The new wedding dress trends for 2023.
The new wedding dress trends for 2023.
With the return of weddings in full swing, we cannot be more excited to see the trends coming through fresh from New York Bridal week, Harrogate bridal week and the bridal inspired trends seen on the red carpets of recent events such as the Golden Globes, and the Met Gala.
With the launch of our brand new, first ever dress collection at Harrogate Bridal Week, we had a chat with our dress designer and creative director Kay Heeley who shared some insight into her new designs being showcased in March at London Bridal Week. Kay previews some of her design sketches and the trends that are coming through for brides-to-be in the next couple of years.
The core of Kay’s dress collection is a 20-year career in bespoke dressmaking, the quality of her dresses is exceptional and structure is always at the forefront of Kay’s mind when designing a gown. The brand is elevated elegance, classic styles with a modern twist, sumptuous fabrics, delicate laces and dramatic details maintaining the femininity and beauty of a bride
So, what do we need to look out for this year?
Ballgowns are back….
Huge voluminous skirts, meters of fabric, and tiers and tiers of ruffles are making a huge comeback this season now weddings are happening on a much larger scale again. Brides have some to expect the sheer, straighter styles for the last few years but now it’s the turn of the princess gown.
‘One of our designs in the ‘The Perfect Dress Collection’ is the stunning Spanish inspired Marianna gown, with a tiered ruffled skirt in soft Chantilly lace and tulle overlay. We love the softness of this dress, dramatic yet weightless which is all down to the fabric choice. We chose motifs that were not heavily beaded, we switched satin linings for soft crepe to give that lovely whimsical look and feel.’
Another design fresh off the design table is the Sarah gown, a stunning Cinderella style ballgown. We asked Kay what the inspiration was behind this dress…
‘Sarah is the plainest dress in our collection, as it’s the cut and the fabric that does all the talking. Mikado is a stunning fabric that’s so popular at the moment as it just looks so clean and crisp. The slightly dropped waist is also a new trend I have seen subtly coming through but one of the most flattering bodice shapes is the under bust cut which this dress also has. The structured corset style bodice emphasises the waist with the full voluminous skirt.’
‘Classic bridal gowns where the saying ‘less is more’ really is the case with the Sarah dress, and the added detail of the detachable tulle and lace cape style sleeves, means this gown can be adapted easily for each bride. Capes and sleeves are a huge trend that seems to be carrying on into this year, and the fact that they are not permanently fixed to the dress means the dress will always remain timeless.’
Higher hemlines and leg splits…
The mini dress has been a staple across several seasons of Bridal week, and they don’t seem to be going anywhere soon. We asked Kay her thoughts on this niche trend…
‘Some brides are not afraid of showing a little bit of leg, we have seen the introduction to almost sheer dresses with built in bodysuits, so bridal fashion is becoming sexier and Avant Garde. Midi 50’s style dresses have been around for many years, but we are seeing these hemlines shrinking up to above the knee. I have been asked many times for dresses suitable for a bride’s hen party or even the wedding reception which a lot of brides treat like an after-show affair, so why not mix it up with a wedding style cocktail gown.’
‘Another hot trend right now is the high leg splits, which seem to be everywhere… so we just had to include a design in our collection. ‘Isla’ is a beautifully structured gown with an asymmetrical neckline, flattering pleating and a full Mikado ballgown skirt with a sassy leg split.’
Balloon sleeves…
Sleeves have been a real trend the last couple of seasons, but replacing the straight, fitted style, is more voluminous, puff style sleeves that create that extra bit of drama to a brides wedding look. Most of Kay’s designs in our collection include detachable sleeves or shawls of some kind, so can we expect some sleeves in the new collection for 2023?
‘One of my favourite designs for this year is ‘Anabelle’ which is a take on the ‘Rebecca’ gown with the stunning 3D floral guipure lace. I just love this lace and wanted to include an A line style into the range, and once I see the fabric, I can instantly visualise the design I am going to create. Annabelle is such a beautiful classical shape which would work with or without sleeves, but we decided to do with a puff shoulder sleeve which then tapers into a loosely fitted sleeve at the cuff.’
‘The floral lace detail carries from the skirt up to the top of the sleeve to give a more delicate look.’
Bridal trends are as fast moving now as fashion trends, so we are always on the lookout for what’s coming next and we cannot wait to showcase all the range we offer at London Bridal Week in March. We will be producing blogs up to and during the show so stay tuned for all the insider info.
Team PB x