Monique Lhuillier’s latest bridal collection was a celebration of every bride’s individual style. Each gown could stand on its own; Lhuillier said they were inspired by her dreams, her love of color, and the allure of gardens. As such, flowers were a dominant motif, appearing on a V-neck tulle gown with vibrant floral appliqués and a voluminous ball gown and veil scattered with florets, so a bride “would look like she’s lying in a flower bed.” Indeed, it evoked a Monet painting of a woman spending a beautiful afternoon in a meadow.
Lhuillier’s designs rivaled an impressionist’s hand thanks to custom-developed fabrics that brought her visions to life. A floral-printed silk organza was fashioned into a soft ball gown, then paired with a matching floral-printed veil for a 3-D effect. Traditional lace was embroidered over metallic lace on a modified A-line gown, and Lhuillier sprinkled a rose-gold gown with minuscule seed beading. On another illusion long-sleeved gown, she strategically placed exaggerated stones so they would sparkle from across the room.
Lhuillier considered a bride’s needs before and after her vows, too. The tulle jacket shown with a lace gown could be taken off after the ceremony to reveal a balletic spaghetti-strap neckline underneath. “The bride can also take down her hair after she removes the jacket to further transform her look,” she added. While this collection featured many of Lhuillier’s signature silhouettes, it offered a few more fashion-forward options, too, like a slim, floral-embroidered faux wrap dress. “My brides are ready for something different,” she said. “They want something that they haven’t seen before.”
