As Paris Haute Couture Week drew to a close, brides-to-be were spoilt for choice with wedding dress inspiration. The luxury collections showcased by Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier and Zuhair Murad – to name a few – were nothing short of exquisite.
Master of the red carpet and runway Elie Saab was the epitome of glitz and glamour. While his bride walked out in a dress that was traditional in shape – the ball gown – the Lebanese designer dared to be different with his choice of colour.
Elie opted for hues of champagne, moss green, pale magenta and silver grey – a far cry from the ordinary white.
© Photo: Getty ImagesElie Saab ditched the traditional white and opted for champagne, green and pink hues
His fellow Lebanese craftsman Zuhair Murad infused his wedding dress with a generous dose of gold, and topped off the number with an iridescent veil and full embroidered overlay. Sparkle and shine dominated the rest of his collection, which featured touches of gold and silver on bodices and skirts.
© Photo: Getty ImagesZuhair Murad infused his collection with a generous dose of gold
Bucking the traditional haute couture trend, Jean Paul Gaultier chose to open his show – instead of close it – with a wedding dress. The Frenchman had instead left that final privilege to Naomi Campbell, who walked out in an enchanted forest-themed leotard.
His wedding piece, similarly, was just as dramatic. Spectators may be forgiven for thinking Jean Paul's creation wasn't meant for a bride, as the strapless, ruffled dress revealed a very daring split down the middle. He gave a clear nod to its use, however, with a cascading veil, flowing train and a bride and groom figurine placed on top of the model's head.
© Photo: Getty ImagesJean Paul Gaultier completed his quirky wedding look with a bride and groom figurine placed on top of the model's head
Other collections that brimmed with bridal inspiration came from Chanel, Valentino and Bouchra Jarrar.
With its tailored short-sleeved top and the skirt made of a flowing river of flowers, Chanel's wedding dress embodied the bold catwalk bride – a true confetti creation.
© Photo: Getty ImagesChanel's wedding dress was a true confetti creation
For those looking for a quirkier wedding dress, Valentino's silver grey dress that featured a cartoon design of clouds and words on the skirt called to mind Angelina Jolie and her hand-drawn veil.
Sophie Hunter, who is engaged to Benedict Cumberbatch, was spotted sitting front row at the Valentino Show with Anna Wintour. Could the duo have been looking for inspiration for Sophie's wedding dress?
© Photo: Getty ImagesValentino's dress called to mind Angelina Jolie's veil that featured hand-drawn cartoons
While some designers presented over-the-top pieces, others brought out outfits that were more translatable to the everyday bride. Jean Paul Gaultier and Bouchra Jarrar both put forward their versions of elegant tuxedos, for brides who may want to channel Amal Alamuddin's white and navy Stella McCartney suit she wore at her civil ceremony.
