WWW.QNS.COM RIDGEWOOD TIMES JUNE 22, 2017 15
BRIDAL GUIDE
Beautiful wedding dress trends of 2017
BY SHARON NAYLOR
Wedding gown styles evolve
each year, giving brides a
myriad of options to express
their personal with the dress of their
dreams. Wedding gown collections
debut during Bridal Fashion Week.
The world's top bridal gown designers
— Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier
and Vivienne Westwood, to name a
few — show off their elegant, glamorous
and adventurous creations. This year,
Jennette Kruszka, director of marketing
and public relations for renowned
bridal gown shop Kleinfeld, says, "This
season, both traditional and nontraditional
trends fl oated down the runways."
Though designs are birthed from
the designers' creativity and imagination,
they also tend to represent
generational and societal trends.
For example, Kruszka notes that the
modern-day bride wants to "look
and feel eff ortless" on her wedding
day. As such, one of the most popular
silhouettes shown on the runway for
the 2017 season is billowing sheaths of
fabric, many of which are made with
lightweight chiff on and organza. Cascading
ruffl es, one desired texture, are
"a great way to incorporate an element
of drama." The ruffl es are expertly
placed and spaced to create a fl owing
eff ect, especially down the gown skirt.
Modernization appears in other aspects,
such as modesty and femininity.
For example, lace choices are shown in
bolder, more graphic designs compared
to the fi ner, more delicate designs of
years past. Off -the-shoulder dresses are
gaining steam, which may suit a bride's
wish to show a bit of skin. Marchesa,
Sashin & Babi, Maggie Sottero and other
designers tried this look. In an elegant,
daring move, many brides are choosing
gowns with plunging necklines. Illusion
necklines allow appliques, beading
and crystals to look as if they rest on the
bride's skin, creating an elegant yet sexy
look. These styles were among Brides
Fashion Director Elle Strauss' top 11
favorite wedding dresses for fall 2017.
According to Kruszka, brides are
always looking for something new.
"For the last several years," she says,
"strapless has been the number one
silhouette, but the new generation of
brides wants to give a nod to old-school
style by including modern day sleeves."
Designers and customers alike are
still talking about Kate Middleton's
trendsetting gown with full-length
lace sleeves. On the runway today is an
array of romantic cap sleeves, fl utter
sleeves and even fl owing boho sleeves.
As we know, when it comes to
fashion, accessories can complete an
outfi t. The veil is a staple accessory for
the bridal gown. A long cathedral veil
with little to no embellishment is a classic
look that appeared on the runway.
But nontraditional headpieces were
also seen. For example, bridal designer
Mark Zunino showed an organza hooded
caplet. Kruszka says: "(It) is a great
way for a bride to wow guests and get
two looks in one. The hood replaces the
veil and can be worn for the ceremony
and removed for the reception." Say, for
example, the place of worship where
the ceremony is held requires that
women's shoulders be covered. A caplet
is both functional and fashionable.
No matter what style of dress is chosen,
seeking out a talented alterations
expert is a must. That way, the bride
can ensure the dress fi ts comfortably
and perfectly to her shape.
Every bride deserves to look
and feel her best on her special
day. The 2017 bridal gown trends
allow for full self-expression and
individuality.
Sharon Naylor is the author of "The
Bride's Guide to Freebies" and three
dozen additional wedding books.
Courtesy Creators.com