As wedding season approaches, all thoughts turn to the latest bridal collections from the world’s leading fashion brands. Sartorially savvy brides have long eschewed more traditional bridal gowns in favour of those created by top fashion designers. From the timeless elegance of Emilia Wickstead’s designs and Erdem’s ethereal silhouettes to Nensi Dojaka’s bold new capsule line, there’s a style of wedding dress to suit every bride’s taste. Here, we’ve rounded up the best new bridal collections to have on your radar this season.
fashion-forward bridal collections
Emilia Wickstead Bridal
London-based fashion designer Emilia Wickstead launched her eponymous bridal collection in 2011, after designing her own wedding dress. Since then, her designs have become the go-to for modern brides looking for contemporary yet timelessly elegant bridal gowns. Her latest collection features 15 signature wedding dresses and – for the first time – a range of bridal shoes and accessories, including barely-there tulle veils and lace opera gloves. New for this season is the showstopping Eugenia dress, crafted entirely from lace, which comes with a dramatic floor-length lace cape and matching gloves.
Erdem White Collection
Erdem Moralioglu is best known for his ethereal eveningwear, and his bridal collections are just as exquisite. The latest instalment of the brand’s ready-to-wear White Collection features delicately embroidered organza brial gowns with oversized asymmetric bow details, sequinned column dresses that tap into the latest 70s fashion trend and an elegant cloqué coat dress that’s perfect for winter weddings. The bridal collection also features a range of accessories, including polka dot veils, crystal headbands and satin flower necklaces.
Net-a-Porter Bridal Collections
For their latest bridal campaign, Net-a-Porter has unveiled two exclusive capsule collections. The first is with American designer Christopher John Rogers, whose sharp tailoring and voluminous silhouettes have earnt him fans that include Zendaya and Michelle Obama. The bridal collection is made up of satin shirt dresses, iridescent organza skirts and silk bustier tops, as well as the chicest white trouser suit we’ve seen in a long time. The second is with New York-based label Khaite, who have created a range of structured off-the-shoulder dresses and crystal-embellished slingback sandals tailor-made for the modern bride.
Vivienne Westwood Bridal Collections
Vivienne Westwood famously made her own wedding dress in 1962 and her eponymous label has continued the tradition with their made-to-order bespoke bridal service. This year’s collection takes inspiration from the night sky, with a celestial colour palette of silvery whites and blush pinks contrasted with rich reds and sapphire blues. Westwood’s trademark corseting, voluminous skirts and distinct drapery are visible throughout the line, with sumptuous textures of heavy satin and taffeta with sequin and metallic embellishments. The pieces are designed, sampled and hand-crafted locally in England, continuing Westwood’s lifelong legacy of environmental activism and creating timeless clothing that can be worn for generations.
Self-Portrait Bridal
If you’re looking for something a little different for your big day, make a beeline for Self-Portrait’s eclectic bridal collection. The London-based label’s effortlessly cool offerings aren’t your average taffeta bridal gown – instead, you can expect everything from rhinestone-encrusted mini dresses to edgy crop top and maxi skirt combos. Standout designs for this season include a 3D-effect cotton lace maxi, a metallic bouclé blazer dress and a showstopping floor-length cape embellished with silver sequins and beaded pearls – a truly enchanting addition to any bridal outfit.
HVN Bridal
When British model and HVN founder Harley Viera-Newton got married in 2017, she struggled to find bridal outfits that worked for the numerous extra events that go along with a wedding, such as the hen party and rehearsal dinner. She also couldn’t believe how difficult it was to track down pieces that she would actually want to wear again after the big day. So, she decided to launch a bridal line that would solve both of those problems. Featuring over 50 different looks, HVN Bridal aims to cover a bride during her entire wedding weekend and beyond. There are flowing gowns for the day itself, as well as feather-fringed minis, sequinned crop tops and slip dresses that will work for any occasion.
Nensi Dojaka x Mytheresa Bridal Capsule
Central Saint Martins graduate Nensi Dojaka has made a name for herself over recent years with her lingerie-inspired designs, which have been worn by everyone from Bella Hadid to Adwoa Aboah to Rihanna. Now she’s brought her barely-there creations to a bridal line. Launched exclusively on Mytheresa, the capsule collection features 24 wedding pieces designed for the most daring of brides. Inspired by attending her own friend’s wedding last year, the line features figure-hugging cutout wedding dresses with Dojaka’s signature spaghetti straps and layers of sheer fabric, as well as sequined evening gowns, bodycon mini-dresses and chic corset-and-trouser ensembles.
Galvan White Collection
Minimalist brides have long favoured Galvan’s slinky creations, which offer up a streamlined, pared-back take on the traditional wedding gown. The brand is best known for its silk slip dresses, which fit like a dream, but their latest collection also has plenty of more outside-the-box options to choose from. Highlights for Spring/Summer 2023 include a corseted textured crepe jumpsuit straight out of Studio 54, a satin trench coat with a sash-tie waist and a boho-style cutout lace gown that would be perfect for an Ibizan beach ceremony.
Oscar de la Renta Bridal
For fairytale bridal gowns brought to life, look no further than Oscar de la Renta. The Spring/Summmer 2023 bridal collection is a celebration of all things taffeta and tulle, with exaggerated silhouettes taking centre stage. Billowing puffball sleeves and extravagantly oversized bows add drama to otherwise simple silk dresses, while delicate lace and floral appliqués keep the vibe thoroughly romantic. But the real showstopper is reserved for the final look: a strapless gown with a full skirt made up of overlapping discs of fabrics, aligned to give the effect of mermaid scales or rare plumage. The result is pure magic.
Viktor & Rolf Mariage
Maximalist brides are well catered for in Viktor & Rolf’s latest Mariage collection, which is just as gloriously over-the-top as you’d expect from the Dutch couturiers. Dramatic bridal gowns sit alongside sculptural A-line dresses and chic brocade mini dresses. Meanwhile, delicate silk organza and intricate brocade embroidery add a touch of regal glamour to the collection, with voluminous trains fit for a queen. You’ll also spot the signature Viktor & Rolf bows, which originated from their Haute Fantaisie couture collection, cascading down tiered tulle skirts, adding the final flourish to these whimsical creations.
