The Major Trends To Know From New York Bridal Fashion Week
With wedding-appropriate looks hitting the runways of major ready-to-wear brands throughout fashion month, traditional bridal ateliers have leaned further into their craft, producing stunning couture-level pieces that showcase their expertise with a trend-forward edge.
So it’s no surprise that at New York Bridal Fashion Week AW25, the bridal industry was brimming with excitement around newer designers and impressive collections from legacy brands, reflecting the overall growing interest in the world of bridal fashion. What traditionally has been a week dedicated to market appointments for buyers and bridal press has turned into a larger celebration of the industry, complete with appearances from celebrities and the influencer set.
The bridal fashion, of course, stood out amongst the buzz. Designers pushed their creativity to create collections that nodded to the traditional, but also ensured people getting married in the year ahead can have a standout bridal moment. A number of trends from this season made a mark to give us a clue as to what brides will be wearing at weddings next autumn.
Below, see all the top trends from Bridal Fashion Week.
Corsets
The words “cinched,” “snatched” and “sculpted” were constantly repeated throughout presentations, as it was rare to find a collection this season that didn’t incorporate at least one corseted piece. The rise of Wiederhoeft – which debuted their size-inclusive corset program at NYFW – was apparent as many murmured about the brand’s strong and unique bridal offerings. Corsetry with exposed boning was seen throughout KYHA and WONÁ Concept’s standout fashion shows, with many pieces offering sleek, drop-waist looks. Other collections had more subtle takes on corsetry as many gowns include hidden boning, which offers brides the ability to adjust their figures without revealing the corset beneath.
Basque waists
Last season’s drop-waist trend has not gone anywhere. However, the shape of this popular silhouette has shifted slightly to embrace an even more flattering basque waist. Defined with either a U- or V-shaped dip at the waistline, this style helps create that sculpted, nipped-in look thanks to the curve of the fabric. Corsets helped Enaura embrace the trend in many of its finely beaded styles, while Galia Lahav used basque waists for many of their lace-covered gowns. Other designers like Rime Arodaky incorporated the silhouette in fabrics like duchess satin for a softer, yet still sculpted look.
Embellishments
Engagement rings won’t be the only thing glittering while walking down the aisle in 2025. Many of this season’s gowns incorporate plenty of crystals, pearls and shimmering elements to bring sparkle to wedding day ensembles. Canary Island-based designer Marco & Maria made a splash with its intricately detailed embroidered jewel accents, while Hermione De Paula’s collection featured stunning beaded and crystal-covered looks that could take you both down the aisle and to the after-party. The bride who wants to fully embrace a shimmering style should turn to Francesca Miranda’s new line – in particular, a silvery beaded style in the collection that shines with every movement.
Unique textures
The not-so-traditional bride will be excited to find a number of pieces this season with bold textures that break out from the norm. Honor showcased whimsical pieces featuring iridescent fabrics, sculptural additions and diaphanous trims for a collection inspired by a space invasion in the prairie. Lein created pieces in suede and lace, as well as a standout dress in feathers with a distinct “hay-like” texture that called to designer Meredith Stoecklein’s Sun Valley roots. For a more traditional yet still showstopping take on texture, check out the new House of Gilles collection by Gilles and Chloé Mendel, which plays with fringe and beading in couture constructions.
Tulle skirts
While tulle has been a frequent addition to the construction of bridal pieces in decades past, the classic tulle skirt hasn’t made a major return to the wedding world until this season. Vivienne Westwood just launched its new bridal made-to-order collection featuring a voluminous tulle petticoat to pair with a chic, drop-waist ivory corset, while season standout J Andreatta kept the fabric soft, drapey and sweet in its Calista gown with touches of satin and lace. For brides who only want the drama of tulle for part of the night, Mark Ingram Collection released a unique strapless gown with a full tulle skirt that can be removed to reveal a Mikado sheath underneath.
Lace
It’s no surprise that lace has continued to reign supreme as a favourite fabric of bridal designers. Monique Lhuillier once again infused beautiful lace into a number of her gowns to create classic looks for a romantic bride. Jaclyn Whyte’s collection also stood out for its impressive use of high-quality, unique patterns to create full-lace pieces that range from traditional to dramatic and sexy. Touches of lace were also quite popular this season, with brands like Savage & Hunt creating gowns that incorporated lace detailing with luxe silk silhouettes.
Party looks
As the outfit change has become an essential part of the wedding experience, bridal brands have followed suit and dreamed up expertly crafted pieces that are perfect for the after-party. A shorter hemline doesn’t have to mean skimping on couture quality, as designers like Elie Saab have crafted beautiful minis with incredible fabrics and hand-appliquéd details evocative of their full-size gowns. Late-night looks can also be quite sexy. Brands like Milla Nova showcased many sheer, lingerie-inspired designs that brides could slip on after older relatives have already headed home for the evening. Want to channel the disco ball at your after-party? Look into KYHA’s shimmering party looks from this season for a sparkling look.
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