Bridal Fashion Inspiration from Haute Couture Fall 2012

by CandiceJuly 24, 2012 2

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High waistlines, transparent sheaths and layering were all trends found in the Fall 2012 couture collections from Valentino, Chanel and Versace. You can look to these fashion runways for wedding, bridesmaid and mother of the bride dress inspiration.

In the Valentino Fall 2012 couture collection, sophistication, elegance and simplicity dominated the runway. The collection incorporated nineteenth century inspiration with a modern twist which Valentino’s Creative Directors described as “regal beauty.”

Valentino Couture Gowns Fall 2012

Almost half of the Valentino haute couture collection featured a dark color scheme with midnight blue and black hues. Sexy silk dresses, some with high necklines, others with deep v-necks as well long sleeves and blousy waistlines graced the runway. Are these dresses too moody and somber for wedding inspiration or do you find them elegant?

Many modern brides are forgoing princess gowns and choosing romantic flowing dresses in floor-length styles like many of these pieces. Look for elegant dresses with Victorian era inspiration like high necklines and longer sleeves.

Valentino Couture Dresses Fall 2012

Several pink, yellow and nude dresses brightened up the collection as well as a few signature Valentino red pieces. Seeing as Vera Wang debuted an entirely red wedding dress collection for Spring 2013, a signature red Valentino couture dress could easily be translated into bridal.

Valentino Lace Gown Fall 2012

Valentino Couture Collection Fall 2012

Most couture dresses in this collection were luxurious and beautiful, crafted with crystals, lace and embroidery. Pleats, strips of cutout velvet lace and brocade fabrics were also detailed in the pieces for their fall lineup which was inspired by old British style.

The sheer trend has been quite prominent this year and Valentino showed a lot of subtly sexy see-through pieces. Could sheer wedding dresses be an upcoming trend in bridal?.

Chanel Couture Dresses Fall 2012

The Chanel Fall 2012 couture collection featured a color palette including powder pink, ivory, traditional black and white, and grey with plenty of shimmer. Karl Lagerfeld used three main elements in this collection: chiffon, tulle and glitter. Blinged-out shimmery dresses are already making their way into bridal like the shiny metallic dress in the Romona Keveza Spring 2013 collection.

Chanel Skirt Set Fall 2012

Chanel Couture Pieces Fall 2012

Full-sleeved, black dresses added some dark drama to the collection which Karl called “new vintage.” The collection also highlighted an array of skirt sets with patched patterns, beaded separates and cropped jackets perfect for a chic mother of the bride look.

For wedding gown inspiration, the collection featured A-line gowns and flowy dresses with shreds of chiffon, tulle and lace – similar to styles we saw in the Maggie Sottero Spring 2013 collection.

Versace Collection Fall 2012

Versace Dress Fall 2012

There was no shortage of glitz at the Versace Fall 2012 show. The theme of the show was “deconstruction and reconstruction in all its various forms.” Mini dresses and stitched gowns with long slits dominated the runway. Thigh-high leg slits have become a sexy new wedding dress trend as seen in the Ines Di Santo bridal collection for Fall 2012.

Donatella Versace incorporated skin-revealing layers in many of the pieces. The collection also featured sexy evening dresses with lightweight fabrics and silk chiffon lacing. Too racy for bridal inspiration or perfect for a sexier bridal look?

Versace Gowns Fall 2012

Versace Gowns Fall 2012

Versace also incorporated nontraditional materials into the couture collection including patchworked dresses of crystal-beaded chiffon and strips of patent leather as well as lightweight skirts with Japanese polyester seamlessly sewn into them – daring and fierce!

We love the sophistication, glamour and innovation found in the Valentino, Chanel and Versace Fall 2012 couture collections and we’re curious to see how they might influence upcoming bridal trends!

Want to see these haute couture dresses as they strut down the Paris runway? Watch the Valentino Fall 2012 runway show, Chanel Fall 2012 runway show and the Versace Fall 2012 runway show!

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