Alternative designer wedding dresses

Strapless Vera Wang, embellished Jenny Packham, princessy Elie Saab – when it comes to picking a wedding gown, certain “dream dress” names spring to mind. But these fairytale fantasies aren’t for everybody. For some brides-to-be the thought of ivory underskirts and Swarovski crystals fills them with dread.

Ever since Kiera Knightley skipped out of her 2013 wedding to James Righton in a (gasp) previously-worn Chanel mini dress, many brides-to-be have hankered after a more carefree approach to bridal wear. And the catwalk provides the answer.

Keira Knightley and James Righton after their wedding in 2013

Photo:http://www.mossopone.abatasa.co.id/post/detail/44979/designer-dress-made-out-of-800-recycled-tea-bags.html

With its neat buttons and colourful embroidered panels, Dior’s white crepe dress caught the eye of many a fashion editor planning a bohemian summer wedding. Valentino takes the folksy theme a step further with its high-necked, vintage lace gown, colourfully embellished with a beaded floral pattern – no need for a bouquet.

Lace remains high on many brides’ wish-lists, and there are options aplenty – such as a romantic mid-length style by designer Sophia Kokosalaki, whose Greek heritage inspires her pared-back wedding collections. Lace comes with a sporty edge in the form of a racer-back at Australian label Lover; and in high-hemlined styles from Saint Laurent and Marchesa, while floral cut-outs lend Dolce and Gabbana’s floor-length crepe gown a cleaner, contemporary feel.

Those whose wedding day vibe is more Rock my Wedding than Debrett’s Wedding Guide may be partial to Parisian designer Rime Arodaky, whose slouchy, spaghetti-strapped dresses – styled with attitude and ear cuffs on the brand’s website – will appeal to the type of bride who wouldn’t be seen dead in a lace-up corset.

Minimalist brides might prefer the clean lines of Calvin Klein or 3.1 Phillip Lim; or Lavin’s strapless piqué dress – sweetly understated while leaving no doubt as to whose Big Day it is. Rochas’s flocked floral gown, meanwhile, makes more of a statement – strapless, organza and A-line it may be, but its all-over floral pattern ensures it remains firmly left of mainstream.

The joy of using the catwalk as wedding inspiration is that there’s something for everyone – whether avant-garde Vionnet, vintage-style McQueen or whimsical, shimmering Emilia Wickstead. There are no rules. Even the colour is up for debate – with its open back and striking silhouette, Jason Wu’s silk-gauze gown is such a knockout that no-one will even notice the bride wore grey.