From dramatic ball gowns to airy, ethereal confections, New York Bridal Week spring / summer 2014 served up an endless parade of wedding dresses to inspire. Here’s a round-up of the most note-worthy looks...

Monique Lhuiller spring / summer 2014

Ever the crowd-pleaser, Monique Lhuiller showed a broad spectrum of styles ranging from the clean and crisp to the beaded and lacy.

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Sweetly simple 1960s inspired shift suits and cocoon styles were ripe for the registry office while frothy, silk organza dresses and lacy prom styles proved going short doesn’t have to mean missing out on the fun.

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Lhuiller also experimented with new veiling techniques, working lace overlays into removable cape styles or fashioning waterfall tulle bustles to create the illusion of a full length veil.

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Elsewhere, soft, unstructured dresses with intricate beading harked back to the Art Deco era, while classic princess gowns were updated with sculpted bodices and stiff, asymmetrical peplums.

Vera Wang spring / summer 2014

The fairy godmother of bridal loves to court controversy, spurning traditional ivory for gothic black for Fall 2012, bold crimson for Spring 2013 and, this season, monochrome, with strict leather accents...

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As ever, the epic, high drama ball gowns Vera Wang has made her name with were in heavy supply and featured characteristic modern flourishes - like this pretty tulle skirt paired with an edgier monochrome bustier.

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Bodices were typically fashioned in black, some with strict asymmetrical straps. One particularly striking look, for which bold brides need only apply, featured a central skunk-like black panel through the bodice and the skirt.

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Peel off the fetish leather gloves, however, and the rest of the collection was a little less “editorial”. Highlights included a deep V-slashed bodice combined with a peplum waist, and fishtail gowns finished with larger-than-life lace motifs.

Temperley spring / summer 2014

Alice Temperley’s vision for spring/summer 2014 proved a little more accessible.

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Silk gowns cut on the bias came with negligee-esque lace panels and cap sleeves, and deep, cowl backs.

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Invisible necklines – a flourishing bridal trend – were highlighted with delicate embellishment, silk organza flowers and subtle beading.

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A tiered, frothy style was feminine and girlish – ribbon and sheer panelling working to complete an ethereal confection of organza, silk and lace – while its accompanying lace jacket was proof that the Kate Middleton effect lives on.

Would you wear one of these gowns on your wedding day? Leave a comment below.

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