In the some-billion-dollar bridal business, simplicity is often overlooked. The traditional side of the market, which is by and large the most profitable and visible, still centers around the bride who wants more, more, more with her wedding day look: more embellishment, more drama, and, most recently, more outfit changes. But over the past few seasons, the tide has begun to shift toward niche, independent designers focusing on minimalist and alternative bridal options. One such label is Galvan: Design director Anna-Christin Haas and creative director Sola Harrison translated their sleek, celebrity-favorite eveningwear into a bridal collection, which they launched last spring. Looking ahead to Fall 2020, they want to dress brides-to-be in lean, long, ’90s-inspired slips (their bread and butter), but also floaty minidresses, sculptural jumpsuits, and shell jackets.
Galvan’s new bridal collection is clean and easy to unpack, with only slight touches of glitz in the opaque sequins and subtle bugle beads. It’s for the bride doing a quickie ceremony at city hall or a small wedding at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Haas and Harrison’s wares are also likely to be popular for rehearsal dinners, afterparties, and Sunday brunch, all of which now require a special white look. Many women will rewear them after their weddings, as well. That’s the real draw of Galvan bridal: Because it’s simple, straightforward, and effortlessly elegant, it’s functional too. Practicality isn’t a popular word in our culture of “princess brides,” but it’s gaining traction for 2020. Galvan is leading the charge by marrying ease with sophistication, and striking beauty with versatility.
