Angel Sanchez Bridal Spring 2014

Beautiful Chantilly lace, organza, tulle, silk chiffon, mermaid gowns, Cinderella ball gowns; sound familiar? Well, it should because these fabrications and silhouettes are all a part of an editor’s toolbox of descriptions and references during New York International Bridal Week. Most bridal collections use these fabric choices and familiar bridal silhouettes from season to season a very little variation in form or construction. Yet, there are those bridal designers who take these familiar recognizable looks and infuse them with fashion-forward sentimentality and verve. Angel Sanchez is one such designer.

For spring 2014, Angel Sanchez has carried over trends that editors observed during recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week ready-to-wear collections. Sanchez found an innovative way to insert the ready-to-wear trend of cutouts and illusions in this collection. Whether the illusions were a part of a bateau neckline or a floral cutout that accentuated the waist, Sanchez infused this collection with this continuing without sacrificing the beautiful of the silhouette.

Sanchez also utilized a variety of non-traditional fabrics in this collection from the acetate appliques to white stone embroidery. Sanchez also brilliantly mixed the hard and soft fabrics, giving fabrications that don’t necessary have movement fluidity and a lightness of being. There was also a definite nod to East meets West evidenced in Sanchez’s strapless mirandola Mikado gowns embellished in traditional bridal fabrics of lace and tulle.

Standouts in the collection was Sanchez’s strapless organza jacquard gown with ruffle on bodice and floral embroidery at back, the bateau neck organza jacquard gown with floral applique and lace at neckline and back, and the silk gazar gown with cascading ruffle detail on back and stone trimming.

—William S. Gooch