There is a wedding boom upon us. Couples who have delayed the occasion are now in a flurry of planning activities, gathering family and friends to tie the knot. Post covid parties range from small to lavish affairs— the race to the altar is rooted in pent-up desire to move on with life. After a rough pandemic patch, the bridal industry is finally seeing a glimpse of the rainbow and now are ramping up for fall 2022 weddings. ( See New York Times article below)
New York Bridal Week ran from Oct 6 to Oct 8 with a few in-person shows and presentations for those vaccinated buyers and press. Many brands did opt for zoom and video digital venues to present their ethos and vision to brides. Consumers love a good backstory and brides and grooms are no different. Bridal brands are happy to accommodate, expressing their vision in their own unique way.
Ines Di Santo
Ines Di Santo opted for a short film to convey the mood of her fall 2022 collection. She’s been giving a lot of thought to her family and her Italian roots and incorporated this theme into the video that was released for Bridal Week. A garden party was staged with a cast of characters representing family and friends, both ethnically and generationally diverse. Set in an Italian town—maybe Tuscany, the performance seemed authentic and fun. The vibe of the film echoed what will no doubt be the mood at many post-covid weddings—unabashed joy at gathering for any party or event. But the performance didn’t outshine the sumptuous gowns in sculptural shapes—embroidered, bejeweled, appliqued with impeccable artistry.
“For me, this collection is about remembering all the moments of my life that led me to this point and celebrating how the best memories were always centered around family. Whether it has been my God-given family or the one I’ve created along the way, family is everything and has always been at the root of my happiness. It inspires me to keep moving forward.” – Ines Di Santo
Amsale
Amsale returned to full scale production of gowns with new designs and had their first major rollout since before the pandemic. The collection was presented with elegantly photographed images set against a black or white backdrop which featured the architectural gowns. Amsale also offered private zoom “walk throughs” the closest thing to an in person show.
Detachable diaphanous sleeves, satin ribbons and tulle gloves added to the etherial beauty of the looks as did the lavish use of yards and yards of the finest silks and satin fabrics.
The launch included all ranges within the bridal house: AMSALE, Nouvelle Amsale, Little White Dress, Amsale Evening, and Amsale Bridesmaids.
Justin Alexander Signature
Like Ines Di Santo, Justin Alexander has also been reflecting on the people who are most important in his life. His Icons Collection honors remarkable women like his grandmother, Shirley, who founded the family bridal business in the 1940’s now led by her grandson Justin with his namesake brand, Justin Alexander Signature. Each of the styles he created are as individual as women who will wear them—there is something for every woman from short and sassy to floor length and traditional. The collection caters to a wide swath of brides making perfect business sense in this competitive post-covid world. The unifying theory is the 50 years of bridal know how and accommodating brides needs which is the key to a successful bridal brand.
“ Prominent sleeves and necklines bring confidence, distinctive laser cut embroideries, hidden mini skirts and pop-in linings are bold and daring. Clusters of tonal embellishments, luxurious textures, gold metal trims and 3-D floral laces offer impressive finishes for the bride after a wedding day look that will continue to inspire for years to come”.
