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Image via Monique Lhuillier

Something I’ve seen coming for a few years seems to be making a big impact at the moment. It’s Bridal Fashion Week in New York City and there’s a wonderful amount of new season trends filling my Instagram feed; one I’m in love with at Studio C Bridal is the shaped hem.

My favourite Australian bridal designers including Paolo Sebastian and Steven Khalil are doing it. Internationally, Monique Lhuillier, Ralph and Russo and Ashi Studio to name a few all have pieces with shaped hems in their bridal collections.

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Image via Paolo Sebastian

Dresses with a shaped hem seem to show off the best of both worlds. Short at the front to show off your elegantly chosen shoes, pedicure and tan. Long at the back to still be stunningly bridal. Your perfect ‘short’ length might be above the knee or mid calf or ankle. Your ‘long’ length might be ankle, floor or have a train. The possibilities are endless.

I have introduced two pieces into my range that sit alongside this trend. My ‘Waterfall Dress’, and my ‘Waterfall Gown’. Both pieces have full skirts with pleats, pockets, and a sweetheart neckline. The Dress hem at the front sits just above the knee and skims the floor at the back. The Gown sits at the floor at the front, and has a train at the back. Both grade out beautifully in their shape with no awkward angles or sharp lines. The beauty here is that you can dance, you can move, you can show us your shoes whilst still suiting formal occasions.

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Images by Studio C Bridal

This style of dress can be traced all the way back to the 1770’s. The ‘robe a l’anglaise’ became a huge fashion trend during Marie Antoinette’s reign in France, as walking in the gardens became a stylish, ladylike thing to do, but no one wanted their dress hems to get dirty. Gowns were lifting up in the front, though retaining their length in the back. Mind you, a ‘short’ front length was still down to the ankles!!

I excited to look forward to seeing more trends come through as we lead into the Australian Summer!

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Ms Chinoiserie Says: So pretty with a touch of modern chic; love the beautiful full skirt and pockets!

About Studio C Bridal: Hi, I’m Caitlyn and I have made gowns for award-winning, internationally recognised theatre/ film designers and actors. My expertise lies in the ability to flatter the body shape, not create a ‘standard size’ garment, through technical sewing and fabric knowledge. I have an eye for fine detail, and the ability to see the beauty in every idea. I started Studio C Bridal with a passion to create beautiful, original, one-off pieces.