Strapless plus

For 10 years, the choice of brides in North America has been the strapless gown, sometimes with a full skirt and sometimes following the lines of the body. Maybe designers had a new burst of creativity, or maybe brides started looking for something different. Whichever it may be, today the options seem endless.

• One shoulder: This adds an interesting dimension to the strapless dress, introducing an asymmetrical look.
• Mermaid revival: Hugging the body until past the hips, then exploding into width and, often, a train.
• Tulle skirts: Big, airy and romantic.
• Tiers: A skirt with multi tiers, with the first tier about hip-length.
• Peplums: A short over-flare that gives a slim figure some shape.
• Tear-away: A new trend is the flowing gown with removable skirt. Long for the ceremony, short for the reception!
• Belts: These can be slim or wide, but in contrast to the dress fabric. Coloured, gold or silver.
• Ruffles: A feminine addition that was introduced by Sandra Bullock at a red carpet event.
• Bows: Big. Small. On the shoulder. At the waist. On the hip.

Reminder: Many strapless gowns can be altered to include one strap or two.


Photos courtesy of Barcelona Bridal Week.