Bridal Week London 2023: Top Trends Straight Off The Runway

Bridal Week London’s runways are renowned for featuring the finest labels from around the globe. Visitors were treated to previews of the latest collections from some of their favourite brands for modern brides, getting up close and personal with some of the freshest and most innovative designs of the season. 

 

This year, the show hosted a selection of the world’s leading modern bridal designers and manufacturers on the catwalk, including Calla Blanche, Colby John, Dando London, Ellis Bridals, Evie Young Bridal, Jeune Bridal, Kelsey Rose, L’amour by Calla Blanche, La Perle, Madi Lane Bridal, Rachel Allan Bridal and The Perfect Bridal Collection by Kay Heeley. 

 

A big thanks to MG Hair & Makeup, The Perfect Bridal Company for providing veils and shoes, Jupon Limited for providing petticoats, Poirier for providing headdresses and Propress Steamers for steaming all runway dresses. We would like to extend our thanks to Vicky and the SKIN London team for putting on another fabulous catwalk. 

 

ROMANTIC RUFFLES 

Ruffles are the quintessential look for bold brides. A tiered wedding dress creates a sense of drama, movement, and fun, perfect for Un-Wedding brides! Colby John’s catwalk show featured the Libra dress, a slinky mermaid silhouette adorned with frothy layers of tulle ruffle along the skirt and sleeves. Like walking on a cloud, this Colby John dress was a runway show-stopper. 

Madi Lane and Evie Young’s sophisticated sister, Jeune Bridal, debuted at this year’s Bridal Week London. We loved every part of this design - from the soft fishnet-style side panels scattered with pearl detailing to the abstract beaded lace. But what really caught our eye was its subtle ruffled cascading sleeves, adding a whimsical and ethereal quality to the silhouette. 

The Evie Young dress, injected with a hint of lilac, utilised romantic ruffles in its tiered skirt to create an ultra-dreamy look. Accompanying the fully beaded corset-style bodice, the skirt also features a sprinkle of glitter to add a hint of glam to the fairytale fantasy. 

Images: Jeune Bridal.

A South East Asian bride with dark ahir and a red lip is wearing a wedding gown with sheer ruffled sleeves.

 

 ALL ABOUT THE WAIST 

Dando London kicked off their runway with a sheer mock neck gown, the bodice emblazoned with lines of beads and sequins. The buttery soft skirt was accentuated with a thick corseted waist, creating a clean hourglass silhouette. 

Ellis Bridals showcased a clean and crisp bridal gown, with clear influences from decades passed. This high-collar, deep V-neck bodice is tailored to perfection, allowing for the full 

satin skirt to make a statement. The silky smooth ballgown dress is sure to be a big hit with next season’s brides, and The Perfect Bridal Collection by Kay Heeley gown does it well. Featuring a soft sweetheart neckline, voluminous skirt, and detachable cape sleeves with floral applique detailing, the basque-style waist ties the piece together perfectly. 

Image: Dando London

A bride with long brown hair is walking down the runway at London Bridal Week wearing a long sleeved dress with a corset waist and a high leg split.



SHOULDER TO SHOULDER 

The sleeve has proven itself to be one of the most influential wedding dress trends of all time. But this season, it’s all about the shoulder. The accentuated shoulder—a fashion element tied to the history of the women’s movement—is continually evolving, but this year, it’s here to stay. 

Madi Lane’s intricately laced bridal gown wouldn’t be complete without its tulle puff sleeves. Featuring stunning high shoulders, and finished with a scattering of lace and buttoned cuffs, this dress is sure to make a statement. 

Jeune Bridal featured a tiered mermaid gown on their runway. Ornate detailing covered the dress from top to toe, but it was the dramatic and swoon-worthy ruffled sleeves that wowed the crowds. 

Dando London’s dress held a deep curved V-neck bodice, strewn with decadent beading and detailing. Lightly pointed shoulder pads elongate the arms and highlight the decolletage. 

Image: Madi Lane Bridal

A mixed race bride wearing a wedding dress that has a sweetheart neckline and long balloon sleeves. She is on the catwalk at London Bridal Week.

ROCKING THE BRIDAL SEPARATES AND DETACHABLE PIECES 

Offering versatility for the indecisive bride, it’s no wonder bridal separates are all the rage this season: with endless combinations of tops, skirts, trousers, sleeves, capes, and more, your wedding day look can be tailored to any budget, style, taste, and need. Our designers come prepared in offering to take the bride from the altar to the afterparty in just a matter of moments

Rachel Allan has paired a form-fitting sweetheart corset with a sheer lace overlay, adding a detachable skirt for a dreamy and romantic addition. 

The bohemian style was originally influenced by the freespirited and whimsical style of the 1960’s and 70’s, though it’s evident the relaxed feel continues to trend in bridal fashion to this day. Calla Blanche’s floral lace and flowing skirt harmoniously partner romance and boho, and its detachable sleeves add a dash of the modern day. Featuring tasseled lace, these arm cuffs add another dimension to this soft sweetheart silhouette. 

Kelsey Rose showcased a twopiece ensemble: the delicately embroidered top complemented the wide, flared trouser, offering a cool and contemporary bridal look for those wishing to dance the night away. 

Images left to right: Rachel Allan Bridal, Calla Blanche, Kelsey Rose

Melissa Woods