Highlights from Bridal Market Fall 2014: The Long-sleeved Gowns

It's time to take a look at our last group of beauties from Bridal Market: the long-sleeved gowns.  (I'm using "long-sleeved" loosely.  For our purposes, "long-sleeved" means anything longer than short-sleeved, so elbow-length, and beyond.)  I mentioned one princess yesterday, and I'll mention another today: Kate Middleton.  Kate brought the concept of long-sleeved bridal gowns, a constant favorite of European royal brides, into the mainstream mindset.  Since Kate wore her bespoke gown, by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, we've seen other celebrity and royal brides make similar sartorial choices.  Recent examples are the Luxembourger royal brides, who both wore long-sleeved Elie Saab gowns on their wedding days: Hereditary Grand Duchess Stéphanie in 2012, and Princess Claire just last month.

Given the impact of Kate's gown and the elegance inherent to this style, I was disappointed not to see more long-sleeved offerings in Bridal Market.  Hence today's short post.  Not all of the major designers show at Bridal Market, though, so we may see more awe-inspiring long-sleeved looks as additional Fall 2014 collections roll out.  Which may inspire an update from yours truly.  We'll see.  :)

Our first gown, above, by Monique Lhuiller, is a beautifully-executed take on a relatively standard long-sleeved look.  I say "standard" because this isn't an uncommon approach to the long-sleeved bridal gown, but it is really hard to go wrong if this is your standard.  You'll note clear similarities between this gown and the gowns of Stéphanie and Claire, mentioned above: closely tailored bodice (though the one above seems more structured), full skirt, delicate mesh lace sleeves, and impeccable detailing.  Further, when a dress fits like this, you win all around.

Next is a gown that you may remember from Monday's post.  (That was a bit of a teaser, no?  Were you waiting to see this one again? :)  This darling from Naeem Khan's collection is a twenty-first century bridal update of an early 1900s European peasant dress.  And the bead work on the bodice bears notable resemblance to the Danish Princess Alexandra's tiara.  I could say more, but you might prefer to judge for yourself:

Nicole Miller showed a nice long-sleeved option, below.  This gown doesn't try to do too much.  It is a straight-forward, slightly Bohemian style that delivers a heavy dose of romance.  Noteworthy details are the shape of the v-neck and the pool of lace at the hem.  Personally, I'd shorten the sleeves to just above the wrist or, perhaps, to the mid-forearm. 

We close our discussion of long-sleeved gowns with this one from Reem Acra.  Lace appliqué is placed over a beige-colored bodice and  layers of sheer tulle.  The color of the lining and the sheerness of the skirt lend a buoyant, alluring fragility.

What are your thoughts on the long-sleeved gowns?  Is this a look that you'd choose for yourself? 

There you have our review of Bridal Market Fall 2014.  I hope that you enjoyed these highlights as much as (or more than!) I did.  

And, if you're just tuning in, check out our reviews of the strapless, sleeveless, and short-sleeved gowns!