The RunWay Bride

Every season, the bridal designers debut their latest collections in New York. There are numerous designers, but from those, there are a select few whose collections are always eagerly anticipated, much sought after by brides, and often imitated by their competitors. These are pieces from the six most influential bridal gown designers.


VERA WANG
For revolutionizing wedding gowns.
There is no woman who has had a greater impact on modern American weddings than Vera Wang. Her gowns are the most referenced, the most researched by brides, and the most inspirational each and every season. If Vera does it, the style is sure to be a hit. Her wedding gowns are among the most trendsetting in the bridal industry.

Vera Wang - Spring Summer 2011

AMSALE ABERRA
For her forever modern style.
The style of an Amsale gown is described as "Forever Modern", by which the designer means that she works with traditional wedding dress features, but with an eye to creating modern classics. Amsale's gowns are updated and sophisticated with clean lines. One of her most famous designs is a simple white silk strapless wedding gown with a blue sash. The style, though simple, was revolutionary, and it became a smash hit that has been imitated by countless bridal gown designers since.

Amsale Aberra - Spring Summer 2011

MONIQUE LHUILLIER
Her gowns rock the red carpets and the church aisles!
Monique Lhuillier's gowns are best known for her ability to blend classic bride materials, especially lace, with fashion forward styles. Her iconic looks walk the line between sexy and bridal, which has made them a hit with celebrities (she also now designs red carpet gowns in addition to the bridal collection). Some of the famous brides to wear a Monique Lhuillier gown include Britney Spears, Al Gore's daughter Sarah, and Heidi Montag.

Monique Lhuillier - Spring Summer 2011

REEM ACRA

For her bridal gowns that are fit for loyalty.

She is known for her remarkable metallic embroidery and intricate beadwork in Swarovski crystals and seed pearls. A Reem Acra wedding gown is formal, glamorous, and sophisticated, with a signature style that invokes royalty. Indeed, royal brides have chosen Acra's European inspired styles for their wedding days.

CAROLINA HERRERA
For successfully dressing brides, debutantes and celebrities for 20 years.
The signature of Carolina Herrera's designs has always been the balance between intricacy and simplicity. Her bridal gowns are renowned for their exquisite details and careful craftsmanship. Herrera also draws from vintage inspiration, such as the 1950s strapless silhouettes, as well as from artists, nature, and other points of interest. A Carolina Herrera wedding gown typically has a timeless style coupled with a special fabric featuring lace, embroidery, or unique draping.

Carolina Herrera - Spring Summer 2011

OSCAR DE LA RENTA
For wedding gowns that epitomize luxury!
Oscar de la Renta's bridal gowns are defined by their couture craftsmanship, femininity, charm, and attention to detail. He is the epitome of luxury and elegance in bridal fashion. Not unlike Carolina Herrera, Oscar de la Renta wedding gowns are often strapless with classic silhouettes. He makes great use of embroidered organzas and laces, as well as flounces and ruffles with a touch of Latin flair. Former President Bush's daughter Jenna was one of the best known brides to wear an Oscar de la Renta gown for her wedding. The fairly simple lace gown, while beautiful, was actually a bit more informal than a signature de la Renta wedding dress.

Oscar de La Renta - Spring Summer 2011

Vera Wang celebrates 20 Years at New York Fashion Week

Vera Wang at New York Fashion Week 2010 

Celebrating her 20th anniversary this year, Vera Wang chose to dabble in a 

moodier vibe for Spring 2011.

While her signature Wang touches were still lingering — sophisticated silhouettes, embellished adornments and a touch of sparkle; there was an obvious nod to Oriental  and Indian style thanks to origami draping and floral prints. 

Pops of colour were varied thanks to gauzy tulle in soft pink, chartreuse and powder blue; while burnt orange made a statement in satin pencil skirts and layered dresses. 

It wasn't all about eveningwear though, with slinky, ruched draping in blouson shorts, backless dresses and shell tops providing a fresh alternative to all the structured pieces.If you like your Wang on the more mature side, then this collection will hit the fashion spot.