When we talk about formal garments and gowns, we talk about genuinely haute couture-level pieces. The literal translation is “high sewing,” but Lesli Dacy of LD Bridal says you can just picture Parisian runways. “Haute couture is the most expensive part of fashion,” says Dacy, “These are handcrafted garments.” These collections only show in Paris twice per year, and only certain houses receive approval from the prestigious Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode to walk their styles.
In both bridal and formal gowns, we find examples of haute couture closer to home. LD Bridal specializes in both of these genres, but we’ve asked Dacy to forecast what’s coming in the world of women’s formalwear. So whether you’re prepping for your big day or a glittering night, we’ve got a look at what you’ll see at the formal forefront this fall.
While black is here to stay and is a timeless color choice, Dacy says we are seeing a resurgence in jewel tones. Think in terms of ruby reds, emerald greens, and sapphire blues, amongst others. Due to their seasonal color association, Dacy says that these colors usually come back around each year in the winter, and we can count on them to do that again this year.
Say “bonjour” once again to flowers—but not necessarily in the way you’d think. It’s not floral prints that are surging, but it’s floral appliqués that are trending. These elements are created to look like actual flowers attached to the gown, Dacy says, and they are part of the “coquette” fashion aesthetic that’s very much having a moment. This trend encompasses all of the other hyper-feminine motifs out there: everything like bows, ribbons, frills, an abundance of tulle, and, of course, florets. Designers such as Giambattista Valli exemplified quite the floral appliqué variety this past summer. Dacy says the collection is so stunning that she recommends looking up the collection just for fun.
Despite years in the business, Dacy says she still gets surprised sometimes. And this season, it’s by bustiers. These classic pieces of structured shapewear “used to be worn underneath the garment,” Dacy says, “but now, they are more elegant and wearable.” The sophisticated bustiers we see today accentuate the feminine form and have rapidly risen to stardom. This is dually reflected on the rack and on the runway: Schiaparelli and Jean Paul Gaultier are just a couple of designers who hopped on this couture trend for shows this past January and June.
While Dacy knows what’s up and coming as far as what’s trending in Paris, she says that doesn’t always work for everyone here at home. She emphasizes that finding something that fits you and your personal style is the most important. “You grab what fits you best,” says Dacy. She says that while you can always incorporate the trends into your ensemble, there are ways to put your personal touch on it. Dacy always says the trick is “not to fall in the trap of fashion, but to get what fits you best.”
Lesli Dacy, the founder of Boerne’s LD Bridal, is a Boerne women’s formalwear expert. She studied fashion design in a city with some of the world's richest fashion history: Milan. After moving to Boerne with her husband and three daughters, Dacy opened LD Bridal to keep her love for fashion alive. The boutique specializes in both bridal and formalwear. While Dacy adores haute couture and lives for the hottest styles on the runway, she absolutely loves helping each of her clients find the pieces that are perfect for them so that they can feel like the stunning, elegant, and beautiful person they are every day.
ldbridalboutique.com | 830-331-9232 | 412 River Rd., Ste. 104
Models Megan Fraiser, Lauren Metz, Francesca Dacy
Decor Cru Event Rentals crurentals.com | 210-364-2663