Bridal Week Fall/Winter 2013 Roundup: Alfred Angelo, Anne Barge, Monique Lhuillier, and Theia White

That very important day that traditionally comes once in a woman’s life is special for a host of reasons. But, one thing that always serves as a pleasant reminder of that momentous day is the wedding gown.

This bridal season, while some designers chose to put their signature point of view on classic and vintage looks that brides have loved over the decades, some designers have looked to more fashion-forward silhouettes. Still, there were lots of perspectives and trends in play for fall/winter 2013.

For fall 2013 Anne Barge continued her trademark style of polished elegance and her predilection for vintage couture with modern touches. As in the past, Anne Barge incorporated intricate beading and embroidery paired with lace and sequin embellishments. Standouts in this fall 2013 collection were Barge’s strapless mermaid gown and beige lace column gown.

Alfred Angelo’s raison d’etre is to transform each bride into her most beautiful self.  With a fall/winter 2013 collection that focused on soft, feminine silhouettes, ethereal draping and soft, unstructured fabrics, Angelo’s collection easily reflects his point of view. And his fairy tale‒inspired homage to Disney’s Cinderella Diamond Jubilee Anniversary added that extra special touch of frothy fantasy.

Though Theia White had some traditional bridal looks in its fall/winter 2013 collection, there were a few standouts that work perfectly for that bride that is getting married for the second or third time. Looking to the goddess Theia for inspiration, this collection explored ethereal qualities of transparency and lightness.  The collection color palette ranged from tones of nude, blush and rose-gold to ivory and off white. Standouts were the rose gold metallic fil coupe sweetheart strapless ball gown and porcelain hand-beaded reception dress.

No wedding is complete with elegantly attired bridesmaids, and Monique Lhuillier provided a good selection in her fall/winter 2013 bridesmaids collection. In this outing, Lhuillier combined lots of ruching and latticed construction with somber color palette of steel grey, plum, navy and acqua green. Standouts in this collection were the navy one-shoulder tulle trumpet gown with tiered spiral horsehair hem and plum off-the-shoulder shirred tulle cocktail dress.

—William S. Gooch