Malan Breton Bridal Spring 2016

If there were a word to describe Malan Breton, that word would be persistent. Hmm, let’s try two words, persistent and courageous.

Since his appearance of “Project Runway” several years ago, Malan Breton is one of the few alumni of the designer competition show that manages to show consistently almost every season. And now Breton has taken on the mantle of bridal wear—which is a natural progression for designers whose ready-to-wear collections are getting some market traction.

For inspiration for his spring 2016 collection, Malan Breton looked to a marriage between Asian elements and Parisian couture with a cinematic twist. “Picture if Audrey Hepburn were to meet James Bond at the altar,” explains Breton in a press release.

Though the bridal menswear did somewhat reflect a formal James Bond–like persona from say, “Casino Royale,” the bridal gowns were a far cry from anything Audrey Hepburn would don. In fact, most the bridal gowns with the exception of a white floral print ball gown was as far away from bridal as could possibly be imagined. Most of the looks bordered on formal looks for a Washington, DC political affair in the 1960s. And some unfortunate pieces resembled leftover costumes from a modern-day “Gone With the Wind.”

Like most Malan Breton collections, his menswear outshines his women’s wear. And this debut bridal collection was no exception. His collection of tuxedos in silk, cashmere, and summer-weight wool were tailored nicely and would have a certain appeal to that groom who wants to make just as much of statement as the bride or his partner.  And several of Breton’s menswear looks would be fitting for same-sex couples.

Still, for a first crack at bridal, this was not a bad beginning, though not a riveting success. Breton needs to go back to the sketch board and rethink his bridal aesthetic and what he is trying to say to the bridal customer. Expanding bridal to include a larger base—the male consumer—is one thing, but leaving the bride at the altar, so to speak, and not giving her bridal worthy options is unfortunate.

Better luck next time, Malan!!

—William S. Gooch