About Valentino Bridal for Summer 2011
Sheer, wispy and romantic, Valentino’s 2011 Summer Bridal Collection floats down the aisle in soft pinks, peaches and whites. No sharp lines or angles disturb the clovers and lace bedecked beauties. Look below for a quick guide to the recurring trends in this collection.
Sheer Fabric
Every material used has a transparency to it that evokes enchanted fairytales. Nothing heavy or solid is used in their construction and layers of diaphanous fabric create seemingly solid backgrounds. Some dresses have only a strip of opaque fabric across the bust with the midriff and shoulders swathed in transparent material.
Pale Colors
The peaches, pinks and whites are the palest of pale, blending in with the natural color of the skin so that the dresses become part of the body. The colors meld together to create a nostalgic, romantic palette that suits the wedding atmosphere perfectly. Nothing bright or eye-catching mars the effect, not even in the appliqués and laced edges.
High Necklines
Many of the dresses feature the high neckline, complete with a sheer ruffle around the top. A few have rather large ruffles that cover the lower half of the face. It can create a matronly, modest look when paired with the less-transparent dresses and long tiered skirts.
A-Line skirts
Nearly all of the dresses have the flattering A-line cut, with the skirt flaring out from the waist (some more than others) in layers of translucent fabric.
Tiers
A common theme across the board this year, many dresses feature ruffled tiers for a whimsical, feathered look. The collection also has a few with laced edging on the tiers for an old-fashioned style.
Appliqués
Tiny decorations sewn on the dress, these are usually butterflies or clovers. They are either placed in subtle, strategic places or cover the entire dress. They add texture to the dress and break up the potential monotony of the sheer fabric.
Ruffles
Delicate and numerous, these decorate both the bottoms and tops of the dresses. Some run horizontally across while others travel vertically down the dress. They are usually long enough to move freely and loosely when walking.
