Top picks from New York Bridal Fashion Week (Fall 2020)

Setting the bridal trends for 2020 weddings and beyond, New York Bridal Fashion Week was once again awash with inspiration

Image: Lee Petra Grebenau (Colin Pierson Photography)

There were bridal statements galore on the New York Bridal Fashion Week Fall 2020 runways, with more glitz and glamour than ever before.

A bolder bride continues to emerge with contemporary styles, shapes and colours coming further to the fore, breaking boundaries and challenging convention. Take a look at our top picks of just some of the collections previewed...

Berta 

Continuing its graceful and elegant signature style, Berta's Fall /Winter2020 collection features illusion lace and sparkly overlays for unadulterated glamour. Complemented by on-trend headpieces encrusted with pearls, beads and diamantes, the Berta collection wows on so many levels. 

Images: Mike Colón 

Ines Di Santo

Entitled 'Under The Impression', Ines Di Santo's latest bridal collection draws inspiration from the Impressionist Art Movement. Using colour and texture to express creativity, the designs also toy with "the shifting effect of light" and "the magic of airy transparency". 

Images: FirstView

Justin Alexander Signature

Inspired by the "unique and diverse experiences encountered while travelling", the Fall/Winter 2020 collection from Justin Alexander Signature marries tailored sophistication with a romantic and whimsical fantasy. Feathers, 3D florals, billowing sleeves and ruffles present a dramatic yet austere sense of elegance. 

Naama & Anat

Featuring bold and beautiful elements, the 'Infinity' collection by Naama & Anat uses delicate lace, floral appliqués, bold capes and flattering structured silhouettes for optimum impact. Inspired by the immediate connection a bride has with the dress that she chooses, the designer allows brides to connect with their 'inner being'. 

Images: Tiana Ubara

Lee Petra Grebenau

The 'Fields of Pearls' collection is feminine through and through with pearl encrusted garments as the focal point. Floral appliqué, blouson sleeves and feathers add pretty details to A-line gowns and mermaid silhouettes, while accessories are kept to a minimum with chokers as a new trend. A mini dress and jumpsuits adorned with beads offer beautiful bridal alternatives. 

Images: Colin Pierson Photography

Rita Vinieris

Two collections from Rita Vinieris each offer something different for today's bride. Rivini by Rita Vinieris features traditional bridal gowns with an edge, while Alyne by Rita Vinieris is ethereal and dreamlike, more suited to the whimsical bride. 

Rita Vinieris comments: "I was inspired by mystical and captivating European castles. Fall 2020 was an exploration of deconstructing the old and iconic silhouettes and melding them with contemporary luxurious couture details. I played with Baroque-inspired laces that have modern elements and refined European satins. By merging grandness with minimalism, the past with the present, I reconstructed gowns that are both opulent yet understated."

Above: Rivini by Rita Vinieris

Above: Alyne by Rita Vinieris

Inbal Dror

Plunging necklines, sheer fabrics and exposed skin add a daring element to this collection, which enables the bride to make a fashion statement.

The designer says: "My inspiration derives from my belief that the bride glows on her wedding day with a halo, making her the centre of a spiritual event. She is a symbol of devotion and tradition. Her dress reflects the eternal feelings she emanates with a shiny and magical look. I want my brides to look heavenly on this most important day of their lives."

Savannah Miller

The British designer goes from strength to strength with her simplistic signature, presenting the Breathless collection inspired by the Nick Cave song. Timeless, elegant and ethereal, the collection features silken gowns reminiscent of 1930's cinema and bridal alternatives such as this tailored jacket with detachable Chantilly lace skirt. 

Morilee by Madeline Gardner

Sequins sprinkled atop Chantilly lace and intricate floral embroideries offer depth, dimension and romance in the latest collection from Morilee by Madeline Gardner. Perfect for the classic bride who yearns for a modern day fairytale, the collection features dramatic sheer trains and layered ballgowns. 

Francesca Miranda

Floral motifs set against sheer fabrics, watercolour effect prints and illusion lace characterise the Fall 2020 collection from Francesca Miranda. One-shoulder designs, figure-hugging shapes and a jumpsuit with detachable skirt offer plenty of choice for the ever-discerning bride. 

Daalarna

Tradition meets modernity in the FOLK collection from Daalarna, merging Hungarian folk-art shapes and design elements with the designer's modern and sophisticated signature style. Puff sleeves, midi skirts, lace frills and pearl decorations are key to the collection's timeless quality. 

Designer Anita Benes further explains: "In the past, a wedding or casual dress used to accompany its owner for the rest of her life. Therefore, women made smarter choices regarding shapes, tailoring, or colours. I love the way they formed the dresses with logic and spirit by respecting the fabrics and creating minimal wastage. While they tailored the dresses, they never forgot about the fact that it had to last at least a lifetime and might need some adjustments as it was not rare that later on, the next generation inherited them. In a modern sense, these amazing dresses were real basics and are the eternal symbols of a more sustainable society.”

Images: Papp Schneider Photography