Tish Weinstock and Ivy Getty are two brides who have embraced the trend of sheer wedding dresses in recent years. Weinstock, who wed Tom Guinness in 2022, wore three different dresses throughout her wedding, each with varying degrees of sheerness. Her final look was a see-through John Galliano gown from his fall 2009 collection, adorned with intricate beading and worn with hair extensions to add a touch of modesty. Despite the transparency of the dress, Weinstock felt beautiful and ethereal.
Similarly, Getty wore a translucent Maison Margiela bridal dress for her San Francisco wedding reception in 2021. Inspired by fairies and The Secret Garden, she and Galliano worked together to create a teddy that matched her skin tone, giving the illusion of nudity underneath the dress. Getty wanted to go for a more unique and unexpected look than the traditional lace often seen in bridal gowns.
Both Weinstock and Getty exemplify the growing popularity of sheer wedding dresses, with brides opting for delicate fabrics and strategic beading to create a romantic and daring look on their special day.
Tish Weinstock embraced the translucent nature of her 2009 John Galliano gown from his Iced Maidens collection. Chris Lensz
According to wedding stylist Cynthia Cook Smith, the popularity of sheer wedding dresses is partly due to the trickle-down effect from ready-to-wear and couture shows. Fashion-forward women, including brides, are drawn to the avant-garde and edgy style of sheer dresses, which allows their character to shine through. Brides today are looking for individuality and uniqueness in their wedding dresses, and sheer dresses offer a daring novelty that stands out on social media.
Sheer fabric is often used by designers to highlight intricate details such as embroidery, ruffles, or beading, showcasing the craftsmanship and talent of the seamstresses who made the dress. The contrast and tactile qualities of sheer fabric also make for stunning photos, which is especially important in today’s visually-driven social media landscape. As Cook Smith puts it, “when there’s white-on-white, it can look flat.” Ultimately, sheer wedding dresses are a way for brides to express themselves through fashion and make a bold statement on their special day.
The rise of sheer wedding dresses can be attributed to the influence of ready-to-wear and couture shows, as noted by wedding stylist Cynthia Cook Smith. Sheer dresses have become popular among fashion-forward brides who are seeking a unique and edgy look for their big day. These dresses allow brides to express their individuality and personality, and stand out on social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest.
Apart from their trendiness, sheer wedding dresses are also favored by designers for their ability to showcase intricate details and textures such as embroidery, ruffles, or beading. This allows for the craftsmanship of the dress and the talent of the seamstresses to shine through. The contrast and tactile qualities of sheer fabric also make for stunning photographs, which are important in today’s visually-oriented society.
Overall, the popularity of sheer wedding dresses highlights the evolving tastes and preferences of modern brides. They seek to break away from traditional bridal conventions and create a unique statement with their dress, while still celebrating their love and commitment to their partner.