Three different brands take a modern twist on bridesmaid chic
The days of ruffled pastel numbers are long gone—so why should a bridesmaid’s dress be something you only wear once? Say hello to high-style pieces from three different brands that are worth wearing again and again:
J. Crew
Photos: Courtesy of J.Crew
This oh-so-cool New York brand has been credited with ushering out the outdated bridesmaid’s dresses of the past to make way for a youthful, glamorous and quirky approach. As the company’s bridal line grows, it’s moving further away from traditional gowns, opting instead for trendy skirt-and-top combinations and ruffled one-shoulder dresses in all the colours of the rainbow.
The majority of J Crew’s bridesmaid dress designs cover the knee, but that’s where the similarities end. The floor-length gingham numbers are the ideal option for a wedding in Provence, while jewel-hued cocktail dresses are best suited to a city event in Hong Kong or New York. The beauty of all these pieces? They’re easily re-worn as casual separates, or to another glamorous summer event.
Galvan London
Photos: Courtesy of Galvan London
Launched by four women who wanted to create an accessible range of beautiful eveningwear that wouldn’t break the bank, Galvan London is a godsend for brides who want their best friends to look seriously sleek on the big day. With an emphasis on silk in a range of dramatic colours, Galvan London’s collections have attracted celebrity devotees including Sienna Miller, Rihanna and Jennifer Lawrence.
The beauty of these dresses lies in their versatility—pair them with heels and oversized earrings and they’re ideal for a smart city wedding. Combined with bare feet and casual curls, they’re perfect for a dreamy beach reception.
Self-Portrait
Photos: Courtesy of Self-Portrait
Every woman has one part of her body she feels insecure about. But whether it’s your knees, legs, waist or bottom, there’s a Self-Portrait design that will make you feel a million dollars. Which is why a number of brides, including our cover star Feiping Chang, are heading to the London brand, giving their bridesmaids free rein to pick a style that suits them.
Styles are complex and varied, but all are tied together by delicately sewed applique that gives a cheeky glimpse of skin. Malaysian-born creative director Han Chong describes his designs as “feminine, lovely and detail-orientated”—exactly how we’d describe our ideal bridesmaid.