Vera Wang Bridal Spring 2019

Having absolutely no interest in anything bridal, I’ve surprised myself in loving the beautiful Vera Wang Bridal Spring Collection 2019.

From a review of the Collection, via Vogue Runway, by Janelle Okwodu:

“I wanted to explore translucency and movement, and obviously color, but in a new way,” [Vera Wang] explained, “in order to ignore certain ‘bridal’ dictums, like white, beading, acres of lace, and traditional ball skirts.” Drawing inspiration from the canvases of Dutch master Johannes Vermeer, she delivered romanticism with a touch of edge. 

With books, songs, and films (Girl With a Pearl Earring, anyone?) devoted to Vermeer’s mystique, it makes sense that Wang would be influenced by his work, too. She honed in on his use of color and light, from a subtle burst of magenta peeking out from beneath a train to neon grosgrain bows and a crimson corseted gown. Hand-painted by Rebecca Moses, the frottage detailing was a time-consuming process but one Wang considered necessary. “That’s the only way to achieve a luminous, painterly effect—imperfect but nuanced.‎” 

Wang broadened her scope with a series of tulle-heavy pieces that nodded to the costumes of the Ballets Russes, and she kept up the momentum by focusing on movement—an idea evident in Inez and Vinoodh’s photographs of the collection. With dance being a key component of most weddings, one has to wonder why more designers don’t consider movement in their designs.

So, there it is – a bridal collection with no white and much artistic loveliness. More an ethereal party dress in my book. Not bridal at all.

Enjoy.

Download the Vogue Runway App to see and read more about this collection and others. All images courtesy of Vera Wang.