Bridal Style Icons 2014

Celebrity Brides 2014
Style Icon Wedding Gowns

Love is in the air and with it we have already witnessed several glamourous celebrity weddings this year. The fashion world's favourite style icons captured our romantic sides with a range of ravishing designer wedding gowns, each an extension of their own personal style. These are some of the most famous and fussed-over wedding dresses of 2014 thus far.


Poppy Delevingne

Model and socialite Poppy Delevingne tied the knot in May this year radiantly dressed in custom made couture gown by Chanel. Her shimmering white dress was enchantingly embroidered white floral appliqués and features a sheer silver specked maxi skirt.

Poppy held a second wedding extravaganza in Morocco with an eclectic bohemian theme. She looked beguiling in a pastel flower printed Emilio Pucci gown with peasant style sleeves and blouse and full two-tiered chiffon skirt.

Fearne Cotton

British style icon Fearne Cotton was married earlier this month in a beautiful and modern Emilio Pucci dress that was trimmed just above the ankle. Fearne's snow white A-line dress with pleated bodice and sleeves was ornamented by glittering silver sequins, a crystal headband and strappy metallic sandals. 

Olivia Palermo

It-Girl Olivia Palermo displayed her graceful taste with this elegant and demure high-low white floral embroidered gown by Carolina Herrera. The style icon added a cream cashmere knitted top and blue satin Manolo Blahnik heels to her contemporary bridal look.

Kim Kardashian

 Love her or Hate her, Kim Kardashian made waves this May with an extravagant wedding held in Italy. Her even more lavish couture wedding gown was custom made by Riccardo Tisci from the House of Givenchy. Her exquisite meringue white gown featured long lace sleeves, a low cut-out back and mermaid skirt with a colossally long veil.

Kaley Cuoco

 The Big Bang Theory's brightest star Kaley Cuoco wed early this year in a nontraditional choice of cotton candy pink. Her stunning tulle gown with sweetheart strapless neckline is by none other than wedding designer extraordinaire Vera Wang.

Kate Bosworth

Bohemian style icon Kate Bosworth released her wedding photos this year, where she sported two different dresses. For the reception, she wore a crisp white satin strapless Oscar de Renta ballgown and then changed into a wispy ivory lace Chloe look for the reception.

Who's Your Pick As Bridal Style Icon?

Vera Wang Thinks in Pink

Vera Wang
Wedding Dress Collection
Fall/Winter 2014

Tradition is a thing of the past in the world of Vera Wang, where the usual white wedding gown has been traded in for subtle to saturated shades of pink. The world's most in-demand bridal designer pushes convention with her flushing Fall 2014 Bridal collection, that's signed off with a romantic 'Think Pink' theme. Have your pick from a sensual petal pink, sophisticated rose, vivid coral and striking peony. These resplendent dresses may be (more than) fit for a walk down the aisle, but I would actually like to see a few of them on the red carpet.

Vera places emphasis on delicate layering and interesting textures, transforming once lifeless fabrics into three-dimensional works of art. These impeccably crafted wedding gowns are high on the femininity factor, with enchanting tulle trumpet skirts and dreamy fairy-tale silhouettes. Laying her stamp of innovation is an intricate faille floral motif that weaves its way across the collection in spectacular form. Whether you're a blushing bride-to-be, Disney princess, or just a fellow admirer of the designer, it's hard not to fall in love with this breathtaking range.

Look 1: Petal strapless silk ball gown with tulle bodice and flower detail accented by silk organza ruffles.

Look 2: Petal strapless silk mermaid gown with flower detail, tulle draping & cascading silk organza flanges. Look 3: Peony faille sweetheart mermaid gown with double bow back detail & floral beaded embroidery.

Look 4: Petal pink strapless silk gazaar corset ball gown with draped bodice & peony pink pleated flower.

Look 5: Peony strapless faille ball gown with hand draped bodice and coral floral beaded embroidery.

Look 6: Petal silk organza gown with draped bodice, grosgrain shoulder strap & peony faille blossom.

Look 7: Peony strapless ball gown with draped bodice, open back detail, faille blossom & floral beading.

Look 8: Rose strapless silk mermaid gown with draped tulle detail, lace accents and floral beaded embroidery. Look 9: Rose strapless silk ball gown with tulle bodice, vermicelli beaded neckline & floral embroidered skirt.

Look 10: Rose pink strapless silk ball gown with hand appliqué Chantilly lace bodice, grosgrain bows and draped skirt covered by crystal pleated tulle.

Look 11: Coral strapless chiffon mermaid gown with pleated bodice, flower detailing and pleated tier skirt. Look 12: Coral strapless silk ball gown with Chantilly lace appliqués, gauze draping & floral beading.

Look 13: Coral strapless hand pleated silk faille and honeycomb tulle mermaid gown with ribboned & flower detail, featuring an underlay with Chantilly lace appliqués and floral beaded embroidery.

Look 14: Coral strapless circle clustered lace gown with tulle skirt accented by flower & beaded embroidery. Look 15: Coral silk mermaid gown with organza flange detail, faille blossom and pleated organza skirt.

I personally love the unique pink approach to Vera Wang's blushing bridal range. 
Would you wear a pink wedding dress, and most importantly, which one?

*All images and dress details from verawang.com

Max Chaoul Wedding Couture 2013

There are times when delving into the past can be a good thing - as designer Max Chaoul demonstrates in his outstanding Couture Bridal Collection for 2013. The French couturier takes a look back at the different fashion eras from the 1920's to now, and uses this antique inspiration to construct gowns that convey a certain wow-factor. 

"Vintage Décennies" (Vintage Decades) is a resplendent set of couture wedding gowns intended for a varied bridal audience. Bold fluorescents represents a youthful bride with an eye for the exuberant. Adriana is reminiscent of a glow-in-the-dark jellyfish while Katy typifies a futuristic pop princess. If hot pink and tangerine are way out of your comfort zone, there are many vintage inspired looks that will appeal to your romantic side. 

Named after iconic stars of yesteryear, like Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot, each ivory and white masterpiece embraces the glamour of retro silhouettes, which has been modified to suit the 21st century bride-to-be. Flapperesque dresses with long beaded necklaces, tiered frills and headbands pay tribute to the 20's (Paulette & Maureen), and dainty lace drop waist dresses with fluid column skirts depict the thirties (Janet & Norma). The forties subscribe to sophistication with gowns modeled after Rita Hayworth and Veronica Lake.

Voluminous satin ballgown skirts remind us of the feminine 50's (Elizabeth & Grace), whilst shorter frocks cite the frivolous sixties. The 70's are denoted by hippie chic lace and georgette dresses. Moving into a more memorable time, massively ruffled skirts and extravagant princess gowns shaped the 80's and 90's, which slowly fizzled out into more minimalistic looks.

Today, you can have a wedding gown in highlighter yellow that will ensure an unforgettable stroll down the aisle (just make sure you provide your guests with some sunglasses for the glare). Or, you can find inspiration in the enchantment of a vintage fashion era which Max Chaoul has redefined to fit into the present.

Here is a look at Max Chaoul's Couture Wedding Collection 2013.

       
Which vintage inspired gown would define your bridal style?


*Images found via maxchaoul.com

Vintage Bridal Wear by YolanCris

Inspired by the nostalgic style of the 1920's, Spanish brand YolanCris takes us back in time on a romantic walk down the aisle with their latest collection, entitled 'Mademoiselle Vintage'. This enchanting array of wedding gowns will ideally appeal to the modern bride with a penchant for all things antique.

Each breathtaking piece is handcrafted in an exquisite range of fabrics...intricate Chantilly and Guipure lace, sumptuous satins and silk, the finest beadwork and delicate layers of tulle. Fringing further enhances the retro theme of the collection, as does the dainty feathered, crystal-covered and floral headpieces. Bohemian bridal dreams are cast in virtuous shades of frosted white, ivory, blanched almond and cotton cream. The demurely feminine silhouettes are enhanced by beautifully embroidered necklines and tiered mermaid skirts. 

This engaging range makes being a vintage bride possible for the 2013 bride without looking outdated. On the contrary, it will ensure a unique and unforgettable wedding day appearance. 

I wouldn't have considered a vintage gown before, but these stunning pieces are irresistible. My favourites from this quaint collection are Albania, Verona & Beirut. Which are yours?

*All images via yolancris.com

Elie by Elie Saab Bridal Spring 2013

The new year also means weddings bells for some and with so many beautiful gowns on the market, how does one find inspiration? Well...to make sourcing your dream wedding dress a little easier, Elie Saab has designed a breathtaking Spring 2013 bridal collection for Spanish brand Pronovias. Saab brings his expert touch and lavish embellishings to the exquisite range, creating immaculate ivory and white gowns that bridal dreams are made of.

He whirls together organza, tulle, delicate beaded lace and floral appliqués, spinning romantic princess dresses into reality. For Spring 2013, brides have an option of an off-the shoulder empire line design with three-quarter sleeves and grosgrain waistbands. Sheer beaded bodices with cap-sleeves and sizeable ballroom skirts are another a way to make a grand entrance. A dress from this palatial range will probably cost more than the entire wedding itself...so for now all we can do is just bask in these pictures of bridal beauty.

If you are planning a wedding this year, I hope these gowns will inspire you find your own dream dress. You can view more of the collection on Pronovias.com. My favourites are Monet and Monceau. Which of these Elie Saab gowns would suit your bridal style?


*P.S. This post is dedicated to the lovely Meg from Second Floor Living, who is planning her wedding this year and searching for the perfect dress.

Delphine Manivet Bridal Wear Summer 2012

There's no better way to start a week than with a Midsummer Night's Dream of the most breathtaking wedding gowns. French bridal wear designer Delphine Manivet has earned our attention with her enchanting bridal collection for Spring/Summer 2012. There is something in this range to suit every type of bride: vintage inspired, bohemian chic, fanciful and feminine, short and sweet and modern functionality. 

Whipped in a mist of vanilla creme and ivory, the collection unveils dainty gowns that allude to imagery of woodland fairies and medieval princesses. Manivet uses a host of luxurious fabrics that fall with grace: retro seventies slip dresses in glossy silk satin, airy organza and full tulle gowns, high waisted skirts in silk gaze, comfort-fit frocks in silk radzmir, the casualness of a shorts set and cotton tulle mini's, the delicacy of Calais lace and pretty ruffles, and the unexpected appearance of tweed and silk jersey.

Whether you're a summer bride-to-be, or just enjoy the daydream of running through a field of daisies in that perfect white dress, this collection will leave you in a blissful reverie.

My favourite picks from this exquisite range is Galileé and Aime, what are yours?

*All photos are via Delphinemanivet.com