It’s that time of year again, when some of our favourite celebs glam up from head to toe in Designer pieces to showcase some of the world’s most gorgeous frocks and trending styles. This Award Season definitely had a colour trend that we couldn’t miss. A part from the occasional pop of colour, blue was definitely a big winner; from pastel sky blue to a deep rich navy. As for the frocks, they varied from extravagant fairy-tale ball gowns to elegant and simple slim-fitted styles. Designers explored simple drapery and incorporated minimal use of shimmer and sparkle through piped edgings and subtle applique. This year the celebs also wanted to focus on practicality with high splits and small sweep trains. We gathered some of our favourite stand-out ensembles from across a number of red carpet award shows and we can’t wait to share them with you…

Mindy Kaling in Dolce and Gabbana

Zellweger was definitely a front runner for the 2020 Golden Globes best red-carpet fashion. She looked absolutely stunning in a slim-fitted sheath styled gown, created by the wonderful Armani. The dress featured a reverse scoop neckline to add to the soft look of the design. The thigh high split was definitely on trend this season and Renee pulled it off perfectly. Adding a split to your custom gown is a great way to allow for movement but it can also add a frisky and flirty element to a simple and elegant dress. To complete the look, Armani finished off the edging with a stunning crystal-embroidered piping which added that glam factor and a touch of shimmer. Of course, we couldn’t look past the unique pastel sky blue colour that turned heads everywhere.

Renee Zellweger in Armani Prive

The 2020 Golden Globes was known for showcasing a variety of stunning blue toned dress and Feldstein was definitely one of those. Beanie opted for a beautiful deep navy blue which complemented her luscious brunette hair and fair skin. The dress was created by none other than the talented Oscar de la Renta. It featured a beautiful subtle pleated navy fabric which showcased an understated metallic shiny finish. A great way to add formality to any gown is by selecting a high-quality fabric, often with a sateen or sheen-like finish. The gown cinched in nicely at the waist with a fine navy coloured rope as the skirt draped naturally over her hips. Feldstein accessorized with a simple braid-twist headband which matched her belt perfectly. To add a touch of romance and glamour, the dress featured hand-cut floral and leaf motifs which were delicately placed along the neckline and off the shoulders, extending along to her back. Simple, yet so elegant!!

Beanie Feldstein in Oscar de la Renta

Chrissy Teagan looked absolutely gorgeous in her custom Yanina Couture gown on the red carpet of the 2020 Grammy’s. She wore a muted orange toned dress with dramatic trumpet styled sleeves. To add to the drama, she opted for a daring plunge v-neckline which extended all the way to her waistline. In contrast to the flowy, chiffon draped skirt, Teagan’s dress featured a fused and structured bustier. To compliment her extravagant statement sleeves, the dress showcased a simple peplum which extended outwards from the waist. Being practical on the red carpet isn’t always a goal, but this year Teagan opted for a short sweep styled train and a stunning thigh high split.

Chrissy Teigen in Yanina Couture with Giuseppe Zanotti heels

The Grammy’s is always one of the most exciting times for red carpet fashion. The celebs and designers go all out to pull off some of the most glamorous looks in fashion history. There was no doubt that the quirky Lizzo would definitely be one of them. The young pop star wore a stark silk white gown that also featured a simple sweep styled train. But of course, the gown wouldn’t be quite complete without a touch of sparkle. The Versace piece was embellished with silver Swarovski-like crystals which created a stunning design on the bodice and neatly bordered the gown from head to toe. If you thought that a thigh high split and crystal beads were enough then you’re wrong….to complete the look, Lizzo wore a stunning white draped fur scarf that hung beautifully off her arm.

Lizzo in Versace

Scarlett looked absolutely gorgeous in her custom Oscar de la Renta gown. She wore a beautiful fit and flare styled frock, which was created from a stunning oyster coloured silk satin. The slim-fitted gown flared out from her knees and draped naturally to the floor, extending into a decent 1m train. The tailored bustier featured a criss-cross lattice fabric, adding a flirtatious sheer element to the top. To enhance the corset design, the gown also showcased external boning; a gorgeous trend which aims to achieve a nude illusion appearance. To complete the look, Johansson’s top was draped in a fine metallic silver thread. The organic drapery fell seamlessly from her hips and extended all the way to the hem of the gown. She looked so divine and elegant.

Scarlett Johansson in Oscar de la Renta

We could not take our eyes of this show-stopping gown Florence Pugh wore to the Oscars this year. Hand-crafted by the incredible House of Louis Vuitton, this dress definitely turned heads with its eye-catching colour. The teal shade complemented Pugh’s fair skin tone beautifully, along with her blonde sleeked back hair look. The gown featured a plunge v-neckline with fine spaghetti straps that extended over her shoulder. But it was the skirt that made the statement…. the multi-teared skirt was shaped in a high-low style cut which then extended into a very small train. When the high-low style is cut in proportion with your height it can be extremely elongating and flattering.

Florence Pugh in Louis Vuitton

Capes have been in trend for many seasons and we can totally see why. The stunning Guiliana Ranic, showcased exactly why this simple addition is such a trend favourite. Ranic wore a custom Rhea Costa gown in a beautiful hot Barbie pink shade. The vibrant colour added a pop of glamour and a real wow factor to the red carpet this year. The gown illustrated a fitted sheath style which tapered in tightly at the waist and draped finely over her bodice. The one shoulder sleeve transitioned seamlessly into a beautiful cape which extended to the ground. The fitted silhouette also featured a thigh high split which was definitely a designer favourite this year. The split adds a touch of friskiness and fun to the look, whilst also remaining extremely practical.

Giuliana Ranic in Rhea Costa

Zoey Deutch went bold with her look at this year’s Golden Globe Awards. Deutch strayed away from flowy dresses and sparkly embellishments, instead opted for a plain wide leg culotte style jumpsuit. To complement her exaggerated pant-leg silhouette, Fendi designed a beautiful voluminous bell sleeve with small detailed cuffs which tapered in at the wrist. In contrast to her puffy statement sleeves, the jumpsuit also featured a beautiful plunge v-neckline which extended right down to the waistline. To add a real wow factor to her look, Zoey went with a gorgeous sunshine yellow colour which complemented her skin tone and accessories perfectly.

Zoey Deutch in Fendi

The House of Cards actress Rachel Brosnahan looked striking in her custom-made Stella McCartney gown. The SAG Awards showcased a range of stunning simple styled gowns but Brosnahan stepped it up a notch with her bold choice of colour. The electric blue complemented her fair complexion beautifully whilst still remaining on trend with the other array of blue shades that hit the red carpet this season. To add a touch of glamour, Stella McCartney added a metallic grey draped chain which softly hung off Rachel’s shoulders and across her bust. Adding a draped metallic chain or beaded feature is a great way to add a feminine and edgy look. When considering your accessories, it’s important to ensure they match the beading feature in your outfit.

Rachel Brosnahan in Stella McCartney

Brie Larson looked absolutely divine at this year’s Oscars. She wore a beautiful slim-fitted sheath style gown which featured a thigh high split and a daring plunging v-neckline. Whilst her style was extremely simple we couldn’t fault how elegant she looked. When opting for such a simple gown, it’s important that the fabric makes a statement. Larson’s custom Celine gown showcased a beautiful soft blush tone with a subtle touch of silver glitter. The vertical line detailing is a great way to achieve a slimmer illusion and elongate the outfit. To complete her look, Larson opted for a beautiful draped cape which fell seamlessly from the shoulders to the ground. When your dress consists of lots of sparkle and a patterned design it is always best to go for a plain, non-embellished shoe as you don’t want to detract from the stunning fabric in your outfit.

Brie Larson in Celine

The post 2020 AWARD SEASON RED CARPET LOOKS appeared first on d'Italia.

Off the Rack

Bridal shop

As offshore manufacturing grows, the quality of bridal gowns is decreasing significantly. Pre-made gowns are often produced from nasty synthetic materials and cheap, tacky laces that leave you with a shiny plastic look. Synthetic materials are also produced from lots of chemicals and can often cause irritation to the skin and can easily stretch with wear. Along with this, pre-made gowns can never guarantee that perfect fit. Often you will order a gown in the closest size, hoping for it to fit you 6 months later and then you still have to pay an additional $500-$1000 extra for alterations. Altering a pre-made gown is not only extremely expensive but also will still not guarantee a perfect fit as you cannot modify an in-built corset accurately without re-doing it completely. Unfortunately, off-the-rack dresses don’t always allow for customisations, therefore brides often have to compromise greatly on what they’re after.

Custom Couture Wedding Dress

Custom-made gives brides the opportunity to design their very own dream wedding gown from start to finish. Brides will have full creative control throughout the whole process so you will end up with that perfect unique gown exactly how you want it. Custom-made is done in stages with multiple fittings to ensure your gown fits you perfectly by the end. Alterations are done all along the way and is included in the set price so you will not have to worry about paying any additional amounts. D’Italia gowns are all hand-made right here in Melbourne by the most experienced and reputable Bridal Couturiers to ensure your gown is made to the highest quality. Our exquisite range of Italian silks and French laces will make you feel and look incredibly beautiful on your special day. 

The post Why should you choose custom-made over pre-made wedding dress? appeared first on d'Italia.

ROBE STYLE DRESS (WRAP DRESS INSPIRED)

Nowadays, brides are opting for practicality and comfortability over extravagance and heavily embellished gowns. This Summer, we can expect to see a completely new style of gown hit the stores and we are so excited by this! Inspired by the wrap style gown, the Robe style dress takes bridal to a whole new level of functionality. The sleek and elegant style is perfect for beach and garden weddings as the lightweight gown allows for movement and plenty of dancing. The robe style gown is perfect for a casual or semi-formal reception. It can be dressed up with gorgeous heels, stunning accessories and a beautiful veil. For all you boho brides out there, the robe style dress is super fun and flowy and can be paired with a beautiful flower crown and bouquet of florals. Visit d’Italia for the latest wedding gowns.

Designer: Inbal Dror/ Photographer: Jose Villa Photography/ Image via: Stylemepretty

TIERED SKIRTS

This year Spring/Summer is all about simple elegant wedding dresses. We are swaying away from the extravagant ball gowns and heavily embellished designs. For the warmer weather, brides are opting for a more lightweight, flowy style. Instead of having multiple layers and creating a voluminous gown, brides are loving the tiered skirt design, which gives a gorgeous illusion of a layered gown without all the heavy fabric. Consider changing up the tiers with different fabrics such as a high-grade pure silk chiffon or Georgette with a fine, delicate French Chantilly lace. To add a beautiful romantic touch to your custom-gown, select a beautiful fine lace such as a Chantilly or cotton lace. Avoid heavy and well-defined laces such as a Guipure or corded lace as they can add bulk and will drape differently.

Designer: Temperley London/ Photographer: Temperley London/ Image via: Stylemepretty

GEOMETRIC LACE

Summer may be all about the florals but this season we can expect to see a lot of geometric designs incorporated into your traditional laces. When opting for a geometric lace it’s important to consider the style of your dress and your body shape. To achieve a more elongated look, consider laces that showcase linear lines and patterns that run vertically and parallel to your body. This will give you the illusion of a taller and slimmer figure. To add a touch of summer and romance to your look, consider appliqueing 3d flowers and intricate leaf details over the top of your geometric lace dress. It’s not uncommon for wedding dresses to consist of multiple laces. This can achieve a beautiful, unique look and is a technique often used by top bridal Couturiers.

Designer: Oved Cohen

STATEMENT BOW

The statement bow is a fantastic way to add a special touch to your bridal gown without having to over-embellish. Bows can be incorporated into a gown in many different ways. Think about the style of your wedding dress and the area in which you wish to accentuate and highlight. If you prefer to have a stunning back feature, then a beautiful exaggerated silk satin bow that drapes naturally from your waist would be perfect. If you would prefer to highlight the front of the gown then consider which area you would prefer to draw attention too. To show off your chest and collarbone area, then opt for a bow feature along the neckline or shoulder. You can merge the bow into a sleeve or an off-the-shoulder look. Alternatively, if you would prefer to add more drama to the skirt, consider adding a bow feature at the waistline and let it drop naturally along the silhouette of the skirt. When utilizing bows at the front of the dress it is always advised to have them placed on a 45-degree angle. A symmetrical, straight-sitting bow can often look very youthful and less sophisticated and contemporary.

Designer Amsale

WEDDING DRESSES WITH POCKETS

Many years ago, wedding dresses were all about the aesthetic and appearance; but not anymore. Brides are now considering gowns with functionality along with beauty and elegance. One trend that has become increasingly popular over the past decade, is gowns with pockets. Pockets not only are very functional but look extremely elegant and regal in photos.  Pockets can be inserted into any ball gown and A-line dress. In most of these dresses, pockets are completely un-noticeable, therefore they won’t detract from the gorgeous appearance of your gown. They can often be very handy on the day of your wedding when you soon discover you need a place to keep your phone and lippy.  When considering a gown with pockets it is extremely important to select the right materials that will not highlight the pocket area. A fabric with a good thickness such as a silk crepe, scuba, silk faille and queen satin will ensure that the pockets are not visible or caught on camera. However, it’s important to note that the pocket bag itself should be constructed from a very fine material such as a silk satin. This will eliminate bulkiness and keep the pocket opening looking seamless and hidden.

Designer: Jenny Yoo

BRIDAL JUMPSUITS WITH OVER-SKIRTS

Bridal Jumpsuits are becoming increasingly popular, especially over the past couple years. It gives brides a greater variety of styles to choose from and greater flexibility in movement throughout the day. Bridal jumpsuits are a great option for the reception when you’re wanting to dance the night away without any restrictions. They also allow you to comfortably move around and mingle with family and friends throughout the night.  Keep in mind that jumpsuits are often less formal and are more suitable for a casual wedding reception or a beach and garden venue. To glam up your bridal jumpsuit, consider adding a stunning over-skirt. Over-skirts aren’t just suitable for bridal gowns; they look beautiful over a bridal playsuit or tailored suited outfit. The stunning skirt ensemble can come in multiple different styles. From a simple elegant tulle skirt to a stunning frilly organza layered skirt; there are so many options you can mix and match with your outfit. If your jumpsuit is plain, consider adding a touch of lace, beading or sparkle to your skirt to glam it up. The beauty of over-skirts is that it can be detached at any time throughout your big day and we love a versatile outfit!

Designer: Sebastian Luke

The post 2020 SUMMER WEDDING GOWN TRENDS appeared first on d'Italia.

1.EVERYONE PRESENT SHOULD AGREE

Quite often brides feel pressure to please their closest family and friends when hunting for a dress. It’s important to ensure you are happy with your gown and know that your entourage will support your choice no matter what. We always advise bringing along family and friends to your appointment as it can often be a scary and overwhelming experience without the support of your close ones. However, it’s important that you don’t bring a large audience as this can often end in mixed opinions and great confusion. Don’t feel pressure to invite only a couple people from your bridal party. Just because they’re part of the crew doesn’t mean they should all come along. It’s important that you bring along people you can trust and people that you know have your best interest at heart.

Designer: Cushnie

2.YOU HAVE TO TRY ON EVERY DRESS IN THE STORE FIRST

Don’t feel like you need to try on every single dress from multiple stores. It’s important that you try on quality over quantity. Try on a ball gown, A-line, Fit and flare and once you know which style you like more you can try on a few more options in that range. The more you try on, the more confused and overwhelmed you will become. For brides that aren’t sure what style is suitable, chat to your bridal consultant or designer for guidance. It’s important to trust in the professionals as they will know what styles, shapes and features will be most flattering on you. If you’ve already tried on a heap of dresses and you’re feeling lost and confused, it’s best to take a step back from dress shopping for a while and start fresh with only 2-3 styles.

Designer: Yumi Katsura

3.IT’S SUPER EXPENSIVE

Custom-made isn’t as expensive as you may think!! Unlike an off-the-rack gown, when creating a gown from scratch you will have a lot more flexibility to adjust the price. This can be achieved through selecting alternate fabrics, opting for a shorter train, removing unnecessary corsetry and slightly modifying the style without sacrificing the appearance you love. It’s also important to remember that when you buy a dress off-the-rack, alterations can often cost an additional $500-$1000. If you know your style and budget, chat to a designer about what you’re after to receive a quote. There is no harm in enquiring about the custom-made route.

Designer: Balint Sara

4.YOU HAVE PLENTY OF TIME

This is definitely one of the most common misconceptions about bridal gown shopping. Creating a gown from scratch is time-consuming and needs to be done in a number of step by step stages. Getting in early is the key to having the best quality fabrics and the most experienced dressmaker for your style gown. Whilst the time-frame will vary from label to label, it’s always advised to give at least 6 months’ notice to ensure you can get exactly what you’re after.

At d’Italia we work 12-18 months in advance!!

Designer: Zuhair Murad

5.YOU NEED TO ATTEND HEAPS OF FITTINGS

Many brides tend to be concerned about committing to lots of fittings when getting a gown custom-made. Reality is, you don’t need to attend too many fittings at all.

At most custom-couture places, you will be provided with an unlimited number of fittings but generally brides only need 3-5 fittings. If you tend to be indecisive and are known to change your mind a lot, then it’s important to note that this may increase the number of fittings you require as your dressmaker will continue to modify the dress until you are completely satisfied with the fit and finish. For brides who live inter-state or cannot commit to fittings due to work or travel, chat to your dressmaker about creating an organized and well-planned schedule to limit and reduce the number of fittings you need to attend.

Designer: Ralph and Russo

6.YOU SHOULD CRY WHEN YOU FIND ‘THE ONE’

Just because you don’t shed a tear doesn’t mean it’s not the perfect gown for you. It’s completely normal to not get emotional when you find the perfect one. In fact, it is a lot more common for brides to jump with joy when they’ve found the dress of their dreams. In some cases, it could even be a feeling of hesitation and anxiousness. Committing to one dress is a challenging decision….and an expensive one too. It’s important that you feel comfortable and love the way it makes you feel when saying ‘yes to the dress’; that’s when you know it’s the right one for you.

Designer: Jesus Peiro

The post 6 MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT BRIDAL GOWN SHOPPING appeared first on d'Italia.

How to get started!
Regardless of the type of wedding you’re having, it’s always important to do some research before jumping straight into it. Planning a wedding can take a lot of time…and patience! To avoid running around in circles, the first thing you should do is buy a bridal notebook. This notebook will become your holy grail when the time comes for you to shop around in stores. As you begin to gather ideas, pictures and inspirations from online, you should begin writing and sticking them down in a book to discuss and fine tune with your partner. The easiest way to begin your research is to jump online to the following sites: Easy Weddings, Polka Dot Bride, BridalGuide.com and Hello May (just to name a few). These Bridal Directories are full of fantastic ideas and can help guide you to the correct websites and companies to bring to life your bridal vision. Along with this, start searching up wedding outfit ideas on Instagram, Google Images and Pinterest. When looking for your bridal attire, think about the shape and silhouette that you will feel most comfortable in. Look at different fabrics and laces; consider different colorways, along with other intricate detailing or finishes you would want added to your gown/suit (e.g. tulle cape, long scallop-hemmed train, French lace on collars, bedazzled pockets on blazer etc.).

Lotte Jeffs and her partner Jen. Photograph by: Holly Falconer

Plan in advanced
Did you know that getting a custom-made gown could take anywhere between 12-18 months?! If you’re considering this option then it’s extremely important that you get in early. Grab your gal pals and head to the bridal boutiques to try on some stunning dresses. It is always advised to try on a range of different styles from fit and flare, ball-gown, sheath style to A-line and many more; to give you a better idea of what suits your body and what you feel most comfortable in. For brides wanting to opt for a classy, well-tailored suit or perhaps a stunning jumpsuit, then your best option would be jumping online and finding a bunch of ideas to show your Designer and Dressmaker. Our in-store specialists can guide you with what will be most flattering for your body, along with fine tuning the style and providing styling advice. It’s important to note that finding the right Bridal Couturier that specializes in your particular style can be very difficult as they tend to book out quite far in advanced. Along with this fabrics and French laces can take anywhere between 3-6 months to order in, specifically for your custom bridal outfit. As soon as you have a brief ideation and vision of your bridal attire, it’s best to book an appointment and get the process going.

Deidre Downs wearing Lian Carlo and Abbott Jones wearing Sareh Nouri. Photograph by: Kelli and Daniel Taylor

Embrace your individuality
Whether you and your partner decide to both wear dresses or suits or perhaps mix and match; it’s important to embrace your individuality. When researching bridal attire, look at various ideas and styles that reflect your personality and what you will feel most comfortable in. Consider the theme of your wedding, the location, weather and formality, as these factors will play a great part in the decision-making process. Like every other bride, you will feel the pressure of finding that so-called “perfect” bridal gown. It’s important that you try on dresses that you think will flatter you regardless of what your partner will wear. Quite often same-sex brides get caught up in what the other partner will wear and if it will coordinate with their look too. Before ruling out any options, consider anything and everything!! Bridal shopping is a process of elimination and it takes time to say “Yes to the dress”…or in this case possibly a suit?

Cynthia Nixon wearing Carolina Herrera. Photo: Via Gothamist

Make sure you coordinate
The beauty of two women tying the knot, is that there are double the dresses!! Double the glamour!! And double the tulle!! If you and your partner have opted to both wear dresses then it’s important to consider finding something cohesive. It can be a challenge finding your dream gown without clashing or looking too similar to your partner. Coordinating is great but try avoid matching outfits. Select fabrics, colours, laces and trims that complement each other well but are different enough to be able to create your unique style. If the both of you wish to wear a tailored suit, then make sure you research some of the best and experienced tailors in your local area. Finding a womenswear tailor can be difficult as not many specialize in this field. Avoid going to anyone to get this done as quite often Tailors will use a Men’s pattern block and “adapt” it slightly to your body. This can often result in a bulky, poorly fitted suit and nobody wants that on their wedding day. When selecting suits consider the different fabrications, collar designs, intricate finishing’s such as lace or embroidered detailing on the pockets etc. If you’d rather keep it simple and elegant then consider a beautiful high-quality fabric. A material with a pattern or texture could be a perfect way to modernize and customize your bridal look. Explore different options until you discover what works best for you and your partner.

Designer Courtney Adams (left), Hailey Paige (right). Photograph by: Tara Tomlinson

Should you shop together?
Traditionally, the future spouses are to not go dress shopping together as it is known to cause bad luck. However, over the past few years, more and more couples are dress hunting together and we love seeing the joy of two happy couples supporting one another’s decisions. Shopping together is a very personal decision and will vary from couple to couple. If you would rather keep the element of surprise then grab your gal pals together and keep the future wifey at home whilst you shop for your dream bridal attire. When bridal shopping separately- try to enlist some mutual friends or family members to help guide you and your partner when hunting for a dress to complement one another. Alternatively, you and your partner could book individual appointments at the same bridal boutique with the same consultant. A professional Bridal Consultant will be able to suggest dresses and direct you to stunning options to flatter you whilst also complimenting your partners chosen gown.

Cat Cora wearing Pnina Tornai and Nicole Ehrlich wearing Maison Signore gown. Photograph by: Meeno

The post WEDDING GOWN SHOPPING TIPS FOR SAME SEX BRIDES appeared first on d'Italia.

Seamless Tailored Sleeve

After Meghan Markle’s stunning Givenchy wedding dress, plain styled gowns became extremely popular. A simple, clean-cut sleeve made from a silk satin material could be the perfect addition to complete your custom gown. When opting for a fitted sleeve it’s important to consider the most flattering length for your body. A ¾ length sleeve is the most flattering length for everyone as it can create the illusion of a longer and slimmer arm. This is the most common and popular option for modern-day brides. Full length sleeves are typically known to be more tradition and is popular for more religious brides. However, the long length sleeve looks beautiful and elegant when hemmed slightly above the wrist and paired with a more simple, non-embellished gown. Do keep in mind that long sleeves can often draw more attention to the hips when your arms rest by your side. To avoid any unwanted attention, it is always best to add some form of detailing or embellishments away from those areas of concern and to accentuate and highlight your most flattering and desired features.

Designer: Atelier Eme

Dreamy Tulle Sleeve

Some might call it “80’s fashion”, whilst others may consider it as traditional Renaissance style; but one thing’s for sure….this stunning puffy tulle sleeve is a modern-day hit! Any voluminous styled sleeve, whether it be from tulle, chiffon or queen satin, is best suited to a slim-line fitted gown such as a mermaid, trumpet, sheath or column style. The delicate fine tulle sleeve is gathered slightly at the wrist to create subtle fullness to the sleeve and is hand-appliqued with a beautiful French lace. The puffy tulle sleeve is a great way to add a romantic and dreamy feature to any look. The modern sheer element is perfect for brides getting married in a beautiful garden setting or serene beach/outdoor location. The transparent fabric adds a good level of formality, whilst the loose fitted silhouette sleeve allows for breathability during the warmer weather.

Designer: Elena Morar

The French Lace Sleeve

The French lace sleeve is an absolute ‘classic’ and is suitable for any season. Whilst many would assume that the lace sleeve is an outdated and very traditional style; it’s important to note that this is all dependant on the particular fabric you select. French Chantilly laces are absolutely stunning but the very fine and delicate lace will definitely achieve a more traditional look. Along with Chantilly laces, corded floral laces can also be quite old-fashioned. Both are beautiful and can create a very elegant and romantic look but the fine detail and features aren’t as contemporary as your embroidered tulles, geometric beaded laces and thicker French Guipure laces. The beauty about getting hitched during the Spring time is the weather- it usually has a good balance of warmth and coolness, therefore allowing the bride to opt for a longer length sleeve with any lace of choice. A gorgeous modern sleeve for this Spring 2019 will consist of lattice (criss-cross detailing) and showcase a contrast between a romantic floral design and a modern geometric pattern.

Designer: Amanda Wakeley

Sheer and Short

As the heat picks up during the Spring time, consider opting for a shorter styled sleeve to reflect the weather. Many Spring weddings tend to utilise the beautiful outdoors and all the new, blooming flora; which gives brides the opportunity to have fun with their bridal looks. Whether you’re having a stunning garden styled wedding or a romantic beach-side wedding, this short tulle sleeve will make your custom-gown look super dreamy and elegant. The shorter length will ensure you don’t get too warm as you dance the night away and frolic in the sun for some epic pictures. To achieve a softer look, use a pure silk chiffon or a pure silk georgette for a little more texture. To create more volume to the sleeve, use a pure silk organza; this will allow the sleeve to hold its shape and stick outwards from the body. Add a touch of lace or even a simple embroidered detail can be the perfect little addition to complete the look and make your gown look that little bit extra special.

Designer: Elena Morar

The Polka Dot Edition

This year there has been a great demand for delicately embroidered tulles as bride’s sway away from the traditional floral lace look. Embroidered laces are extremely feminine and can come in various different styles and patterns. A typical embroidered lace consists of a sheer tulle backing, in which a decorative pattern is machine or hand stitched using a rayon yarn. Embroidered laces often come with the option of having it with or without beading; which gives the bride greater selection depending on the styled gown and formality of their wedding. Contemporary styled embroidery usually consists of geometric lines with a romantic leaf pattern to add a delicate and feminine touch. You can also expect to see a lot of embroidered polka dots this Spring as many brides are now opting for a more simplistic bridal look in comparison to something heavily embellished. Whether it be a hail spot tulle or an embroidered lace, we are loving this modern twist!

Designer: Rime Arodaky

Extravagant Statement Sleeve

2019 Fall/Winter was all about the statement sleeve and we absolutely loved it. However, the beloved trend isn’t quite done with yet…the extravagant styled sleeve has made its way into the Spring/Summer Season. Whether it be a quirky shaped sleeve, heavily embellished or a flared and voluminous silhouette; this is the perfect addition to complete any bridal look. This stunning flared sleeve showcases a beautiful contrast between a pure silk organza and a subtle hail spot tulle. The frilly layered neckline feature extends into a unique bell shape which reflects the seamless tailored fit and flare styled skirt. Atelier Eme showcases a fantastic way to incorporate elegance and regality into any bridal look without needing to compensate with beading and sparkles.  An extravagant statement sleeve doesn’t necessarily mean heavily embellished details and full-length French laces. A statement sleeve could simple be created from a divine pure silk fabric and cut in a unique way to add a special, contemporary touch.

Designer: Atelier Eme

Touch of 3D

A couple seasons ago, 3D florals were extremely popular and brides were incorporating it into both their bridal gowns and regal floor length capes, veils and trains. However, this Spring we should expect to see a different take on the beloved 3D floral trend. This stunning gown, designed by the wonderful bridal designer Phillipa Lepley, showcases a beautiful range of hand embroidered and beaded floral and leaf detailing. The intricate hand-work is achieved from a metallic gold thread, along with multiple clear and white beads used to create the inner detail of the flowers. Instead of using laser cut fabric florals as a 3D element, this new trend illustrates a more subtle and traditional way of bringing texture into a bridal gown. The antique gold coloured thread adds a unique contrast against the ivory gown and could easily be used to create a statement without having to over-embellish. This stunning textural feature is created on a pure silk chiffon base which adds a beautiful transparency and femininity to the look. If you’re wanting to achieve this same look you could also opt for a fine tulle or georgette base, along with an embroidered floral lace which can be hand appliqued accordingly, with a touch of beading.

Designer: Phillipa Lepley

The post SPRING WEDDING SLEEVE TRENDS 2019 appeared first on d'Italia.

Regal Capes

There’s no denying that one of the most popular trends for Fall/Winter 2019 has been the extravagant and much-loved bridal capes. Due to an increase in interest, the original floor length cape has seen significant innovation and adaption over the past couple years, making it more versatile than ever before. There are so many new variations on the market, providing a vast range of unique possibilities for accessorising. If you’ve selected a relatively plain gown then a regal cape could be a fantastic alternative to accessorising instead of wearing jewellery or heavy embellished hair features. A beautiful silk chiffon that drapes from the shoulders, seamlessly to your fingertips can be a stunning feature to your overall bridal look. To add a special touch to your custom-made cape, opt for a delicate French Chantilly lace or a Corded lace design for more depth and definition. If your bridal gown showcases any beading or lace then perhaps consider just having a plain sheer silk chiffon or organza. A cape is also a great option for any bride wanting extra coverage over their arms, shoulders and back whilst also not having to commit to any overlays. It shows up beautifully in photographs and can be used as a stunning accessory for your bridal photoshoot.

Designer: Anne Barge

Simple Classic Clutch

This season it’s all about practicality and functionality!! Quite often brides tend to ask where they should store their phone and lippy on their special day and a common response is…with your Maid of Honour of course! But fear no more bridal crew, this upcoming Winter trend is about to make your life a whole lot easier. Beautiful marble and diamante studded clutches are all the craze and we absolutely love them! A simple unique clutch is the perfect accessory to hold all your little knick-knacks on the day of your wedding. A beautiful clutch can also add a unique and contemporary element to your photo shoot and can easily be carried around and placed under the bridal table. For all you brides who want to avoid the hassle of carrying a bag around on your wedding day then perhaps you could consider using this newly-loved trend for your engagement party or hens’ night. You could also consider getting personalised clutches for your bridal tribe, making it a wonderful and memorable item.

Designer: Rae of light BHLDN

Pearl Drop Earrings

From puffy frocks, big bows, large floral headpieces and heavy dangling earrings; the 80’s and 90’s was a time of extravagance and over-accessorizing from head to toe. But this year it’s all about fresh and simplistic design with a contemporary twist. One of 2019’s most popular trend is the simple pearl-drop earring. Consider wearing only one to two pieces of jewellery to ensure that it doesn’t detract any attention away from your face and your beautiful gown. It’s also important to remember that you will be wearing your wedding ring on the day and that in itself is a beautiful and unique accessory. To create another special touch to complete your look, invest in a stunning pair of earrings. If you have any embellishment and beading on your gown then you can use that as a starting point for your research. If your gown showcases some pearls then a pearl stud or pearl-drop earring would look divine. If you have clear beads, sequins or crystals then a clear-coloured diamante would tie in perfectly with the sparkle of your dress. If your gown is heavily embellished then try and avoid heavy dangling earrings. A stud is always a safe and beautiful option if you’re uncertain or indecisive. For any brides who have opted for a plain, elegant styled gown then you could invest in a beautiful statement earring.

Earrings by: MARZO Rosa Clara

Comfortable Footwear

There’s no doubt that your wedding day will be one of the most magical and memorable moments of your life. It’s important to ensure that you will be comfortable and practical on your special day. Afterall, no one wants sore fit and stinging blisters. Whilst many brides love the idea of wearing a stunning diamante embellished heel, it can cause multiple unforeseen issues. Quite often brides wearing heels will step on their train and gown causing tears and holes throughout the fabric. Along with this, heels can make it very difficult to dance and mingle. Remember, your wedding day will be long and exhausting and you will be on your feet throughout most of it so investing in a comfortable pair of bridal shoes will be one of your greatest wardrobe decisions. A great alternative to your typical stiletto heel, would be the classic ballet flat. The most flattering flat shoe would be one with a triangular pointed tip. The pointed tip is very elegant and dainty and can make your foot look slimmer. As bridal flats become more popular over this coming year, we can expect to see a lot of stunning options hit the market from simplistic satin finishes to pearl beaded and crystal embellished detailing. A great tip would be investing in some good quality and comfortable insoles that will ensure you can dance the night away.

Designer: Badgley Mischka BHLDN

Luxurious Fur

As the weather begins to cool down you might want to consider investing in a gorgeous fur coat to keep you warm during the chilly weather. Quite often brides tend to forget about outer-garments such as throws, bolero’s and jackets to wear over their gown. In 2018, many reputable luxury fashion labels decided to cut the use of real fur in the production of their collections. After this drastic faux fur movement, there has been significant demand for faux fur bridal coats. A soft ivory faux fur jacket can add a luxurious and glamorous touch to your bridal look; along with keeping you nice and warm. Whether you’re having an outdoor wedding, or needing a coat to keep you warm throughout your photoshoot, a fur jacket is a perfect accessory and a must have staple for all you Winter brides. Finding the perfect fur coat to match your gown can be a difficult task. Having a custom-tailored coat will ensure that it fits you absolutely perfectly.

Designer: Monique Lhuillier

Jewelled Headbands

A big trend hitting the market this Winter is the crystal and embellished headband. Brides are drifting away from the typical jewelled crown and tiara and are now turning towards simpler and less heavily beaded headpieces. A floral and leaf style headband can add the perfect touch of shimmer and glamour to your bridal look without being too overpowering. It’s also important to factor in practicality when selecting your accessories. A bridal crown can often be quite heavy to wear and has the risk of falling off if not correctly placed. Once the crown is sewn and woven into your styled hair, it means that you cannot take it off in comparison to a headband which can easily be attached and removed. The satin sash on the headband can be sewn and braided into your hair or can be left out and worn as a featured bow. A narrow floral headband is a versatile accessory that can also be worn on many other occasions.

Designer: haircomesthebride.com

Floral Hairclips

This Winter we can expect to see a lot of gorgeous 3D floral designs from your bridal gown to shawls and draped capes. The popular trend has even made its way into the accessory market, with stunning 3D floral headbands, veils and now clips. A clip is a beautiful and simple accessory that can make a great alternative for all you budget conscious brides out there. Floral clips not only tend to be more affordable than your typical, tiaras, crowns, headbands and combs but they are extremely easy and quick to use, saving you some time and hassle on the big day. However, 3D floral clips are rare to find and whilst most bridal boutiques won’t stock them, you can definitely find them online in a range of various styles and designs. It is always advised to purchase any hair accessory from hair and bridal specialist websites as they tend to be long-lasting and better quality.

Hair clips by: haircomesthebride.com

Embellished Belts

After the most recent Royal Weddings, simplistic design and plain satin gowns are all the rage. But this Fall/Winter is all about adding that special touch of glamour. A great way to add some sparkle to your gown is to opt for a stunning embellished belt. Your belt can be hand-embellished with clear diamante crystals or pure pearls which could tie in beautifully with your earrings or hair accessories. When selecting a belt, think about what other accessories you will be wearing on your wedding day. If you choose to have a stunning headpiece and earrings, it is best to select a narrow and delicate belt. It’s important to not over-accessorize as too many accessories can run the risk of clashing and detracting away from your gown. A thicker belt is best suited for a plain gown with no lace as it adds a unique and special feature. For all you brides who have opted for a fully lace gown, a delicate and narrow belt around the waist is a great option to break it up and emphasise a slimmer waist. Be cautious of which belt you select and where you want it to sit as it can often cut you off and make one look shorter and curvier. In saying that a belt is a perfect option for brides who don’t want to commit to having a bling feature on them the whole night.

Belt by: David’s Bridal

The post 2019 BRIDAL ACCESSORIES TRENDS appeared first on d'Italia.