Trend Alert: Old-Fashioned Wedding Dresses (You Gotta See These!)

One of the surprising trends at recent bridal fashion week was historical-theme wedding gowns. While it might not sound appealing, I think you’ll change your mind when you see the to-die-for, gorgeous gowns that came down the runway at Carolina Herrera. Each one was inspired by a different famous woman in history!

Pretty much every gown at Carolina made my jaw drop it was so stunning, but I didn’t want to overwhelm you with a bajillion choices so I picked my favorites of the bunch.

There was a classy ballgown-style inspired by Grace Kelly (of course). Even though the dress is strapless with some definite sex-appeal in the bodice region, it’s still got a very nostalgic, modest feeling overall, thanks to the traditional cut of the ballroom skirt. The white gloves don’t hurt either!

For a wedding look that’s a little more out-there, there was also this Isak Dinesen-inspired “safari”-style gown. It has a very 20s/30s feel to it and I loved the simplicity and leanness of the silhouette. (PS. If you don’t know who Isak Dinesen is, go Netflix *Out of Africa *starring Meryl Streep immediately please. Great fashion inspiration awaits!)

One of the sleeker bridal gowns in the collection was this silver-belted number, an homage to Martha Graham, the great modern dance choreographer. The belt has a definite old-world opulence that helps to dress up the pretty basic-otherwise style. And I think the neckline is so pretty, especially if you’re seeking an alternative to strapless.

Bet you know who this next gown is inspired by. That’s right—Frida Kahlo! It has tons going on as far as embroidery and embellishment and definitely flaunts an interesting, super-fun shape, if you’re into that. Without the shawl and the colorful accessories, it’d also be less costume-y.

A real stunner was the black and white bridal gown in homage to Jane Austen. This has such a nineteenth-century looking silhouette (its empire cut is great if you’re looking to conceal a little extra something around the tummy!) and simply beautiful details. I was smitten!

There was also a non-white wedding dress (a huge trend at Spring 2011 bridal week) inspired by painter, Elisabeth Vigee-Le Brun. Even though it’s strapless, the back pleats and the bustle really make it look like something out of a period piece. How spectacular is her hat?!

Ladies: What do you think of these totally wow gowns? Which here do you like best? Would you ever wear a historically-inspired gown?

More Wedding Style Trends

• Convertible wedding dresses

• Pashmina alternatives

• Black wedding dresses

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Photos: WWD/Kyle Ericksen