“Bridal Couture Through the Ages: A Journey from Classic to Contemporary Wedding Dresses”

“Bridal Couture Through the Ages: A Journey from Classic to Contemporary Wedding Dresses”

Since 1910, WWD has been chronicling the evolution of bridal fashion, from the first whispers of who designed the bride’s gown to the glittering details of post-ceremony celebrations. One of its earliest entries captured a moment of high fashion history: a bridal party—mother, bridesmaids, female guests, and the bride herself—grappling with the new trend of the hobble skirt. This groundbreaking silhouette, which restricted movement to a slow, graceful glide down the aisle, was introduced by French couturier Paul Poiret. While the hobble skirt is now a relic of the past, the essence of bridal style—fashioning a moment that captures the eye and imagination—remains eternal.

Throughout the decades, WWD has remained at the forefront, covering iconic weddings, landmark bridal collections, and unforgettable couture creations. In 1965, Yves Saint Laurent closed the runway season with a knit bridal gown inspired by Russian matryoshka nesting dolls, a look that was as unexpected as it was beautiful. Just five years later, in 1970, he further shattered bridal conventions with a daring pantsuit for the modern bride.

In 1987, Willi Smith revolutionized the traditional wedding look by using faux fur, offering a fresh take for both bride and groom. Meanwhile, Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto’s 1988 bridal collection went to new extremes, presenting such extravagant pieces that the bride needed a helping hand just to walk down the aisle. Vera Wang, who entered the bridal scene in 1989, became a game-changer, transforming the very landscape of wedding fashion and cementing her place as an industry legend. And in 1999, John Galliano’s spring couture collection for Christian Dior made waves by featuring a same-sex couple at the bridal finale, boldly bringing fashion into the modern age.

Today’s designers continue to push the boundaries of bridal fashion. While they honor tradition, they aren’t afraid to introduce daring and unconventional silhouettes, ensuring that the world of bridal style remains as dynamic and captivating as ever. The journey from classic elegance to cutting-edge innovation is far from over—it’s just getting started.