Like many other girls, I’ve been mentally planning my wedding for years. This summer, two of my friends and I spent hours looking at engagement rings and wedding dresses on the Internet. No, that’s not an exaggeration. You shouldn’t be surprised to hear that I keep close tabs on the latest bridal collections. At Vera Wang’s most recent bridal show, the designer sent gorgeous wedding dresses down the runway. Are we surprised? Nope, but here’s the kicker: majority of the dresses were black! Can black wedding dresses be fashion forward or are they a faux pas? Read on, collegiettes™!
As the reigning queen of glamorous wedding dresses, leave it to Wang to create a new bridal trend. “I found black to be fresh and tongue in cheek,” Wang recently said. “With all the big weddings that happened this year, it was fun to step out of the box.” Maybe she was secretly inspired by the black and white theme at Kim Kardashian’s wedding. After all, Wang was the genius behind Kardashian’s wedding dresses.
As surprising as this collection is, the concept isn’t exactly unprecedented. Throughout Wang’s designing career, she has created some fabulous wedding dresses in unexpected hues. Also, several celebrities have walked down the aisle in nontraditional gowns: “Milkshake” singer Kelis wore a green dress to her wedding and Sarah Jessica Parker surprised many when she swapped vows in a black dress. Still, multiple black dresses in one collection is definitely not expected.
This collection was the best way to execute Wang’s inspiration. “I did take it to a witchy kind of place,” said Wang. “For me, it helped build a sense of mystery that I was hungry for. And it added this sensuality and sexuality, and a little bit of severity, too.” While some may think black is too drab for such a special occasion, let’s not forget that black is undeniably chic.
It’s no surprise that Wang’s collection wasn’t criticized for being too unconventional: the fashion industry loves innovation and always craves something new! “It was shocking and outrageous, but it was also fabulous,” said Mark Ingram, the owner of Manhattan’s Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier.
While there is something classic and feminine about wearing a white wedding dress, a black gown can be perfect for a trendy and unconventional bride! Jung Lee, a founder of Fête, agrees. “Think how the pictures would look 10, 20 years from now,” Lee said to The New York Times. “A bride in black will draw more attention than one in white or ivory. You have to be prepared for that.”
What makes or breaks every outfit, especially on your wedding day, is the styling. When rocking a black wedding dress, it’s important to find a dress with amazing details and avoid dramatic hair and makeup so you don’t end up looking like Morticia Addams. But we don’t have to start looking for wedding dresses just yet!
Would you ever wear a black wedding dress? Do you think they’re chic? Sound off below!
Sources
http://www.fashionologie.com/Vera-Wang-Black-Wedding-Dresses-Pictures-20128911
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/27/fashion/black-wedding-gowns-from-the-runway-to-the-aisle.html?_r=1