Douglas Hannant Fall 2013 Bridal Collection

For his fall bridal 2013 collection, Douglas Hannant chose to present gowns that had a definite bridal point of view but could be worn for other special occasions. With the exception of a couple of tiered ball gowns, many of Hannant’s bridal gowns could have fit into his other ready-to-wear collections. But isn’t that what most modern brides want; gowns that could be worn for more than that very special day.

Douglas Hannant gave a nod to classic, slinky silhouettes of 1930’s Hollywood glamour with some 1950’s silhouettes completing the inspiration. (Imagine Carole Lombard and Claudette Colbert’s wedding in the 30s or Marilyn Monroe or Jayne Mansfield’s wedding.) Hannant’s Ivory jacquard strapless column gowns with winged train and his ivory Chantilly lace one-shoulder gown expressed influences from the 1930s, while being updated by Hannant’s incorporation of see-through diaphanous silhouettes.

There were several one-of-a-kind looks in this collection. Standouts being the white satin pleated tulle corseted strapless ball gown with lace borders and Hannant’s silver/white beaded embroidered tulle and taffeta sleeveless gown.

—William S. Gooch