1 Piaget Polo Perpetual Calendar Obsidian Watch. 2 Seaman Schepps Cushion Cufflinks in Blue Topaz and Sapphire. 3 Ulysse Nardin Diver Watch. 4 Seaman Schepps Lapis Bar Cufflinks. 5 Jimmy Choo Foxley Loafer Black with Tassel.

MEN'S ACCESSORIES: DISTINCT ACCENTS FOR HIM

1 Ulysse Nardin Diver Watch. 2 Brunello Cucinelli Calfskin Loafers. 3 Soul of Nomad Leather Golf Bag. 4 Abask Puiforcat 1930 Sterling Silver and Sycamore Cigar Humidor Case. 5 Louis XIII The Drop Cognac Collection Box. 6 Brunello Cucinelli Titanium Sunglasses in Silver.

For Summer 2025, designer Toni Maticevski presents a vision of eveningwear that balances experimentation with elegance—where silhouettes are bolder, palettes are warmer, and every garment feels like a celebration of life’s most luminous moments. The Maticevski Summer 25 collection, suffused with golden hues and a sunny color palette, invites wearers to indulge in the art of dressing for a summer of memorable occasions.

This season, Maticevski draws inspiration from the unpredictability and rhythm of life—a continuation of the “wave-making” energy introduced in the brand’s recent Resort collection. Here, the theme unfolds through sweeping gowns, architectural tailoring, and unexpected juxtapositions of texture and tone. The result is a range of eveningwear that pulses with freedom, femininity, and emotional resonance.

A GOLDEN HOUR COLOR PALETTE

The standout feature of the collection is its distinctive color story. Maticevski bathes Summer 2025 in a glow of sun-kissed yellows and gleaming metallics—a palette that feels as fresh as it does luxurious. Each shade is chosen not only for its warmth but for its ability to reflect and enhance light, making these garments radiant choices for summer soirées and formal celebrations.

These pastel-infused hues are anything but shy. Set against striking contrasts like jet-black beading, metallic silver threadwork, and textured accents, the collection depicts both restraint and drama, coexisting harmoniously in a single look.

EVENINGWEAR WITH PEAK WEARABILITY

At its heart, Maticevski’s Summer 25 collection is a meditation on time—how garments live beyond the event, how they are cherished, and how they evolve. There’s a clear nod to investment dressing, not in the minimalist sense, but in how each piece can be layered, revisited, or rediscovered with fresh energy.

Statement gowns in luminous organza and wafer-light fringing command attention, while tailored pieces—a crisp pant, a refined shirt—bring a quiet power to the collection. It’s a reminder that simplicity often speaks volumes and that true elegance lies in knowing when less is more.

As Toni Maticevski shares, “The simplest cut can define a period and an event. The ease of a pant and shirt, neat and polished, can forever remind others of your confidence.”

True to form, Maticevski plays with proportion and silhouette in delightfully rebellious ways. Structured bodices give way to flowing trains. Sharp tailoring meets fluid movement. Asymmetry, overemphasis, and unexpected pairings challenge convention and ignite the imagination.

But while the silhouettes are bold, the intention behind them is deeply personal. These are not garments made to follow trends—they are crafted to mirror a life lived fully, expressively, and joyfully. Whether worn to a summer gala, a destination wedding, or a black-tie event by the sea, each piece becomes part of a story the wearer gets to tell.

THE LUXURY OF EMOTION AND LIGHT

There is something deeply emotive about this collection—not in its sentimentality, but in its authenticity. Maticevski asks his audience to engage with fashion not just through aesthetics, but through feeling. What does it mean to get dressed not only to be seen, but to feel alive in fabric, color, and silhouette?

In a time when fashion is increasingly focused on practicality and versatility, Maticevski makes a compelling case for beauty, art, and indulgence. The collection is a return to the luxury of personal expression, rendered through garments that catch the light—both literally and metaphorically.

With Summer 2025, Maticevski invites us to embrace a wardrobe of intentional celebration—where dressing up becomes an act of self-expression, and where eveningwear doesn’t just mark a moment, but creates one.

A Curated Look at the Season’s Most Stunning Bridal Gowns

From sculptural silhouettes to featherlight sheers, this season’s bridal fashion offers a visual symphony of texture, form, and finesse. The most stunning wedding gowns of the season include this curated edit of masterful craftsmanship and couture vision from the world’s leading designers.

With iconic names like Elie Saab, Reem Acra, and Zuhair Murad among the selection, these looks transcend trends—each one, combining personal expression with the timeless allure of high fashion.

Summer weddings in particular invite a sense of lightness, celebration, and bold romance. In this season’s collections, designers responded with an array of creations that feel deeply personal, whether through tactile embellishments, architectural structure, or poetic softness.

Rather than subscribing to a singular aesthetic, this year’s standout gowns reflect a more nuanced approach to style—one where brides are not dressing to fit an ideal, but to express one.

The Visionaries Behind the Looks

The artistry on display this season spans continents and design sensibilities. Some names need no introduction—Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Reem Acra, and Vera Wang continue to define haute bridal fashion with gowns that balance grandeur with exquisite detail.

From Saab’s classic silhouettes to Wang’s avant-garde compositions, these designers remain fixtures in the bridal world for good reason.

Anne Barge—a house beloved for its refined sophistication—delivers a fresh take on timeless bridal elegance, making it a must-see for brides who favor clean lines, elevated fabrics, and couture tailoring. The latest Anne Barge collection features a stunning selection of American-made wedding dresses from drop waist ballgowns to elegant lace styles.

For the romantics at heart, Sareh Nouri, Dana Harel, and Lihi Hod offer feminine aesthetics and graceful forms. Think: soft necklines, fluid skirts, and intricate lacework that feels organic rather than ornate.

Those looking for statement-making design will gravitate toward Rami Al Ali, Tony Ward, House of Gilles, and Ese Azenabor, whose collections champion bold silhouettes, layered textures, and unexpected details like 3D florals and metallic embroidery. These are gowns meant to turn heads, and they’ve been intentionally designed for maximum impact.

Trends Without Being Trendy

Rather than following fleeting trends, this season’s gowns feature classic elements that have been reimagined. Luxurious fabrics such as silk mikado, Italian organza, and hand-embroidered tulle elevate each design from beautiful to breathtaking.

Structure plays a key role; bodices are sculpted, skirts are full of movement, and sleeves range from delicately puffed to dramatically flared.

Subtle drama appears through design choices like detachable overskirts, plunging illusion necklines, and asymmetrical draping. Color remains largely classic, but soft golds, blushes, and barely-there champagnes add richness without overshadowing the bride.

Personalization is paramount, and designers are offering versatile gowns that adapt to the day’s events—ceremony to reception, barefoot beach aisle to black-tie ballroom.

Trends Without Being Trendy

Whether exchanging vows on a cliffside in Capri or hosting an intimate garden soirée stateside, today’s bride is reimagining what it means to “look bridal.” The gowns in this curated collection are designed not only for beauty but for resonance—pieces that align with a bride’s inner aesthetic as much as her wedding décor.

Today’s brides are often looking for a clear declaration of their personal style, and these statement-making wedding gowns are ready to rise to the occasion.

1 & 2 Aquazzura Hibiscus Sandal in Rich Emerald and Strawberry.  3 Jimmy Choo Bon Bon Ivory in Satin with pearls. 4 Roger Vivier I Love Vivier Strass-Detail Satin Sandals in Blue. 5 & 6 Piaget Cuff Watches.

1 Aquazzura Noches Tropicales Sandal in Tuscan Sun.  2 Buccellati Mosaico Pendant d Earrings. 3 Renisis Blue Sapphire Curl Ring. 4 Jimmy Choo Isa  Leather Slides  in Latte. 5 Mindi Mond Clairty Cigar Band in 18k White and Yellow Gold. 6 Aquazzura Bow Tie Pump in White and Blue. 7 Aquazzura  Marea Sandal in Baby Blue.  

The Best Wedding Dresses of Spring 2026

Spring 2026 marked a new wave of bridal design, as designers refocused their attention on creating a diverse offering of pieces, applying a versatility and resourcefulness not often associated with bridal couture. This design evolution was about providing brides with unparalleled individuality that was both luxurious and approachable, and prioritized a way to give them everything they could want in a singular look. Whether it was the ability to mix and match separates or layer and accessorize with detachable over skirts, capes and sleeves, never before have there been more opportunities for brides to curate a look that could take them from ceremony to celebration so seamlessly.

Stemming from this pivot came metaphors surrounding art and nature, which served as the core inspiration for most designers this season. They reflected on nature's bounty and what makes it beautiful to them, pulling from the feelings the two worlds provoked, both in a literal and symbolic sense. These emotions set the course for how each collection was executed, from silhouettes and fabrications to embellishments and embroideries. And while the “works of art” are typically defined by the new styles in each collection, this season, many designers referenced the brides themselves as the artistic masterpiece.

The culmination of these influences resulted in a series of trends that cascaded throughout the Spring 2026 collections. On top, off-the-shoulder sleeves, contoured bodices, and heavy embellishments lead the charge while shorter hemlines, high slits and a new array of Basque waistlines balanced traditional silhouettes with a modernized twist. With a little something for everyone to love, this Spring awakening is an exciting new chapter in bridal design.

zuhair murad

For Zuhair Murad, this season meant creating romance through a “virtuous form,” utilizing molded corsets, plunging necklines and ethereal lace to sculpt each and every bride. The gowns are sensual in the way they fit the body, placing embellishments with intense precision and celebrating a woman’s shape with sophisticated execution. A perfect example could be found in a tulle, off-the-shoulder beaded A-line style with a detachable blouse and overskirt. Even as fitted silhouettes bloomed into ballgowns, they remain true to his vision as seen in a duchess satin showstopper.

Ines Di Santo

As a designer known for celebrating a woman’s individuality, Ines Di Santo's “Le Nouveau Jardin” collection is an exquisite example of her couture artistry bringing the worlds of art and life together. For Spring 2026, the Art Nouveau movement was her base for inspiration. Drawing from the words of artist Elisabeth Sonrel, she highlighted the beauty and connection that nature provides us by embracing its intricate shapes and textures throughout each of her designs. The result was a whimsical bounty of colorful gowns in various silhouettes – some structured and heavily adorned with punchy hues of botanical motifs, sequins, and ombre feathers, while others seemed light as air thanks to meticulously draped silks and lace in powder pink and ivory.

Elie Saab

For Elie Saab, Spring 2026 was all about the many shapes of feminine allure, tracing the line of beauty and transforming their brides into timeless works of art. Known for his endless array of head-turning designs, this season gives brides both dramatic and subtle styles to dance the night away in. Whether it was a princess moment seen in a statement-making ballgown featuring cascades of tulle and organza floral appliques, or an ultra-chic strapless column bodice that jetted out into a billowing silk-chiffon skirt, the playful yet refined details resulted in a collection that highlighted elegance and romance through a playful mix of contour, volume, and texture.

Tony Ward

Another designer looking to remove limitations this season, Tony Ward focused on creating a collection of gowns that reflected duality, providing the modern bride with everything she could want all within one design.
"Bridal fashion is no longer about following rules. It’s about choosing your own language, your own pace, and your own version of what walking down the aisle looks like,” says Ward. This mentality was applied throughout the collection, designing each gown as its own chapter in a book with intention and quiet surprises. Each look told its own story – contemporary, romantic, traditional or refined – and gave way for fabrics and construction to take center stage with a renewed appeal. Some favorites included gowns with subtle threadwork and sculpted busts as well as Mikado silks and embroidered overskirts, resulting in a range of aesthetics to please the personal style of any bride.

Galia Lahav

It was a celebration of timeless seduction and bold opulence for Galia Lahav’s Spring 2026 collection, KISS & TELL. Through a playful back and forth between softness and strength, Galia Lahav and Sharon Sever created a world that enveloped both old-time romance with daring modernity, breaking tradition and inviting brides to embrace their most confident and unapologetic selves.
“This collection is for the bride who owns her own story, her desires and her presence,” says Sever. Sculptural and glamorous with juxtaposed silhouettes, styles such as the Ametista and Venezia are the perfect examples of combining timeless elegance with avant-garde artistry. In varying hues of powdery pinks and soft pastels, it’s the construction of pleated and double-scooped corsets paired with off-the-shoulder illusion sleeves, daring side slits and multiple layers of tulle and metallic organza that prove there’s a fearless individuality at the core of this collection, leaving an unforgettable impression in its wake.

KIM KASSAS

Kim Kassas took to honoring legendary women throughout history with her Spring 2026 collection. Titled, Fairest of Them All, it’s a nod to icons such as Marie Antoinette, Ophelia and Juliet, inspiring her to create a series of gowns that captured lavish elegance, strength, and grace while fusing vintage romance with a daring edge. As a designer who tends to cater to the less timid and non-conformist bride, it makes sense that Kassas and designer Dor Yaakov, emphasized the drama by creating exaggerated silhouettes with intricate details to give each dress a distinct and striking presence. In addition to these incredible historic women, the brands’ Victorian-era aesthetic was clearly represented throughout each style. There were waist-cinching corsets made from brocade fabrics and Solstiss lace along with varying Basque waistlines that created Rococo-esque silhouettes. Complemented with billowing sheer sleeves, crystal and pearl embellishments, and seemingly endless trains of silk, the latest from Kim Kassas Couture proved that embracing excess can be truly captivating.

MONIQUE LHUILLIER

There was a change of scenery for Monique Lhuillier this season. Stepping away from their showroom, the bridal staple shared their collection in the regal, Louis XIV room at the St. Regis which became the perfect backdrop for this season’s ethereal and elegant gowns. Similar to other collections this season, there was a little something for everyone to swoon over but executed with Monique’s signature ability to capture the essence of sophisticated luxury, whimsy and glamour. For SS26, she played with proportion and versatility, reimagining heirloom silhouettes with sculptural craftsmanship and subtly sensual fabrications. Balancing drama and delicacy, styles like the Laurel exposed a brides’ silhouette through a sheer raffia embroidered tulle ballgown, pooling into a stunning train of raffia leaf detail behind her.

Meanwhile, the Layla - a fairytale dream - celebrated femininity through a ballgown of gazar that featured a bouquet of spring blooms in soft watercolor stencils with dramatic oversized sleeves and a voluminous skirt.

HERA COUTURE

Katie Yeung is known for her dedication to crafting beautiful fabrics that result in modern yet timeless designs and empower the women that wear them. Serene Echoes, the name of Yeung’s Spring collection, contains all of these facets and more. Inspired by an untouched paradise where nature’s beauty thrives, SS26 features gowns that reflect this peaceful haven, inviting her brides into a world of tranquility and timeless elegance. Created with the utmost care, hand-crafted details such as pleated accordion satin on an upside-down tulip boned bodice, detachable draped cape sleeves and a dual duchess satin gown with a seamless curve neckline evoke a sense of otherworldly grace and harmony while capturing the essence of nature’s most intricate details.

REEM ACRA

Embodying timeless elegance and sophistication, Reem Acra kicked off the NYBFW event calendar this season with styles that proved to be a celebration of love, artistry and the start of a new chapter. Titled, Laces and Petals the collection was crafted to evoke a sense of royalty and modern allure through classic design and intricate lace details. It was yet another collection rooted in the beauty that nature provides us but with an exquisite refinement that masterfully blended classic elements together and paid homage to femininity. 

PRONOVIAS

Born from the fragility and power of nature, Pronovias Privée created ethereal designs that captured nature’s most magical moments for SS26. It was a tribute to nature’s textures, celebrating the rebirth of elegance through floral artistry and refined silhouettes. They focused on reinterpreting classic styles with a modern twist, playing with new fabrics that gave dramatic silhouettes more fluidity and a softer contour to the body. Some of our favorites featured asymmetrical details such as the Finke, a Mikado princess gown draped at the waist and bustled to perfection. The Bals was more demure, a crepe mermaid with a sculptural neckline showcasing a quiet strength and femininity that could be found throughout the collection.

GEORGES HOBEIKA

A true sanctuary of haute couture, Georges and Jad Hobeika shared a series of dreamlike creations for Spring 2026, blurring heritage and innovation with a masterful hand. They looked to nature both on the ground and in the stars as their inspiration, incorporating celestial details as well as wheat-inspired motifs that represented a poetic symbolism of femininity and prosperity. The bodices were mainly corseted with a barely seen rounded Basque-waist, allowing for varying skirt options that flattered each bride. From a column Chantilly lace style paired with silk crepe, to airy tulle adorned with textured beading and 3D embroidery, their craftsmanship is undeniably unique and utterly unforgettable.

LIHI HOD

Lihi Hod is known for modern elegance and designing classic silhouettes with artisanal details. For Spring 2026, she took this approach to a deeply meaningful place with her collection, LEV, her most personal collection to date. Named after the Hebrew word for heart, she leaned into couture traditions, exploring the crossover between structure and softness and spending up to 40 hours crafting each of the twelve gowns by hand. It’s an honest representation of her thoughtfulness and love for design as she meticulously shaped romantic and timeless silhouettes from crinoline, boning, lace, and tulle. The completion of each look came from her playful use of volume and embellishments, as styles were detailed with beaded raw pearls and satin bows, capturing a sculptural grace throughout the collection.

VIKTOR&ROLF

It was a royal affair for Viktor&Rolf this season. Influenced by the queen's gardens and steeped in romance, V&R looked to reimagine and pay tribute to royal court dressing. It was a thoughtful combination that featured sculpted bows, jacquard fabrics, voluminous silhouettes and cascading embellishments all of which seemed to bloom across gowns in the brands’ signature avant-garde style. We personally loved their interpretations that combined a modern aesthetic with artistic opulence. For example, two Mikado gowns, one fitted with bold sculpted puffs and a dropped waist, another, an A-line silhouette with a Watteau train, both are complimented by a fitted sweetheart bustier and finished with a signature bow at the center back, creating the perfect amalgam of past and present.

>Written By: Jillian Magenheim

1 Hublot Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic Watch. 2 & 3 Montblanc The Meisterstück Calligraphy Solitaire Celadon Dégradé Pen.

MEN'S ACCESSORIES: DISTINCT ACCENTS

1 & 2 Ulysse Nardin Freak ONE Navy Blue Titanium with Rubber Strap. 3 Bugatti Men’s Eyewear Collection Sunglasses 05 in Gunmetal, White Gold with Grey Lens. 4 Bugatti Men’s Eyewear Collection Sunglasses 52 in Bone Acetate, White Gold with Skylet Road Lens. 

1 Maurice Lacroix Masterpiece Skeleton ‘With what eyes?’ by Rodrigo Hernández in Bronze with Leather Strap. 2 Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Texas Microblaste D with Calfskin and Rubber Strap.

1 Seaman Schepps Deauville Earrings in South Sea Pearl, Emeralds and Diamonds. 2 Avi & Co Platinum Pear and Baguette-Cut Diamond Ring set in Platinum. 3 Martin Katz Carre-Cut Meraki 5.35ct Diamond Ring. 4 Martin Katz Fancy Light Yellow Cushion 10.03ct Diamond Ring with Half Moon Diamonds 5 Sirivannavari x Beauty Gems Amour Éternel Collection Diamond Bracelet. 

The 4 Most Popular Precious Stones and What They Symbolize

Precious gemstones have long been revered not just for their beauty but for the deep symbolism they carry. Throughout history, cultures across the world have ascribed meanings to gemstones, believing they hold power, wisdom, and emotion. Among these treasures, the four most popular precious stones for brides and grooms – emeralds, yellow diamonds, pink diamonds, and white diamonds – each tell their own unique story, representing themes of love, power, purity, and individuality.

1 Avi & Co 18k Rose Gold Cushion-Cut Fancy Pink Diamond Ring. 2 Graff Promise Marquise-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring with Baguette-Cut Side Stones. 3 Graff Promise Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring with Pear-Shaped Side Stones. 4 Graff Promise Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring with Baguette-Cut Side Stones.5. Mellerio The Queen Ring High Jewelry Diamond Ring.  

Emeralds: The Stone of Rebirth and Wisdom

Emeralds, with their rich green hue, have captivated civilizations for millennia. Associated with renewal and fertility, emeralds symbolize the natural world’s endless cycles of growth and transformation. In ancient Egypt, they were linked to rebirth, with Cleopatra famously adorning herself with emeralds as a symbol of eternal youth. The deep green of the emerald also represents wisdom and intuition, often worn by scholars and leaders to enhance clarity of thought. In modern times, emeralds remain a sign of balance and harmony, making them a popular choice for those seeking emotional stability and a deep connection to the world around them.

Yellow Diamonds: The Stone of Joy and Prosperity

Yellow diamonds, infused with golden warmth, radiate happiness and optimism. Unlike traditional white diamonds, these rare gems are colored by nitrogen, creating shades that range from pale lemon to deep canary yellow. Symbolically, yellow diamonds represent joy, energy, and creativity. They are often associated with success and wealth, making them a favorite among those who seek prosperity. Historically, yellow diamonds were worn by royalty and celebrities to convey confidence and exuberance. Today, they continue to be a popular choice for engagement rings, symbolizing a love that is filled with brightness and positivity.

Image:  As seen in Grace Ormonde Wedding Style 2015 Fall/Winter Print Issue

1 Avi & Co Emerald-Cut Diamond Drop Earrings set in Platinum. 2 Avi & Co Emerald and Trapezoid Diamond Ring. 3 Avi & Co Fancy Yellow Cushion Drop Diamond Necklace set in Platinum. 4 Tiffany & Co. Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring set in Platinum. 5 Tiffany & Co. Three-Stone Engagement Ring with Pear-Shaped Side Stones in Platinum. 6 Tiffany & Co. Heart-Shaped Engagement Ring.  

Pink Diamonds: The Stone of Passion and Individuality

Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable gemstones, exuding an air of romance and mystery. Their exact formation process remains a geological enigma, adding to their allure. Symbolically, pink diamonds represent passion, love, and strength. Unlike red rubies, which symbolize fiery, intense love, pink diamonds are often associated with a softer, more enduring romantic connection. They also signify individuality and resilience – qualities reflected in their scarcity and the powerful women who have adorned them throughout history. From royalty to Hollywood icons, pink diamonds have long been a statement of both romance and independence.

White Diamonds: The Stone of Purity and Eternity

Perhaps the most iconic gemstone, the white diamond is universally recognized as a symbol of purity, strength, and eternal love. Its dazzling brilliance and unmatched hardness make it a fitting representation of unbreakable bonds and lifelong commitment. For over a century, white diamonds have been the traditional choice for engagement rings, signifying fidelity and devotion. Beyond romance, they also embody clarity and truth, often associated with wisdom and divine connection. Colorful gems may take turns as the current “it jewelry” of the season; but white diamonds reign supreme as the most popular precious stone, symbolizing both luxury and an everlasting legacy with a timeless appeal.

1 & 2 Giuseppe Zanotti Clutches in Red and Black Leather with Gold Clasp. 3 Giuseppe Zanotti Audrinette 90 Elaphe Carinata Snakeskin Red Sandal. 4 Giuseppe Zanotti Intriigo Knot Sandal in Red Leather.

Timeless Style – The Versatile Power of 3 Classic Accessories

In the ever-changing world of fashion, temporary trends can be a fun way to experiment with different aesthetics. Still, when it comes to effortless elegance and curating a sense of timeless style, classic accessories remain the foundation of a polished and sophisticated look. Among these essentials are a versatile lineup of go-to accessory favorites – clutch bags, strappy heels, and cocktail rings. These statement pieces have the power to elevate any outfit, adding a refined touch for any occasion. Whether you’re attending a wedding, gala, date night, or any other milestone celebration, a collection of classic accessories can always be depended on to beautifully complete an ensemble, time after time.

The Clutch Bag: A Chic Statement

A well-chosen clutch bag is more than just a practical necessity – it is a symbol of elegance and refinement. Unlike oversized totes or crossbody bags, a clutch is designed to carry just the essentials, promoting a sense of effortless luxury. From sleek envelope designs to vintage-inspired minaudières adorned with crystals, the right clutch can transform a simple dress into a show-stopping ensemble.

Simple leather clutches in solid colors like black or red offer versatility, seamlessly complementing a variety of looks. However, a colorful graphic or embellished clutch can serve as the perfect accent piece, adding personality to an otherwise understated outfit. For some designers, the clutch has become less of a practical accessory and more of an artistic statement. 

1 Benedetta Bruzziches Lumiere Crystal on Silver Bag. 2 Benedetta Bruzziches Elena Goldfinger Shoe. 3 Benedetta Bruzziches Yennefer Hotel California Bag. 4 Benedetta Bruzziches Kate Hotel California Bag. 5 Mahnaz Collection Vintage Hans Hansen 14k Gold Cuff.

Strappy Heels: The Ultimate Feminine Touch

Few things exude femininity and sophistication quite like a pair of strappy heels. Their delicate design elongates the legs, enhances posture, and brings a touch of allure to any outfit. Whether adorned with thin minimalist straps or intricate embellishments, this shoe style is a must-have in every fashion-forward wardrobe.

For a timeless appeal, nude and metallic strappy heels offer versatility, complementing everything from cocktail dresses to tailored trousers. Meanwhile, black and jewel-toned designs can add a bold, dramatic flair. Many brides-to-be will have a shoe collection of at least three different colors and styles to take them from the bridal shower to the rehearsal dinner, to the wedding day.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, strappy heels also have the versatility to transition seamlessly from day to night. A pair of brown or nude sandals adds sophistication to daytime attire, while high-heeled stilettos with metallic accents command attention at an evening event. 

Cocktail Rings: The Art of Statement Jewelry

Originally a symbol of 1920s glamour, cocktail rings continue to hold their place as an essential piece of statement jewelry. Bold, oversized, and often adorned with precious stones, these rings instantly draw attention and exude sophistication. They are the perfect accessory for those who wish to make a lasting impression with minimal effort.

While traditional cocktail rings feature vibrant gemstones such as emeralds, rubies, and sapphires, modern designs incorporate sleek metals, geometric shapes, and vintage-inspired motifs. Whether worn alone as a focal point or layered with other fine jewelry, these rings add an undeniable touch of glamour.

From the red carpet to intimate dinner parties, the right cocktail ring speaks volumes about personal style. 

The Finishing Touch

Classic accessories define a look, tell a story, and capture an essence of timeless style; and if there’s any occasion when timeless style will serve its wearer well, it’s a wedding celebration. A beautifully crafted clutch bag, a pair of strappy heels, and an eye-catching cocktail ring are the ultimate trifecta of sophistication.

Glamorous Eveningwear Aesthetics for 2025 from Top Luxury Designers

After several seasons of embracing minimalism, modernism, and functional design, maximalism is making a significant comeback in the fashion world. For 2025, five glamorous evening aesthetics are reigning supreme on the runway, with top luxury designers embracing everything from sparkling embellishments to sculptural silhouettes.

Maximalism

As every Zuhair Murad bride knows, the designer’s aesthetic is the epitome of glamour and embellishment. This season, the fashion house has several maximalist-friendly eveningwear looks, including two long-sleeved mini dresses covered in sparkles – both, which would be perfect for a bride’s reception or afterparty dress.

For full-length options, the Fall 2025 collection showcases some exquisite evening gowns, ranging from all-black ensembles with silver embellishments, to a two-piece look with structured shoulders, to elegantly draped dresses. Balancing maximalism with classic shapes, these gowns are as apropos for a black-tie formal wedding as they are for a red-carpet event.

Lavender’s Blue

As an alternative to the classic black evening gown, Tony Ward’s latest collection brings color to the forefront with romantic shades of lilac and periwinkle. Romantic draping, peek-a-boo panels, dazzling overlays, and regal peplums add an extra layer of glamour.

Bold Graphics

Bold graphics and geometric shapes take center stage in Elie Saab and Rami Al Ali’s eveningwear collections. Playing with a neutral color palette of black, white, and cream, these designs offer both classic silhouettes and experimental structures, so there’s something for everyone. A black and white tunic and wide-legged trouser combo from Elie Saab is a fresh take on menswear inspired looks, and would be a chic pick for rehearsal dinners.

Oversized ruffles featured in Rami Al Ali’s collection create an ultra-feminine aesthetic. For the Wedding Style team, it was love at first sight when it came to the designer’s multi-bow mini skirt dress. Crafted from a beige Mikado satin and adorned with crystal embellishments at the waist, it’s the perfect bridal shower or afterparty dress for brides in search of something playful, yet refined.

Power Players

Stephane Rolland, Rami Kadi, and Lena Erziak’s contributions to this season’s eveningwear trends were made for the power players out there – the brides and guests who wish to make an entrance, hold court, and revel in the spotlight. The Spring/Summer 2025 Haute Couture collection by Stephane Rolland, for example, features an all-black suit with a black velvet jacket and wide collar embroidered with black feathers. Inspired by historic figures like Josephine Baker and Brancusi, this aesthetic is anything but demure; it’s a celebration of expression, a pioneering spirit, and all things avant-garde.

For Rami Kadi, this season is all about celebrating women “as a force of storytelling and connection across eras.” Inspired by the Baroque and Rococo periods, these gowns reflect the glamour of a lush, regency aesthetic paired with contemporary sophistication.

If a bride-to-be wishes to expand beyond the typical mood of a bridal wardrobe – which tends to be light and romantic – then Lena Erziak’s Fall/Winter 2024-2025 collection is a stunning option. Named “Melancholia,” this dark and vampy lineup of evening gowns is an “ode to the complexity of human emotions, capturing the duality between darkness and lightness, nostalgia and beauty.”

Heavy Metal

Beloved fashion designer, Monique Lhuillier, takes a high-shine approach to this season’s eveningwear looks with a collection heavy on metallics and light-reflecting embellishments. Some Wedding Style favorites include a strapless evening gown made of luxurious gold brocade, and a silver column gown covered with hundreds of hand-cut mirrors. When in doubt, this glamorous aesthetic is one that will always look (and photograph) beautifully on the dance floor.