Ines Di Santo Bridal Spring 2016

Ines Di Santo outdid herself for this bridal season. Known for her signature mermaid silhouettes and bridal collections that closely resemble European couture craftsmanship of the highest order, for bridal spring 2016 Di Santo extended her bridal aesthetic to include a wider range of bridal customers as well as bridal silhouettes. “Things have to change. So this season we went in a different direction. Every bride has different needs whether it is a silhouette or different hemline lengths, brides have different personalities and envision their wedding day based on their own individuality. We wanted to offer all the brides something within their vision,” explained Di Santo. “A bridal gown is more than just a beautiful dress, it is a personality. That is why we have to have colors and different textures. The bridal gown should look like an exquisite painting.”

“I am inspired by the beautiful tree in the background, summer, spring, colors, birds, butterflies, flowers, the color of the blue sky and the sun sparkling. That is what inspires me,” Di Santo confessed. And this inspiration played out in an exquisite collection that embraced in Chantilly lace gowns in watercolor shades of blue, champagne and pink. The delicacy of butterfly wings was expressed in intricate embroidery detailed in vine-like motifs unfurling on bodices and full diaphanous skirts of organza and tulle.

Additionally, Di Santo also included several removable overskirts. “Removable skirts can be very dramatic in their own way. They can be light and dance,” detailed Di Santo.

Although this spring 2016 collection was a cacophony of frothy bridal concoctions and dramatic intricate details—particularly Di Santo’s show stopping final look, a fitted corset ball gown with detachable train, accented with handmade silk organza cherry blossoms—Di Santo have several gowns that were less dramatic and simple in scope, yet eye catching none the less. There was something in this collection for perhaps almost every type of bride.

Di Santo did stay true to some of her signature silhouettes; corseted gowns that flowed dramatically into faux bustles, and a few mermaid silhouettes with heavily sequined and beaded bodices. Still, this collection was a defining departures from many of her signature looks and demonstrated that Di Santo is proactively seeking a wider bridal demographic.

Standouts in this collection were Di Santo’s empire cut silk caddice gown accessorized with crystal beaded illusion neckline with train extending from rouched lower back, A-line sleeveless silhouette with illusion neckline and skirt finished in unique layers of lace, strapless ball gown with sweetheart neckline layered in Chantilly and organza and finished with Alencon hemline and bias organza detail, dramatic ball gown with deep V, cap sleeve bodice with scattered crystals, and embellished natural waist ball gown with layers of embroidered and paliette tulle.

—William S. Gooch