London Fashion Week: Bridal

Ah yes, London Fashion Week. Home to the extravagant, the wild and the just plain bonkers. Look carefully between the crazy catwalk concoctions however and you can find some real gems. Fashionista brides who are unsure of what they are looking for should turn to London’s very own showcase of the hottest fashion designers for the very best inspiration. If this sounds like you, keep your eyes on Wedding Fashion Files this week as I’ll be bringing you my favourites not just for bridal wear but also bridesmaids, honeymoon wear and even inspiration for your groom.

This year has been just as wacky and wonderful as previous years. Muted colours are key with the odd dash of colour for those who fancy being a little more daring. Super short skirts, cut out detailing and over sized slouchy jackets are also key trends that will be filling the high street shops to burst come spring.

I’m going to rather predictably start with the bridal dresses. These three dresses stood out as fantastic designs that would wow guests and make any woman wearing it look, and feel, wonderful.

The dress pictured above is designed by the ever brilliant Jenny Packham. A dramatically feminine gown, this floaty and romantic style is just perfect for brides who want a princess wedding. The sheer overlay of the bodice gives this dress a dream- like effect and the ruffles at the shoulder are great for the fashion conscious among you. The strapless bodice underneath gives the effect of a super stylish strapless number but with support that is rarely achieved from them. The sash ribbons adds structure to the dress and gives the illusion of a smaller waist, whilst the sparkling sequined hips gives a touch of bling. These sequins fan over the skirt, gradually spreading out in shining scatterings. The skirt itself is a beautiful ethereal style with layers upon layers of tulle in a gentle A-line shape. Perfectly flattering for all brides.

For the bride who wants something bang on trend, this Jasper Conran style is ideal. A fantastic dress for looking chic and sophisticated at an informal wedding. The tapered bodice creates a lovely tailored silhouette to flatter all figures- ideal for emphasising hourglass shapes and creating curves to more willowy frames. The skirt flares out at the hips to define this curvaceous shape, whether faked or flaunted, and tapers to create the effect of slimmer thighs. The short length of this dress makes it brilliant for younger brides, or just those with fantastically toned legs. However, the real statement of this dress is the cut out detailing of the neckline. These cut outs are all over the catwalks, so if you want your fashionable style to shine through, this is the choice for you. The shape of this cut out creates a form similar to that of a butterfly- a gorgeous little touch.

If you want to make a real statement that will have people talking for years to come, this John Rocha creation is just right. Ruffles are very in this season, so why not go wild with this ultra ruffly, super dramatic dress. The bold neckline is dramatic and would keep any bride snug on a chilly wedding day. Extending right down to the hips, these ruffles are certainly not for the faint hearted. The cute flouncy mini skirt adds a more simple, girly touch to the dress to stop it looking too overpowering and gives huge freedom of movement. This dress is best carried off by tall slim brides who will not be overpowered or bulked out by the textured effect. If you do decide to go for this dress, keep the rest of the wedding simple so that this is the statement, the masterpiece if you will, of the whole day.

There are so many gorgeous dresses that I found it hard to choose just three. With inspiration galore, whether you want to buy from the designer or simply get an idea of the styles you like, London Fashion Week is the one event for that. If you only check out one event all year, make it this one.