During these rare and unprecedented times, so many brides are left scrambling [1], wondering whether or not it makes sense to postpone their weddings [2] or elope. Should they cancel their wedding-dress appointments or rather schedule a virtual one? There is no denying the fact that social distancing will remain the norm for a while, and the idea of a wedding dress (a big, important detail for a lot of brides!) may remain just that, for now: an idea.
"A wedding stands for hope and trust. Two values we need now."
Some fashion houses have decided to present an extended 2021 collection in October, forgoing the release of a Spring 2021 lineup altogether. But others are slowly providing assets for looks to come sometime soon, because dreaming is still doable.
"In this difficult time we think it's important to dream. A wedding stands for hope and trust. Two values we need now," Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren stated in their press release for the Viktor & Rolf Spring 2021 Marriage gowns, which are inspired by classical gardens.
We're the first to agree that a wedding ceremony is a symbol of marriage, and the marriage itself is what sticks — dresses, flowers, shoes, and cakes, these are all just details. Just the comfort of knowing that your partner will be there down the line might allow you to open your mind to the idea of dreaming about the little things — and a wedding dress is a fine place to start.
While we have yet to see more gowns that will be released next year, here are the ones inspiring our vision as the days go on.
Surprise Skirts
How whimsical are these half-and-half dresses, as I call them, which feature structured bodices and wispy layers of tulle or chiffon as the full skirt underlay?
Sophie et Voilà Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
Bliss Monique Lhuillier Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
BHLDN Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
Viktor & Rolf Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
Sophie et Voilà Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
Nouvelle Amsale Spring 2021
Surprise Skirts
Justin Alexander Fall 2021
Surprise Skirts
Leanne Marshall Fall 2021
Sheer Details
I love the idea that a touch of sheer fabric — however small — can provide a little something extra, even if, in reality, it requires less fabrication and bares some serious skin (Reem Acra, I'm looking at you and your see-through side panel!).
Nouvelle Amsale Spring 2021
Sheer Details
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2021
Sheer Details
Savannah Miller Spring 2021
Sheer Details
Reem Acra Spring 2021
Sheer Details
Dan Jones Spring 2021
Sheer Details
Ines by Ines Di Santo
Sheer Details
Ines Di Santo Couture
Sheer Details
Justin Alexander Fall 2021
Sheer Details
Alexandra Grecco Botanica 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Whether it's lace or beading, I'm completely mesmerised by the detail and handiwork that went into some of these gowns, most of which feature full sleeves and add-ons like a little matching bolero, showing how bridal designers went "all out" for the 2021 bride.
Reem Acra Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
BHLDN Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Oscar de la Renta Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Grace Loves Lace Elysian Collection 2020/2021
Intricate Embroidery
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Justin Alexander Signature Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Nouvelle Amsale Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Justin Alexander Signature Spring 2021
Intricate Embroidery
Ines Di Santo Couture
Unstructured
The idea of a shapeless dress sounds far less romantic than it is when the term meets the bridal world, and the silhouette becomes a gown. These numbers hang beautifully on the figure, rather than falling off. There are details that keep them sexy, like a bare shoulder, but at the end of the day, this trend is chic and certainly most appealing to the fashion-forward bride.
Viktor & Rolf Spring 2021
Unstructured
BHLDN Spring 2021
Unstructured
Sophie et Voilà Spring 2021
Unstructured
Monique Lhuillier Spring 2021
Cutouts
Cutouts are the one trend that I always imagine will grow old when it comes to bridal. But season after season, designers continue to prove me wrong, offering surprising iterations that are fresh and modern — Viktor & Rolf's cutouts are met with a prim and proper bow, while Sophie et Voilà's cutout separates pants and an elegant satin knot crop top.
Viktor & Rolf Spring 2021
Cutouts
Nouvelle Amsale Spring 2021
Cutouts
Sophie et Voilà Spring 2021
Cutouts
BHLDN Spring 2021
Cutouts
Justin Alexander Fall 2021
Cutouts
Chiffon Overlays Fall 2021
Chiffon Overlays
Who doesn't love the idea of a dress that looks completely different when you give it a spin or a twirl? This Savannah Miller number is simple and straightforward, but it begs for movement. And when the bride obliges, it becomes so much more than a floor-length sheath.
Savannah Miller Spring 2021
Chiffon Overlays
Sophie et Voilà Spring 2021
Chiffon Overlays
Ines by Ines Di Santo
Chiffon Overlays
Leanne Marshall Fall 2021