Anne Barge Bridal Fall 2020

Keeping a fashion brand relevant from season to season is a huge accomplishment, particularly when so many brands close shop just after a few years. But, having that fashion brand continue to evolve requires dedication, great skill, and a finger on the pulse of the consumer.

Anne Barge is one such bridal brand. The fall 2020 bridal season marks Anne Barge’s 20^th bridal runway show; a huge accomplishment. And interesting instead of presenting a retrospective of some her most popular looks over the past 20 runway seasons, Barge held a runway show of her fall 2020 bridal collections, as well as presenting looks from previous collection on mannequins in a separate reception space.

Tradition is an essential component of Barge’s brand DNA. But, also is newness and fashion-forward sensibility. For fall 2020, traditional bridal looks, as always, was the core center of the collection; however, Barge added a dose of youthful vitality that helps elevate this collection from just another dissertation on traditional fit and flare bridal gowns and bridal ballgowns. Barge’s utilization of beaded halter bridal gowns and pearl-embellished jumpsuits proves that the brand is in touch with modern bride’s penchant for wanting something more than traditional wedding gowns.

Interestingly, these more modern bridal expressions did not take away from the brand’s signature look. Instead, this new direction, if you want to call it that, only enhances Barge’s trajectory. And the orchids and floral arrangements as headpieces added that extra special touch to this fall 2020 bridal outing.

Standout looks in this outing were the brand’s strapless A-line gown of Mikado scuba accentuated with sequined floral appliques, jumpsuit with mock neck halter bodice of leaf-embroidered lace dripping in pearls with slim trousers of silk cotton, long sleeve columnar gown of stretch crepe accented with draped cowl at back, and draped bodice of floral embossed mattelase with full ballgown pick-up skirt.

—William S. Gooch