WORDS BY NERYS D'ESCLERCS & APRIL HOLLAMBY
Wedding celebrations across the world are looking very different right now, and so are the bridal outfits that go with them. Although traditional white wedding dresses will always be popular, an increasing number of brides are choosing to go down a more unconventional path for their big day, whether that’s a perfectly tailored two-piece suit, a colourful gown, or a mini style to make dancing the night away even easier. We’ve scoured some of the world’s finest bridal boutiques for the perfect wedding outfit — find The One here.
Where to buy a minimalist wedding dress: Entrance, Romania
Situated in the heart of Bucharest, Entrance’s architectural and modern interior speaks to a young clientele. This customer base is part of a trend that prefers intimate gatherings rather than grand celebrations, reflected in their preference for pared-back wedding looks. ‘Romanians have started to understand that it is not always necessary to have more in order to feel good and cherish the moment,’ notes the boutique’s buyer, Alex Necula.
When it comes to choosing a minimal white wedding dress, Necula recommends Entrance’s Parlor range: ‘Parlor gowns have a perfectly subtle mix of textures, simple yet modern cuts that embrace the body and make it look very natural, relaxed and sophisticated.’ These gowns will be complete with effortless final touches, courtesy of Mizuki pearls and White Bird diamond earrings. If you want to go a little bolder with accessories, opt for a Parlor headpiece.
Where to buy a short wedding dress: Eden Monte-Carlo, Monaco
Located in the middle of Monaco and its numerous famous galas, Eden Monte-Carlo boutique is the epitome of South of France glamour — fittingly, the area’s wedding season operates on a ‘more is more’ aesthetic. ‘Many have had to adapt to the current restrictions or even delay their day, but we believe weddings are weddings; it is such an important day for love, family and friends,’ notes the boutique owner Ahmed Masoud. For those looking for something different on their special day — whether at the beach or with a group of close friends and family — Masoud recommends mini styles from Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini, RED Valentino and Theory: ‘Short dresses are more fun; it’s definitely harder to dance in a long dress!’
Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini polka-dot dress | Theory midi dress | RED Valentino shift dress | Philosophy Di Lorenzo Serafini flared dress
See More From Eden Monte-Carlo
Where to buy a wedding suit: Julian Fashion, Italy
Rimini, on the Adriatic coast, is home to luxury boutique Julian Fashion. Situated in an area known for its idyllic beaches as well as its nightclub culture, it’s ideal for a destination wedding. Sabina Zabberoni, the boutique’s owner and executive buyer, notes that weddings here are ‘sumptuous and fun, but contextualised in a maritime and romantic setting’. This appeal extends to individual brides opting for a wedding suit over a traditional gown. ‘Bridal suits are becoming more and more popular because they give an effortlessly chic look to the bride and they are able to invest in a product they can reuse,’ says Zabberoni, calling out Alexander McQueen’s tailoring, particularly its blazer with an asymmetrical drape. For the more casual bride, she recommends a Dolce & Gabbana suit: ‘You can add statement jewellery like a beautiful Area choker, or an over-the-top headpiece.’ Wedding shoes should be worn to be seen: Zabberoni suggests ‘pumps by Giuseppe Zanotti, Jimmy Choo Anilla pumps or Casadei glitter styles.’
Le Silla Petalo 115mm pumps | AREA Twist choker | Alexander McQueen cigarette trousers | Alexander McQueen asymmetric blazer
Where to buy a colourful wedding dress: Michele Franzese Moda, Italy
In the heart of Naples, luxury boutique Michele Franzese Moda’s luxury offering specialises in ‘sparkling, exciting and unique garments’, says CEO and company director Michele Franzese. He describes a typical Neapolitan wedding as ‘noisy and glittering, just like my boutique’, while the brides are ‘stars who want to stand out through our unique selection’. Currently, red and black bridal gowns are gaining popularity over classic white — Franzese recommends Zuhair Murad, Alexandre Vauthier and Givenchy. ‘Each dress is matched with its own jewels, silks are always embellished with Swarovski, lace and paillettes, and can be matched with precious jewellery like those of Delfina Delettrez,’ says Franzese.