FashionEtc.com April 24th, 2024

Vera Wang's Spring 2012 collection was inspired by the Paris opera; Wang cites Degas and dancers as her muses for these "artful and adorable" designs. The collection was a mix of tulle ball gowns and figure-flattering mermaid silhouettes.Wang's use of pleating was absolutely incredible but we also liked the confection look of the fuller ball gowns. The layers of tulle give the impression that the bride is walking on a cloud, even though some of those clouds are in nude, pink and charcoal. And for brides looking for a very modern headpiece, the unusual horsehair bows on the models will definitely make a statement.

Carolina Herrera designed 14 wedding gowns, each reflecting a specific type of bride and wedding: beach, traditional, second-wedding, and first-time bride. The entire collection was elegant and tailored, as you'd expect from Herrera, and ideal for the bride looking for a sophisticated dress. Gown embellishments included art deco beading, floral embroideries, and graphic black-and-white floral appliqué. And while last season's line seemed more costumey, the Spring 2012 bridal collection is pretty dreamy.

Oscar de la Renta showed a mix of bohemian-chic and tailored wedding gowns. The 37 dresses ranged from ball gowns with tulle or ruffled skirts to mermaid and sheath silhouettes with minimal adornments. For the past few seasons Mr. de la Renta has featured a few dresses with floral-print fabrics. This season, he gave us an A-line gown with a large lily of the valley pattern. Brides seeking a more modest look will find several designs paired with a shrug, bolero or sleeve.

More traditional than previous Marchesa bridal collections, the Fall 2011 range was still one of the more innovative ones. Citing inspiration from the past, Marchesa showed ball gowns, traditional silhouettes with elegant embellishments, and a handful of little white dresses for informal weddings or receptions. The floor-length gowns were a mix of full skirts, lace trim, and illusion sleeves, and the minidresses were more conservative than seasons past with lace necklines, peplums, and floral details.

The Spring 2012 Monique Lhuillier collection was ballerina inspired with a nod to the royal wedding. (Black Swan meets Kate Middleton, perhaps?) A number of gowns featured Lhuillier's signature corsets embellished with beading, floral appliqué, or covered in lace and paired with a rich satin skirt of billowing tulle and organza. Brides will love the excellent fit these gowns will ensure—corsets may not be comfy but they do flatter the figure. Veils, the traditional bridal accessory, were adorned with small fabric flowers or lace to mimic the detailing on the dress.