The date is set and now you need to find The Outfit – something many of us may have been dreaming about for years. But often it is hard to find, or even know, what we’re looking for. With an ever-increasing diversification of bridalwear out there, it can be tough to find ‘the one’, so here Carmen Haigh curates some fantastic pieces currently available from local boutiques and designers.
SLEEK AND MODERN
Known for her elegantly draped, simple but luxurious silk pieces, Scottish fashion designer Laura Ironside launched her first ‘Bridal Edit’ last year. The mini collection consists of four ready-to-wear dresses, each in Laura’s signature sleek silhouette. The ‘Serena’ silk slip dress in a sensual bronze hue would make a great choice for those looking to avoid white in favour of something less traditional. www.lauraironside.com
FOR THE FASHIONISTA BRIDE
Vivienne Westwood’s ‘Long Cocotte’ gown in ‘Absence of Roses’ jacquard silk – paired here with detachable ‘Diva’ train – takes inspiration from the stylish women of
18th-century high society and is a showcase of impeccable tailoring and draping – what we’ve come to expect from, and love most about, Vivienne Westwood. With its romantic corset bodice and detachable dramatic train – two major bridal trends emerging at the moment – this one is for the feisty fashionistas looking to wow as they walk down the aisle. The train can be removed for an easy day-to-night transition, revealing the sleek, slender inner dress with cheeky little split at the back. Find it at Rachel Scott Couture boutique in Edinburgh. www.rachelscottcouture.co.uk
KEEPING IT SIMPLE
Flossy & Dossy is a Glasgow-based bridalwear studio which specialises in original and creative wedding dress designs, as well as bespoke options. One of its current standout dresses, ‘Celia’, is a luxury crepe gown with bang-on-trend exaggerated balloon sleeves and a statement open back. “I wanted to create a minimal design which still had some detail,” says Wendy Harman, the designer behind it all. “The gathers on the sleeves are echoed on the pleats at the waist and complemented by the simple, sweeping skirt. It is one of my favourites from the collection.” www.flossyanddossy.co.uk
FOR THE ROMANTIC BRIDE
Wedding dresses with statement sleeves are big news this year and, by the look of the spring/summer ’23 catwalk shows, they’re not going anywhere anytime soon. With its sheer, off-shoulder puff sleeves, ‘Lucera’, by Eleganza Sposa’s own in-house brand, Iconica, is bang on trend and just oozes romance. It has a structured bodice embellished with sparkling floral lace and soft, flowing tulle skirts – making it an easy choice to fall in love with. www.eleganza.co.uk
FOR VINTAGE LOVERS
‘Iris’ by Edinburgh-based bridalwear and fashion designer Rowan Joy – who is known for her highly feminine, romantic designs – offers a fresh take on the classic 1940s tea dress silhouette. Made with delicate, silvery silk crepe with soft pink embroidered appliqué, this gown is perfect for the bride on the hunt for something subtly vintage-inspired and sophisticated. Rowan Joy also offers bespoke designs. www.rowanjoybridal.co.uk
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