New York Bridal Fashion Week // 2016 Trend Report

november 2016

Kaitlin, the a&be bridal shop denver store manager, shared highlights and favorite finds from New York Bridal Market. 

When people ask me what my favorite part of my job is, I always struggle to decide what exactly is in that #1 spot.  Everyday I get to work with beautiful, excited women to help them find the most special piece of clothing they will ever wear! What an honor that is. But I also love the entire bridal process from start to finish.  First, our designers spend months sketching out inspiration, discovering the most gorgeous fabrics, and curating the perfect collection of gowns to premier at New York International Bridal Fashion Week.  Then we have the enormous responsibility (and pleasure) of attending fashion week and selecting the perfect selection of dresses to bring back to our brides.  This process is exciting, inspirational and downright overwhelming. With all of the gorgeous dresses and talented designers, how do we make sure we are selecting the right gowns? What if our brides don't understand our vision?  What if trends change overnight?  Unfortunately there isn't an equation that we can use, or a bridal fairy whispering in our ear telling us what decision to make. It's about a feeling. An emotional connection that is made when you see a seriously killer dress. An understanding of who our brides are and what their vision is for their wedding.  After seeing hundreds and hundreds of amazing styles, there were two trends that stood out that I'm so excited to bring home to our brides.    

Bridal Trend: Halter Tops. You may have cringed a little thinking that this unflattering 90's trend is making a comeback, but this is nothing like the string-tying, shoulder-widening style that you wore in middle school. The high necklines of 2017 are creating an ultra chic, sophisticated vibe, while the open shoulders and backs are keeping the tone sexy and modern.  Here are some of the styles that absolutely nailed it:

Limor Rosen 'Jade'

The 'Alex' gown by Yoav Rish literally left me drooling. The delicate lace bodice was minimally embellished to create an ultra romantic look, and the silk crepe skirt with with slits perfectly balanced out the gown and added a sexy, etherial vibe.  I am literally counting down the days until this beauty makes her debut in Denver for one weekend only during our Rish Bridal Atelier trunk show. (Check out our events page for details!)

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Laudae is one of the newest designers to join the a&bé family at all locations: colorado, texas, minnesota and florida. Laudae put a sexy, versatile spin on the halter trend. Laudae Bride's 'Avalon' gown is perfect for the bride who is looking to show off just the right amount of skin while maintaining a classic, sophisticated tone.  I am in love.

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Everyone who knows me knows that I'm terrible at narrowing down my favorite gowns to bring back to Denver (what the heck am I going to do when I have to pick my dress?!?!), so here are a few more must-see looks that I can't wait for you all to see in person!

Rue De Seine 'Raven'

Trend 2: Sequins. Who doesn't love a little sparkle for their wedding day??? The romantic shimmer of this look is subtle, and oh so glamorous. If you've been dead set on avoiding the heavy rhinestone look that makes you feel like you are getting ready for Cinderella's ball instead of your own chic, boho wedding, I get you, girlfriend.   But these showstoppers will make you re-think everything you thought you knew about a 'beaded' wedding gown.  Check out these stunners and try not to fall in love.

Anna Campbell 'Sydney.'  No explanation needed. Just pure bridal magic.

Claire La Faye 'Stargrove'.  This beauty checks all the 'dream gown' boxes: drama, elegance, glamour, whimsy.  If you're on the fence about this sparkly trend, try it in a modern gray color.  This gown is perfect for the alternative, boho bride as well as the classic, sophisticated bride. 'Stargrove' is heavenly.

Finally, I had to add one of my all time favorite pieces. Sarah Seven created this insanely gorgeous top last season (I guess she was just ahead of the curve!). Cropped sequin top with silk crepe skirt? Yes please. The best part about this look? You don't have to wait 6 months for it to arrive in stores! Come check it in our shop today!


a&bé brides-to-be, we seriously can't wait for you to fall in love with these gowns as much as we have. As you can see, our collection is constantly evolving and we are always working hard to discover the hottest trends as well as the unexpected show-stoppers for our amazingly stylish, and all together bad ass brides. Can't wait yo meet you and help you find your dream gown!

xoxo
kaitlin