Modern Romance is the American bridal label’s 2021 range – and the gowns are making their way to Scottish boutiques
Instead of launching with the usual fanfare of a wedding-industry catwalk event, bridal label Morilee revealed its new 2021 collection in April by live-streaming a runway show that was captured the day before lockdown.
Fast forward to the present, and the collection, entitled Modern Romance, has reached boutiques. Pearl-embellished skirts, removable, diaphanous sleeves, alluring off-the-shoulder necklines and scalloped hemlines reign.
“The collection speaks the language of love,” says designer Madeline Gardner. “It features chic and modern silhouettes accented by delicate laces and soft nets, and combines both classic and forward-thinking elements of bridal, from fresh takes on A-line and ballgown silhouettes, to fierce contoured mermaids, elaborate details like dimensional beading, floral and geometric laces, and intricate embroidery.”
Morilee’s 2021 trends are largely inspired by feedback from brides. Backs are higher, trains are layered and necklines are increasingly halter or bateau in shape (still, two years later, drawing on Meghan Markle’s look).
As for sleeves, it’s a tale of two types – either exaggerated and detachable (hence more wearable) or skinny and strappy. Bows are big, bold and back with a vengeance, as demonstrated flawlessly by Amy (top, £POA), which happens to be one of the designer’s favourites: “Amy would be great for curvy brides, as well as giving shape to more rectangular and straight-up-and-down figures,” she says. “The back is where the real detail is at, with that giant detachable bow. We love that brides have said they would keep the dress simple for their ceremony and wedding breakfast and then add the bow for the reception.”
After all the hard work that went on behind the scenes, what did Madeline make of the digital catwalk in the end? “Despite the strange circumstances, the launch was one of my favourites,” she admits. “We just wanted to bring beauty back into people’s lives.”
That you certainly did.