collection includes a superb soft tailored jacket and matching trousers with lavish sequin embellishment, while Savin has a variety of edgy trouser options that can be paired with biker-style white jackets and romantic sheer coats and blouses.
About The Wedding Club
The Wedding Club has over 20 designers at its three stores, and is exclusive UK stockist of labels including Berta, Naeem Khan and Zuhair Murad. London branches are at 10 Yeomans Row, SW3 and 32 Thurloe Street, SW7. The Birmingham branch relocated last autumn to The Mailbox, B1 – close to New Street Station. For appointments, visit thewedding-club.co.uk
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