Bride Chic

There's something about an autumn wedding that invites a richer approach to the wedding dress. As temperatures fall and the light changes, delicate summer fabrics give way to textiles with more body, texture and depth. Silk takes on a heavier hand. Surfaces become more interesting. Velvet absorbs the light while jacquard and brocade reveal patterns as the bride moves. Even satin seems different in autumn—less about shine and more about weight, structure and a beautifully controlled luster. Velvet is perhaps the quintessential autumn bridal fabric. Silk velvet has extraordinary depth because its short pile responds constantly to light, appearing pale in one direction and deeper in another. Crushed velvet exaggerates this effect, creating an irregular surface of highlights and shadows. It can be sumptuous without requiring elaborate embellishment, which makes velvet especially beautiful in simple sheaths, bias-cut gowns, sleeves, jackets and evening wedding dresses. Jacquard and b...