Highlights from Bridal Market Fall 2014: The Sleeveless and Tank-style Gowns

 

In today's installment of our week-long re-cap of Bridal Fashion Week, we'll look at sleeveless and tank-style gowns.  This style is probably the least "on-trend" of the styles we'll review this week.  Sleeveless bridal gowns are something that you just don't see too often.  From my eye, this makes sleeveless gowns feel the freshest of the lot.  Especially the gowns with true tanks -- those with inch- to two-inch-wide straps and scooped or squared necks.  The true tank-style bodice is a rarity in bridal, but, as we see here, it can hit "effortless and chic" right on the nose.

The stand-out Monique Lhuillier sheath gown below, featured earlier this week, attests perfectly to this. The smooth, unfettered curve of the neckline is a design element that's reminiscent of a casual knit top, but, applied in bridal, it reflects sophistication and restraint, on the parts of both the designer and the wearer, perhaps.

The next two gowns interpret square-necked tanks.  The Reem Acra gown below, which would be lined, obviously, for normal wear, takes my breath away.  The feathered accessories distract from the well-balanced pairing of the ethereal, filigreed top with the banded, flowing skirt.

This look from Monique Lhuillier offers whisper-thin pleats of chiffon, layered over sparkly beading and sequins.  It's a clever riff on last season's floor-length sequined number.

Another textbook tank-style gown is the bias-cut, charmeuse gown.  A rather uncommon look these days, but a classic, if not entirely easy to wear, style that would be nice to see more of.  This one is from Elizabeth Fillmore.

 

Two selections from Monique Lhuillier are especially gracefully executed renditions of the sleeveless, v-neck, lace gown, which is such a romantic look and understandably popular.  Here, layered lace and embroidery, with the tiniest hint of beading, create visual depth.  

This one has a barely visible illusion panel covering the deep v-neck and an unexpected tulle train. 

A few boat-necked styles appeared on the runways last week.  Nicole Miller gave us another successful take on the mermaid silhouette.  First, the key design elements are all quite beautiful on their own.  Second, the beaded top balances the outgoing mermaid shape (tail?).  It works because, while the tail is wide, it's a continuation of the fabric used in the body of the dress.  There is no awkward change of fabric at the knee.  The result is a very red carpet-ready dress that would befit a bride aiming for a high glam factor.

This Christos gown is so pretty, with a sort of no-fuss feel that seems suited for spring or summer (even though this was Fall 2014 Fashion Week, I know.).  Ruched point d'esprit is layered over an uncomplicated whale-boned bustier and gathered into a gently voluminous skirt.

Naeem Khan brought us two crew-necked, sleeveless pieces, adorned with his characteristically thoughtful embellishment.  This one, slightly Grecian, with bejeweled geometric detailing, may be another for our Art Nouveau bride.

Head-to-toe embroidery is classic Khan.  The motifs here are similar to those found in Indian embroidery, while also strongly referencing patterns common to Islamic art.

We'll close with this look from Theia.  The dress does not thrill, despite its pretty shape.  I'd like to bring attention to the look, as a whole, however, and, specifically, to the divine impact that a floor-length veil can achieve.  It's like something from the Enchanted Forest, come to life, which is a less-than-ridiculous vision for a bridal look, if you ask me.  

There you have our round-up of sleeveless and tank-style gowns from Bridal Market.  Which is your favorite?

Tomorrow, we'll review the short-sleeved looks!