Photo: Fairchild Archives
This week, haute couture collections walked the runways in Paris, and to our surprise and delight, the spectacular shows were full of beautiful wedding dresses. From precise futuristic shapes in white at Chanel and poetic butterflies and tea-dipped lace at Valentino, to shimmering floral appliques at Zuhair Murad and the incredible lightness of Elie Saab's fairy-tale gowns, the couture collections brimmed with bridal fashion inspiration.
Photos: Fairchild Archives
Alexis Mabille's satin draped gowns (see above) debuted early in the week, as his butterfly-dusted models paraded ornate gowns. In shades of ivory and grey, the designer offered inspiration for a winter wedding look with layered jackets and beautifully executed sleeves in mid and full lengths.
Photos: Fairchild Archives
Chanel's luminescent and futuristic looks called to mind a troop of modern City Hall-bound brides. The majority of the looks featured corseted waists topped with bolero jackets, while several looks at the end of the show included long skirts with delicate feathers, iridescent embroidery. And then there was beloved supermodel Cara Delevigne's shimmering sheath bridal gown, paired with dance floor-ready Massaro trainers!
Photos: Fairchild Archives
Bridal (and red-carpet) favorite Elie Saab infused his collection with angelic pastels—blush, pale blue and lilac—and his classic floral-appliquéd dresses were back with delightful new embellishments (think cascading pearl embroidery) and styles; specifically, elegant and simple pleated Grecian gowns. The show-closing wedding dress was featured cascading embroidery falling on a grand blush colored ball skirt.
Photos: Fairchild Archives
Zuhair Murad, another designer beloved by celebrities, presented a collection of enchanted forest-dwelling gowns with gold leaf belts, fresh shoulder silhouettes, and innovative lace. The final look alone was adorned with more than 25,000 floral appliqués!
Photos: Fairchild Archives
At Valentino, designers Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pierpaolo Piccioli presented a large collection inspired by famous operas, with looks that included a short tulle dress and a cape-sleeved guipure lace gown in stunning ivory-to-pale-bronze ombre.