2024 Bridal Trends, from the runways of NYFW Bridal Week

2024 Bridal Trends, from the runways of NYFW Bridal Week

Engagement season is still going strong, with the vast majority of engagements usually occurring between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day. With so much love in the air, we thought it wise to check out bridal trends and see what brides have to look forward to in their shopping and planning for 2024 or ’25 weddings. Here is our take on the hottest bridal fashion trends, as seen on the runways and presentations at NYFW: Bridal Fashion Week for the 2024 season. 

“I cannot think of a more joyful time in a young couple’s life than the period of their engagement and their wedding, and as a jeweler, it makes me immensely proud to play a small part in it with our customers,” says Giuseppe Picchiotti, lead designer and founder of PICCHIOTTI. “Over the decades, we have helped generations from some of the same families get married and celebrate their engagements, as well as anniversaries. I feel it is my very reason for being, for getting up in the morning. Jewelry not only brings joy – it captures joy and retains the memory and the meaning of that feeling.  For me, it is a celebration any time I can help people choose jewelry for their wedding day or bridal rings that they will wear forever.”

VERSATILITY (Detachable Overskirts, Shrugs, Gloves, Capes, Trains)

The fun part of a being a bride today is that the wedding is rarely the only occasion. Many bridal events now surround the big day, and brides and grooms are shopping for options that allow them to shine throughout, while saving the ultimate or best for the wedding itself. Versatility is becoming more and more important for brides-to-be. Vogue said it best, “Since many couples today are opting for second (and third) looks at their weddings, designers have been finding ways to provide options that allow brides to get more bang for their buck.”

Detachable shrugs, overskirts, sleeves/gloves, and unique trains are trending. According to The New York Times, “The updated shrug is a more sleek or stylized detail that’s converted from a detachable train or a wearable oversize bow detail, or a bolero that can also be worn for the after-party with a pair of white trousers and camisole.” Ines di Santo, Francesca Miranda, and Esé Azénabor featured such removable or convertible shrugs. Overskirts seen on the runways at Reem Acra, Scorcesa, Monique Lhullier, and Enaura Bridal provide a dramatic shape for the wedding but can easily be removed for more fitted silhouettes. The Atelier featured a full-length bridal coat which is removed to reveal a mini-dress, and Nadia Manjarrez and others featured lengthy bridal trains that are removed after the ceremony for more streamlined looks at the after party or reception.

Gloves have also been making appearances on the bridal runways for a few seasons now and seem to be more prevalent for this season.  According to Today’s Bride, “Bridal gloves are making a sophisticated return in 2024, adding a touch of timeless elegance to modern weddings.” Gloves also add versatility, as they are easily removable.

Like bridal designers, we at PICCHIOTTI have also been investing in versatility. Our new Reversible Xpandable™️ collection can also change a bride’s look from day to night, or from ceremony to reception, or from bridal shower to wedding day.  The reversible styles feature one color or one gemstone on one side and can easily be flipped over gently to reveal a different color or alternate gemstone on the other. For example, for dramatic brides embracing the new elements of color such as hints of ebony in their white ensembles (ala Theia and Nadai Manjarrezz – see below) or even all-black gowns with white trains (ala Scorcesa – see above), PICCHIOTTI’s onyx and diamond reversible Xpandable bracelet can be worn with the wedding gown or as an elegant all-white bracelet for the bridal shower. This classic black and white styling will then become a go-to in the fine jewelry wardrobe for many years as it can be worn with so many types of fabrics in one’s closet.  The PICCHIOTTI Reversible diamond and gold necklace can also add some sparkle for the wedding day and then worn on the flip side for a more subdued all-gold look with everyday wear or more casual events throughout the bridal season (rehearsal dinner, shower, engagement party, etc.). It makes a fabulous addition to the jewelry box, as well, given its inherent versatility. To explore more color combinations and other reversible styles in rings, bracelets, and earrings, visit PICCHIOTTI.com/reversible.

3-D VOLUME – FLOWERS & BOWS

Another exciting trend on the 2024 bridal runways was dimensionality. Gowns were voluminous at Anne Barge and Mark Ingram, for example, and many bridal designers opted to create texture with the use of large flowers and oversized bows. 

Floral appliqués were abundant, adding dimension to bridal looks. Vogue’s report following NYFW Bridal Week said it best, “while florals may be synonymous with spring, almost every fall collection brought in the motif in fresh ways. One particular standout trend was the use of appliqués to create unique 3D floral moments.” Such flowers were seen on the shoulder at Amsale, on the bodice at Alexandra Grecco, Esé Azénabor, and Monique Lhullier, or even on headbands at Viktor & Rolfe. Millanova Atelier created three-dimensional floral jackets for male same-sex couple weddings to stunning effect.

Flower lovers will delight in the PICCHIOTTI Rose Garden collection, featuring diamond and gemstone floral in rings, earrings, pendants, and brooches. Made with stunning accuracy and attention to detail, these roses are striking conversation starters and can be worn with bridal gowns that have floral motifs, patterns, or appliques, and then used year-round with sweaters, suits, and special occasion dresses. 

Equally as popular and grand in scale were bows.  Big and bold bows were featured at Elie Saab, Amsale, and more, the bigger the better. According to Vogue – “Normally used as an accessory, the bow has become an integral part of the structure of many gowns for Fall 2024.” Esé Azénabor, Amsale, and Theia featured large bows on the lower back, while Nadia Manjarrez placed bows in front and back, and Scorcesa opted for a large black bow across the breast atop an all-white pant suit.

For more permanent bows, PICCHIOTTI has an entire Fiocco (bow in Italian) collection. Bow enthusiast will delight in the diamond and colored gemstone bow offerings in rings, earrings, pendants, and brooches. Even though they are made of precious hard gemstones, the designs are soft and feminine, intended to mimic the furl and loops of real fabric in bows like the ones featured in this season’s bridal gowns. 

For those not wanting to be overly matchy-matchy, mix the two trends. Consider a lovely bow accessory to wear with a floral appliqué gown or a literal flower in 3-D white gold and gemstones to wear with a gown that features oversized bows. Both looks are quite feminine and beautiful and would wear very well together. 

PANTS & JUMPSUITS

Pants and pantsuits are now a regular feature on the bridal runways, with almost every designer offering at least one pants option.  Viktor & Rolf featured a strapless pant suit with a removable overskirt for the above-mentioned versatility. Scorsesa paired pants with tailored suit jackets with either a peplum waist or a long train extended from the jacket. 

The jumpsuits are often seen with short chocker necklaces seen at Kaviar Gauche and Rime Arodaky.  Esteemed jewelry historian, author, journalist, and trend reporter Marion Fasel recently noted the rise of choker length necklaces, claiming that such short necklaces are “on the horizon of hotness.” PICCHIOTTI has always offered stunning short necklaces for sparkle up close to the face. New for this year is the PICCHIOTTI Bridal necklace featuring the brand’s signature baguette diamonds, as well as round diamonds in 18K white gold. It is a stunning look atop any bridal jumpsuit or pantsuit, but also a wardrobe classic that can dress up any casual outfit or strut the red carpet at every black-tie event.

The bridal pants option also pairs well with jewelry classics like diamond hoop earrings or tennis bracelets, preferably stacked.  For streamlined trouser silhouettes, consider chandelier earrings to add volume and radiance near the face. For sleek strapless bridal jumpsuits, opt for a multi-row chandelier style necklace to add a hint of color fill the décolettage. 

COLORFUL OPTIONS

While we have seen hints of color in bridal weeks for a couple of years now, Vogue is making bold predictions that challenge the traditional white for wedding looks.  “Next year, don’t always expect to see the bride dressed in white.” Beautiful pale blues were seen at Amsale, Honor, and The Atelier.  Pretty pink gowns walked the runways at Esé Azénabor and Ines di Santo. Metallic looks were featured at The Atelier, and even black, the stark opposite of traditional white, appeared on gowns at Scorcesa, Galia Lahav, Nadia Manjarrez, and on the veil at Theia.

The styling of these colorful gowns is still very much in line with traditional bridal looks but the shocking and delightful use of color is refreshing and offers more elements of self-expression for today’s brides. The soft pink fabrics pair well with gemstones like pink sapphires and pink spinel; they also offer a subtle nod or tribute to the “Barbie-core” trend that swept the fashion world in recent months. The blues we noted on the bridal runways were fairly pale, but for a blue-eyed bride or a September-born bride, the deep, intoxicating blue of superlative sapphires cannot be overlooked – they will wear well with the blue bridal frocks and even elevate or enhance their hue.  PICCHIOTTI’s Heart necklace features alternating diamond and sapphire hearts in a short necklace that sits high on the collar bone, radiating pure elegance.  Pearls are also a fun option for colorful bridal gowns as pearls come in a nice variety of colors beyond white. PICCHIOTTI’s multi-color pearl necklace would sit beautifully atop a black bridal gown or a look that features elements of black in the lace, the bow, or the gloves.

Other trends of note include the very feminine peplum waste and hi-low silhouettes.  One-shoulder necklines were also prevalent, seen at Jenny by Jenny Yoo, Divine Atelier, and Peter Langner. This opens the neck area for a terrific necklace or a pair of statement earrings, especially if the hair is worn up.

Let the trends inspire you as you seek to say yes to your dress, but be sure to personalize your look for maximum self-expression on your special day. Jewelry is always a personal choice and one good to way to make you shine like never before. Mr. Picchiotti suggests trying on the jewelry with the overall wedding day ensemble, as well as with the various looks for all the events you have planned. Have fun styling yourself and trust your intuition to help you choose the look that is absolutely perfect for you. To quote Rihanna, “Shine bright like a diamond.” You deserve it!

Feature image at top – clockwise from upper left – PICCHIOTTI Fiocco bow earrings, Viktor & Rolf (Spotlight Launchmetrics), Viktor & Rolf (Spotlight Launchmetrics), Anne Barge (Spotlight Launchmetrics), PICCHIOTTI Rose Garden necklace, PICCHIOTTI Reversible Xpandable Gold-Mother of Pearl and Diamond bracelet

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