14 Jaw-Dropping Gowns for the Fashion-Loving Bride
For the fashion-lover, the hunt for the perfect bridal gown can, at times, be void of romance. Navigating the ivory and lace-covered world of weddings can leave a discerning bride feeling discouraged, as she realizes the market simply wasn't meant for her. The fantasy of floating through a perfectly-designed atelier, boutique or showroom strewn with racks of artfully selected dresses from designers she knows and loves and landing on the perfect one (or three) is but a dream. Until now...
It seems the most forward-thinking bridal looks of the season do exist, and it was this fashion-girl struggle that inspired BAZAAR Bridal to take her along to one of the most enchanting places on Earth: Lake Como. The fashion fairy tale doesn't end there; we headed to one of the most spectacular, dreamy villas on the water, Villa Sola Cabiati, the simultaneously quaint yet opulent sister property to the glamorous Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
The 16th century villa overlooking the water in Tremezzo is as steeped in history as it is immediately breathtaking. One stroll through its iron, gilded gates and past a meticulously-pruned front courtyard, you can't help but be overwhelmed by its stature, and ushered in by the warmth of Italian hospitality. So hospitable, in fact, that a master suite was built on the villa's second floor for Napoleon Bonaparte, in anticipation of his reported visit to the lake.
Carolina Herrera bridal gown, price upon request, carolinaherrera.com; Doyle & Doyle Georgian earrings, similar items available at doyledoyle.com; McTeigue & McClelland Old European diamond and yellow gold engagement ring, price upon request, mc2jewels.com.
A bedroom was decorated to Bonaparte's specific preferences, with pieces from his wardrobe, along with Josephine's, securely stored for safe-keeping. The Sola Cabiati, an Italian noble family, inherited the villa in 1871, and a suite across the hall from Napoleon's was designed for its contessa. Napoleon never did make it to Como-but we did, and we took to the legendary gardens and courtyards of Villa Sola to showcase what brides who break the mold are after: the most groundbreaking bridal looks of the season, in a fantasy setting.
A stately gown of exotic skins, beaded ropes and hand-embroidery is equal parts strong and seductive, luring in brides who dare to be bold.
Roberto Cavalli python beaded evening dress, $18,000, robertocavalli.com; Erdem bird earrings, $332, fwrd.com; Yeprem diamond rings, price upon request, yepremjewellery.com. Above: Video by Alba Renna.
Take the reins of your wedding day look and opt for items that feel true to your outside-the-box style. Think ankle-length ball gowns and floral-printed riding boots-paired with gobstopper black pearl and diamond earrings.
Alessandra Rich dress, $4,390, alessandrarich.com; Altuzarra boots, price upon request, altuzarra.com; Buccellati earrings, price upon request, buccellati.com.
Your partner isn't the only one who can wear the pants-or a perfectly tailored pair of trousers. Take notes from menswear for the aisle and accent them with feminine touches that don't stray from your handsome aesthetic; like statement earrings, a mix of cocktail rings, or a dreamy, embroidered veil.
Left: Vera Wang Bride "Florence" jacket and skirt, price upon request, verawang.com; Stephen Russell earrings, price upon request, stephenrussell.com. Right: Cushnie et Ochs "Amina" top, $895 and "Philipa" wide leg pant, $995, cushnieetochs.com; Carolina Herrera veil, price upon request, carolinaherrera.com; Oscar de la Renta "Romy" sandals, $650, farfetch.com; Stephen Russell ring, price upon request, stephenrussell.com; Tiffany & Co. emerald and diamond earrings and diamond cocktail ring, price upon request, tiffany.com.
Dare to wear silhouettes that have presence, stand out in the crowd-and have all eyes on you. On this day, you're the only girl in the room, so take advantage.
Zac Posen Resort 2018 gown, price upon request, zacposen.com; Stephen Russell old mine diamond chandelier earrings, price upon request, stephenrussell.com.
Don't be so brazen as to wear a gown that wears you. Instead, choose one that doesn't take much to drop jaws and impress, even when you're seated. Rather than ivory, lace or embroidery, opt for a dramatic neckline and a rich print that feels just as festive, and turns even more heads.
Brock Collection "Dionne" dress, $5,990, matchesfashion.com; Doyle & Doyle diamond earrings, price upon request, doyledoyle.com; Jennifer Behr crystal studded violette face veiling, $375, jenniferbehr.com.
A classic shape with interest in the hemline and the color is how a bride can take the right dose of risk.
Reem Acra Pre-Fall Look 27 gown, price upon request, reemacra.com; Giuseppe Zanotti "Bridget" mules, $625, giuseppezanottidesign.com; Stephen Webster earrings, $13,750, stephenwebster.com; McTeigue & McClelland Old European diamond and yellow gold engagement ring, price upon request, mc2jewels.com.
Classic beauty, pure romance and fine details are best served in soft color to strike a balance between the opulent and the sophisticated.
Marchesa gown, price upon request, marchesa.com; Stephen Russell earrings, price upon request, stephenrussell.com.
You're the lady of the night-bask in it. Opt for dresses that are equal parts coy and confident, that take risks without begging for attention. Choose pieces with fine details so that you, your beloved and guests, discover new things to love about your look as the celebration wears on.
J.Mendel gown, $12,990, jmendel.com; Buccellati necklace and earrings, price upon request, buccellati.com.
A garden party and bohemian vibes are no reasons to skimp on grandeur. On the contrary; choose delicate touches, like whisper-thin tulles, dreamy pastels and twinkling embroidery that catches the light.
Monique Lhuillier gown, price upon request, moniquelhuillier.com; Cartier necklace, price upon request, cartier.com.
There's a certain sultry magic in Como, and while mermaids are folklore, an alluring bride emerging from the lake comes quite close. Italian sirens inspire seductive risk-taking, like a semi-sheer gown dripping in crystals, pearls and gilded lace.
La Perla gown, price upon request, laperla.com; Doyle & Doyle Edwardian pearl and diamond earrings, $4,850, doyledoyle.com.
Own your aesthetic (be it edgy and daring, or over-the-top fairytale) and don't neglect an entrance as eye-catching as your ensemble.
Oscar de la Renta gown, price upon request, oscardelarenta.com; Jimmy Choo "Freya" booties, $995, jimmychoo.com.
Created by Carrie Goldberg; Photographs by Christian Oth; Shot at Villa Sola Cabiati; Starring Aia Busk for IMG Models; Makeup by Moani Lee for Beauty Exchange NYC; Hair by Adrian Clark; Casting by Ignacio Murillo; Video by Alba Renna with Music by Hoyle; Styling Assistant and Market Editor Tennille Yamashita; Special Thanks to Muzam Productions, Francisco Bravo, Rachel Birthistle, Valentina De Santis, Silvio Vettorello, Delia Facchini and Grand Hotel Tremezzo.
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