Vera Wang on the biggest 2019 wedding trend: ‘freedom and individuality’
Vera Wang certainly needs no introduction, but she’s best known as the “Queen of Bridal.” For 30 years, Wang has pioneered the bridal industry, revolutionizing what bridal means each year. Vera Wang doesn’t follow trends — she sets them.
“We were the first to use color, since Queen Victoria,” Wang shares with Yahoo Lifestyle. “We were the first to use stretch illusion 30 years ago. We were the first to do waist detailing...No one did it before us, the accentuated waist.”
The designer’s recent collections bolster this ethos by pushing the boundaries of what bridal can look like. “I have a lot of brides who are getting married in my Zoya dress, in sort of this insane hue of red,” she says. “I mean, it's crazy.”
Whether a bride is getting married on the beach or in a garden, “they're in a bright color. I mean, you could not even imagine. I did it for editorial because I always want to encourage brides, but to see it really happening is kind of great.”
For any bride who’s just beginning the wedding dress search, Wang has sage advice: Trust your gut. “Out of the millions of dresses out there, they somehow end up knowing what's right for them,” says Wang. “And that's the miracle of it all. I'm just here to offer tons of alternatives. Tons and tons of alternatives. Every season, every way.”
Bottom line, “Freedom is what I'm really celebrating. I think, not only in my own work, but for all the brides we have encouraged for the last 30 years. Bridal was very much, and certainly when we started, a commodity. A bride looked a certain way and the biggest trend for me is a certain kind of freedom and individuality.”
Over the years, Wang has dressed everyone from Sharon Stone to Victoria Beckham; Kate Beckinsale, Alicia Keys, Chelsea Clinton, Kate Hudson and the list goes on. Most recently, Idris Elba’s new wife, Sabrina Dhowre got married wearing two custom Vera Wang dresses in Marrakech.
“I have to say, in every way, I've tried to encourage and I even say democratize, but let women have a choice,” Wang says. “Offer them other visions, other worlds in terms of design and possibilities for their weddings.”
This idea of democratization is a big reason why Vera Wang decided to collaborate with David’s Bridal eight years ago in 2011. “David's [Bridal] is the largest retailer of bridal, certainly at a more accessible price point...It's really this desire to open up the possibilities creatively and from a fashion point of view — to women all over the United States.”
In the end Wang has no regrets. “It's been 30 years of an extraordinary trip. Extraordinary. I'm very proud. I was very lucky. I think we put our heart and soul into it...with every single bride, it was a labor of love, literally.”
If you’re planning your own wedding soon or just enjoy perusing through dreamy wedding dresses designed by Wang, below are 9 White by Vera Wang for David’s Bridal gowns you can shop today.
Crepe-Back Satin Gown with Encrusted Bandeau
Shop it: $478 to $521 (was $528 to $578), davidsbridal.com
White by Vera Wang Plus Size Lace Wedding Dress
Shop it: $989 (was $1,098), davidsbridal.com
White by Vera Wang Bow-Back Halter Wedding Dress
Shop it: $600 (was $998), davidsbridal.com
Pleated Tulle Wedding Dress with Grosgrain Waist
Shop it: $809 to $854 (was $898 to $948), davidsbridal.com
White by Vera Wang Plus Size Halter Wedding Dress
Shop it: $854 (was $948), davidsbridal.com
Layered Tulle One-Shoulder A-Line Wedding Dress
Shop it: $700 (was $1,398), davidsbridal.com
Chantilly Lace Plus Size Trumpet Wedding Dress
Shop it: $1,259 (was $1,398), davidsbridal.com
Tiered Organza T-Back Petite Wedding Dress
Shop it: $1,259 (was $1,398), davidsbridal.com
White by Vera Wang Bell Plus Size Wedding Dress
Shop it: $1,169 (was $1,298), davidsbridal.com
Read More from Yahoo Lifestyle:
• Here are the top 2019 wedding dress trends
• Shop 10 mother of the bride dresses for every kind of mom
• 10 dreamy plus-size wedding dresses for every budget
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