More than off-white

Canadian brides see colour in this season's bridal gowns

Colour is creeping its way into Canadian bridal fashion, and it is adding a touch of flare to the standard white wedding dress. Dresses incorporate colour in the bodice or stole, the hem, or the train. They are even seen in small flowers attached to the skirt. While most brides this year will choose to stay with the traditional white gown, there are a number of boutiques and designers in Toronto that have embraced this trend, which has been around in Europe for several years.
Still one of the most popular bridal gowns is the strapless, sleeveless gown with embroidered bodice. Taking a cue from the minimalist dresses of the last decade, they feature clean lines and few ornate details on the skirt. But these classic designs are becoming more dramatic every year - not simply with the introduction of colour (still a relatively new concept to North Americans), but with the incorporation of asymmetrical and draped skirts. Common A-line shapes have been replaced by wrapped and organza skirts. One of the more interesting aspects of the new trends in bridal gowns is the two-piece. Brides can pick a beaded bodice with a corset back and attach it to a cathedral or chapel train of their choice. Many stores specialize in the two-piece bridal gown, which is becoming more and more popular as brides seek out their perfect dresses.
Sincerity Bridal's 2004 collection is a good example of the slow incorporation of colour into bridal gowns. The result is dramatic and ultra feminine: a white bodice with burgundy beading and an organza skirt; a stunning ivory Demetrios gown features black embroidery on the bodice and hem. Coloured toile on white dresses is making its way into North American bridal fashion - not simply in the bodice or train, but in the crease of a bias cut skirt. Bold accents like a solid coloured bodice or even a ribbon hem are impressive leaps from the traditional white gown.
Toronto boutiques have already begun stocking these European-inspired gowns. "Most of our 2004 collections are coming out with a lot more colour," says Bridal Consultant Diane Grilo of Sposabella Toronto on St. Clair Ave. West. "More and more brides are interested in colour and a lot of them are moving away from traditional white."
Adding colour to classic white isn't necessary a new thing. Silk gowns are a creamier colour, and many designs are featured in "ivory," which is several shades off-white. Imported designs reflect the demand for the colour white by including the colour in its repertoire for North American brides. Among the first European countries to introduce colour into mainstream bridal fashion was Spain, and many others followed suit - some brides even reflecting national colours in their bridal gowns.
Many cultures have incorporated colour into its bridal design, but North Americans have traditionally avoided colour in bridal gowns because white is a symbol of purity. However, in traditional Hindu or Chinese ceremonies, brides wear red. In fact, in Hindu ceremonies, brides do not wear white because it symbolizes mourning. Some mainstream North American designs have begun to feature red dresses, and many are incorporating red into traditional white gowns as a reflection of the fusion of cultures.
There is another benefit to adding colour to a bridal gown. The colours from the gown itself can actually be incorporated into the accessories, including gloves, veils, bouquets, and especially jewellery.
The classic white gown still dominates bridal fashion for this season, but in the next few years brides will have a choice of many colours for their wedding.
"I see it becoming more popular in years to come," says Grilo.

Publication Date: 2004-01-18
Story Location: http://tandemnews.com/viewstory.php?storyid=3558