New Bridal Season Declares: Dress Like a Queen

AS REPORTED BY RACHEL LEONARD AND SALLY KILBRIDGE FOR THE NEW YORK OBSERVER

A parade of princess brides dressed by Ines Di Santo.

INES DI SANTO, Courtesy of Dan Lecca

When you marry a snug-as-a-glove bodice with oceans of fluid fabric, you get a gown worthy of a modern princess.

VERA WANG, Courtesy of Patrick Demarchelier

Even the best-dressed czarina would have a hard time competing with this jacquard fantasy embellished with metallic gold threads and Swarovski pearls.

FRANCESCA MIRANDA, Courtesy of Andrew Oyuela

This is how the lady of the castle receives her morning visitors.

NAEEM KHAN, Courtesy of Dan Lecca

Making an entrance is a fundamental part of being a queen, and centuries of royal costumers laid the groundwork with appropriately gasp-worthy dresses.

INES DI SANTO, Courtesy of Dan Lecca

As 20th century fairytales go, it’s hard to beat a Hollywood actress marrying a European prince.

INBAL DROR, Courtesy of Dan Lecca

Sometimes even the slimmest, most calorie-conscious Highness wants to let down her guard and indulge.

AMSALE, Courtesy of Amsale

Bridal designers appear to have spent the last few months binge-watching British period dramas. With their voluminous skirts, romantic capes, and elaborate embroideries, the season’s most glorious gowns could easily have come from the sets of Masterpiece’s Victoria or Wolf Hall.

Perhaps it’s a backlash to flannel shirts and beanies. Or maybe it’s a longing for the days when the folks in power were masters of speech and good manners. But there’s something in these grand, court-worthy costumes that feels as uplifting as an episode of The Crown.