Trend Report: Bridal Markets 2001

We've recently uncovered the news from the 2001 Bridal Markets here in New York City from more than 75 designers on what's happening now in gown fashion.

Two divergent trends monopolized the runways:
The Sexy Bride and The Return to the Classics.

BODY CONSCIOUS & SEXY: On the one hand was the blatantly sexy bride, dressed to impress in body-skimming gowns with revealing backs, lace-up corset tops, slim fluted skirts, and skinny, jeweled straps, shown by everyone from Christos to Carmela Sutera to Priscilla of Boston. And perhaps influenced by the gown worn by Jennifer Aniston at her recent nuptials to Brad Pitt, almost every designer also touted the sleek halter neck gown as a daring replacement for last season's strapless craze, some embellished with lace and tulle bibs for a more ethereal feel.

RETURN TO THE CLASSICS: On the other end of the spectrum, though, was a return to pretty, classic styles with just a hint of sparkle. We're talking clean and spare gowns with graceful bateau necklines (popular at Carolina Herrera, Amsale, Wearkstatt, and Anne Barge), touches of lace, belt-like bands at the waist, pleated or draped bodices, and wonderfully springy touches of color, especially pink, blue, and green. Another popular look were gowns that boasted sequined or embroidered underbodies that were then softened by the addition of sheer overlays.

OTHER HOT TRENDS: Also new this time around are bold geometric embellishments -- whether done in beading or embroidery -- replacing last year's more "accidentally adorned" look. Sheer sleeves (often elbow-length) and crisp overlays continue to be strong. Metallics, particularly gold in accordance with what's currently hot in fashion couture, make a comeback after a season of absence. Easy separates and A-line styles remain popular, though several designers went the way of the full ball gown for spring, done in silk taffeta with box-pleats, embroidered inserts, elaborate drapery, pick-ups and voluminous overskirts. A modern variation, shown by several designers features a flat-front skirt that's pleated for fullness in the back. The perfect, well... marriage of tradition and innovation.

HALTERS: After seasons of strapless, designers gave us lots of sexy halter-top gowns, undoubtedly the biggest trend of the season. Modest from the front, most of the gowns reveal sexy low-cut backs on the flipside.

fashion
trends
for
2001