{GETTING HITCHED} Runway Looks & Bridal Inspiration

I swear I have not spent my whole life dreaming about weddings (nevermind the number of hours I spend each week pining over the BHLDN site), but ever since our engagement, I'm finding bridal and wedding inspiration everywhere - and this seasons runways have been filled with nuptially-appropriate looks. Since my tastes err on the side of the non-traditional, looking to ready-to-wear runways for a dose of bridal fancy is exactly my speed. 

Christian Siriano
Some of you may know this from following my Instagram already, but Christian Siriano is actually designing my wedding dress, (every time I think about this, my brain goes something like: "!!!!!!!"). I've been a long time obsessive over Christian's gowns, and his spring collection had several that were beyond stunning. I've even taken a little note from Olivia Palermo on the idea of pairing a more understated top (or cashmere sweater, in her case) with a formal skirt. On the note of color, I also love the idea of an icy blue (or any blue, for that matter) as a departure from traditional white. It feels so fresh and crisp! By the way, not many people know this fact, but Christian makes his collections made-to-order in all sizes. 

Tadashi Shoji
Ahh, Tadashi is always a designer I make sure to pay extra special attention to each NYFW because plus-sizes are consistently part of his collection, (including his gorgeous mermaid-themed resort collection which I am literally dying to get my hands on). This season, his runway show was inspired by Venice and the reflection of light against the canals, making for perfect sheer panels, reflective pleats, and gilded edges embroidered onto gauzy fabrics. 

Zimmermann
With exception to the shipwrecked-and-washed ashore feeling of the styling styling, Nicky Zimmermann's voluminous, sculptural ready-to-wear feels utterly romantic to me - and even ethereal, layering delicate lace in asymmetry and covering the sheerest peach tones with tiny, glimmering beads. While a trademark of her design approach is balancing masculine and feminine, these looks all speak to the girlish whimsy that is a trademark of my style.  


HONOR
I never miss an opportunity to wax poetic about Honor, do I? Honor is made for the pages of Lula and my inner fantasies. The collections may not be real-life, everyday makings of a wardrobe, but they're certainly apt for my daydreams and a woman's wedding, because why wouldn't you want to get married (if you were into the idea of getting married), in a dress accented with scallops or candy buttons (a little subversive hint of rainbow for the LGBT bride, perhaps), or adorned with a giant bow as if you're a literal gift to your spouse-to-be? I mean, logically, I know this isn't for everyone - but I know myself and, at the very least, Briony, would be thrilled to see these walk down the aisle.