Our 2021 Bridal Fashion celebration continues – and honestly, we’re so glad we made it an entire month this year!
We've released a number of gorgeous new wedding dress collections (you can catch up on that here), shared which pretty design details are totally trending (living for the modern high neck), & fitting to this virtual shopping age, we shared our 10 favorite Etsy wedding dress designers. Now, it’s time to share the best gowns from this season’s virtual runways, and who better to choose than the bridal world’s top tastemakers?
Kenzo Dress by Rue De Seine
Who are these tastemakers, you ask? We talk so much about our favorite designers & the incredible collections they create, but we don’t often enough rave about bridal store owners & buyers who actually decide which gowns make it to salon floors & in front of trendsetting brides like you.
Our chosen bridal salon owners not only curate the most fashion-forward collections in the world but also run many of the best Instagram feeds for your wedding inspiration pleasure (don’t worry, we’ve shared their accounts below too!) We feel pretty validated that so many of our own favorite gowns at BM have been chosen too by our most respected tastemakers (Annika of Wild at Heart Bridal & I are both dying for Kenzo!).
So without much further ado, here are the bridal world’s top tastemakers’ favorite wedding dresses from 2021 bridal fashion month virtual runways…
Annika Noordzij of Wild at Heart Bridal
Kenzo by Rue De Seine
This gown that looks like a two-piece actually blew our mind when we first saw it. It comes in off-white and in gold and it is every bit as cool as it is glamorous. The full ‘Golden Rhapsody’ collection is so incredible. The detail that goes into these fabrics, the colors, the patterns, the sleeves! It is bohemian and unique and we have never seen anything like it.
Neve by Rime Arodaky
The 10th-anniversary collection ‘Goddess’ by Rime Arodaky was every bit as breathtaking as the name would make you expect. The use of unique laces and appliqués in combination with the boldness of these gowns make them very special. Neve stood out to us as it features a stunning off-the-shoulder neckline, emphasizing the bust but also has sparkly long sleeves, a slit and an epic train. What more can you ask for? It is magic!
Visit Wild at Heart Bridal in Nijmegen, Netherlands & follow on Instagram.
Zoë Willoughby of Zo & Willow Bridal
Rowan Gown by Alexandra Grecco
We just previewed the latest Botanica collection by Alexandra Grecco and our Berlin brides are in for a treat! No one does modern romance better than Alexandra Grecco and her new collection is filled with shimmering silks and hand-embroidered details intricately sewn onto some of our favorite silhouettes. It is hard to not fall in love with every piece.
Our favourite is the Rowan Gown. The dress is made of silk lamé that casts an opulent glow with every turn and it just drapes on the body so beautifully. The slit on the skirt and the plunging neckline gives it a modern feel to a timeless gown.
Harbour Dress & Sycamore Overskirt by Halfpenny London
Overskirts still continue to be a favourite for our brides seeking an alternative to the traditional gown. An overskirt can up the glam factor of your look or add a touch of whimsy to your style, it all depends on the fabric of the skirt.
This season I have to give a shout out to the amazing Halfpenny London and her Sycamore overskirt with subtle embellishments. Our brides are loving the idea of having two looks for their wedding day. Wear this embellished overskirt as you walk down the aisle and then later remove it to rock the simple fitted dress for the reception!
Visit Zo & Willow Bridal in Berlin, Germany & follow on Instagram.
Christy Baird of LOHO Bride
Tafetta Volant Dream by Viktor & Rolf
We are thrilled to be working with Viktor & Rolf this season and I gasped when I saw this during our Zoom buying appointment. I can't imagine how breathtaking it's going to be in person! Perfect for a fashion-forward bride who wants to bring the drama!
Leona by Danielle Frankel Studio
This gown has such a beautiful simplicity to it. Danielle does an incredible job mixing textures and I can see our brides styling this beauty up to make it their own.
Visit LOHO Bride in Los Angeles, California & follow on Instagram.
Anna Walsh of a&bé bridal & Anna Bé
Esme by Alyssa Kristin
Alyssa Kristin's Esme gown is definitely one of our favorites. Alyssa's crepe is always incredible and in a bridal world where clean modern gowns are in high demand, we love that she always gives us a little twist on her designs that makes each dress feel unique and special. The neckline on Esme is the perfect balance of modern, sophisticated, and chic.
Maneesh by Rue De Seine
Rue De Seine's collection is truly a work of art and the Maneesh gown is no exception. It's always fun to see color in bridal but our favorite thing about Maneesh is that chiffon skirt and how incredible it looks when it moves!
Visit both a&bé bridal & Anna Bé in stores across the USA & follow on Instagram here & here.
Cecilia Di Vita of Heart Aflutter
Cindi by Sarah Seven
A Sarah Seven dress just exudes modern sophistication. All of Sarah’s chic statement pieces are proudly made in New York and they definitely have that city vibe. I love Cindi because of the unusual asymmetrical neckline, bra-friendly back and that killer fit that makes every woman feel like a million bucks.
Kamy by Halseene
Halseene is a stunning collection of beautiful designs and wonderful fabrics designed with the fuller figure in mind. I love ‘Kamy’ as it’s the perfect example of how beautifully textured fabric, precise pattern cutting and great design come together to form a perfect dress which just radiates joy and empowerment – no matter your size!
Visit Heart Aflutter in London, UK & follow on Instagram.
Amber Grace of Unbridaled
Kahlo by Vagabond Bridal (in smoke)
Why we love this dress: It makes a statement! The tulle of tiers are dreamy and romantic yet coupled with the corset-inspired bodice makes for a fiercely feminine fashion-forward look.
Hazel by Chosen by One Day Bridal
Why we love this dress: Big, billowy sleeves are making a come-back and we are here for it! It is chic and sophisticated, perfect for the modern bride who also likes a bit of whimsy.
Visit Unbridaled in Austin & Houston, Texas, New Orleans, Louisiana & follow on Instagram.
Laura of Everly Fine Bridal
Armeria by Alena Leena
We love this dress! It features a gorgeous pleated tulle bodice and has the right balance between sexy and sweet. It also incorporates two of our fave bridal trends at the moment, exposed corset boning and removable statement sleeves.
Lola by Made With Love Bridal
A slinky, yet sophisticated stunner. The all-over beaded fabric is nothing short of fun and lets the bride shine inside and out.
Visit Everly Fine Bridal in Vancouver, Canada & follow on Instagram.
Chelsea McNamara of Everthine Bridal Boutique
RSP 160 by Daalarna Couture
Right now we are completely in love with our new Daalarnna RSP 160 gown. The illusion off-the-shoulder feature is the perfect balance of unique, sexy, and unexpected. Perfect for the bride looking to feel unique, yet still traditional on her big day.
Arlie by Jane Hill Bridal
Another huge request this year has been square necklines. Airlie by Jane Hill has been checking off all the boxes for our brides. She’s sophisticated and glam with a fit to make any bride swoon.
Visit Everthine Bridal Boutique in Madison, Connecticut & follow on Instagram.
Time to get shopping? We’re sharing the best websites to buy your wedding dress online. For more tips & trends, follow along with all of our bridal fashion month coverage here and on Instagram.
