Fashion Novelty

Fall 2013 Matthew Christopher 

It's so many things. Fashion is art, it's expression, it's breathtaking, it's life's reflection and it's green. It recycles. It takes ideas and recreates, reuses and collides them with new, talent. The result a new trend that may last a season or several. The essence of this recycling is what I love about retro looks of today. That delicate balance of vintage tailoring combined with a modern silhouette (photo above) makes me swoon. For the bride this translates to an important trend or dare I say novelty this season.. the sleeve.

I can call it a novelty, because two years ago I would rarely have a bride ask to see a wedding gown with sleeves. It was clear designers had something up their sleeve (pun intended) slightly before HRH Catherine took the aisle in her Alexander McQueen full sleeved, gown. There were hints of such shoulder coverings, but until I saw the runway last Fall even I was pleasantly surprised the time had come in full force. Sleeves that I haven't seen since the late 1990s have returned to offer brides a plethora of necklines to choose from. In fact, brides shopping for gowns today have the most choice available to them in years. Strapless fans shouldn't balk, because that neckline is still very, popular, but the infusion of sleeves this season, will be the talk of stylists everywhere who can offer this beautiful, option to their clients.

Valentino

If you are torn about sleeves and not quite sure you want fully constructed arm wear, I adore the illusion neckline as an alternative. So feminine and soft the illusion offers the hint of skin covered with a sheer fabric. It's perfect for a petite or broad frame because it doesn't overwhelm but delivers a bold look. The gold Elie Saab gown above would be extremely heavy and too overdone without the exquisite illusion neckline it features. The dress is magical floating on the body flawlessly.

Other necklines shown above in this group of masterpieces by Marchesa show a multitude of sleeve renditions that leave me speechless. The necklines and sleeves drape the shoulders so artfully they create a delicate frame for the face. A higher neckline forces the admirer's eye to the face, which is very important for a bride and her many photographs.

It may not be the newest trend to hit the block, but the sleeve's revival this year makes it fun for a bride to explore and enjoy. Until seasons pass and designer's move on to their next princess muse, it's a fashion novelty we'll happily indulge!