Naked modern wedding gowns

Wed celebrates bridal fashion's most alluring trend 

words Hannah May

Wedding world has been enjoying something of a nudey moment of late. We've had naked cakes, pared back neutral palettes, simplified menus and minimalist decor, so it was only a matter of time before bridal wear joined suit. From barely-there make-up to loosely flowing locks, brides are increasingly taking an uber-relaxed approach to their big-day style. 

The latest, lusted-after trend for naked wedding gowns offers a fresh, daring and seductive approach to bridal fashion where the female form is celebrated in all its glory, while a new element of dress design is showcased to spectacular effect.

Now before you start trembling in your boots, fret not: this isn't an all-out flesh flashing movement, but rather a way of merging the modern, more modest approach of styling with a personal-take-on-risque twist. Think form-sculpting silhouettes in translucent fabrics or cut to expose a head-turning slither of skin; or a classic ballgown betraying old school elegance but with a seductively low sweetheart bodice.

Here's the lowdown on how to achieve the latest 'naked' looks...

COLOUR 

Shifting away from Gothic black and racy reds, dress shades have moved to a far subtler end of the spectrum. Dove greys, soft blues, silver, stonewashed shades such as taupe and a wash of watercolour are dominating designers' palettes.

White and off-white smack of simplicity and purity, while skin tones are a particularly popular choice. From pale buff to blush, an au naturel palette, where the lines between skin and dress are barely discernible, is de rigueur. 

Pronovias, stockist The Wedding Company

Mia Mia, stockist Sam Cox Bridal

Alfred Angelo, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Catherine Deane, stockist The Ivory Secret

Catherine Dean, stockist The Ivory Secret

Ella Rose, stockist The Bridal Box

Olvi's Lace, stockist The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood

Sottero and Midgley, stockist Pirouette

Maggie Sottero, stockist Pirouette

Ronald Joyce, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

CUT

Skin-exposing, shoulder-baring and curve-hugging is largely the order of the day, and whether you wish to embrace all elements of the naked trend or sport one or two components, the latest bridal collections are awash with options.

Revealing cut-outs, S-shaped gowns, thigh-high slits (double and single) and mini hems are the main, jaw-dropping features of the catwalk's naked frocks; while, for a more demure take on the trend, plunging V-necks, low and open backs and an accentuated hourglass silhouette will also cause a sartorial stir.

Pronovias, stockist The Wedding Company

Alan Hannah, Sam Cox Bridalwear

Ella Rose, stockist The Bridal Box

Louise Bentley, The Ivory Secret

Augusta Jones, stockist Kate Walker Bridal

Augusta Jones, stockist Kate Walker Bridal

Rosa Clara, stockist The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood

Ladybird, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Catherine Dean, stockist The Ivory Secret

Sottero and Midgley, stockist Pirouette

Augusta Jones, stockist Kate Walker Bridal

Maggie Sottero, stockist Piroutte

Jane Howell, stockist The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood

Victoria Jane, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Ronald Joyce, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Ronald Joyce, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Martina Liana, stockist Sam Cox Bridalwear

Essence, stockist Sam Cox Bridalwear

Lou Lou Bridal, stockist Kate Walker Bridal

Kenneth Winston, stockist The Bridal Box

FABRIC 

Pure cotton mirrors the minimalist, boho aspect of the naked movement and is ideal for a number of settings and themes from beach to country festival. An element of illusion is achieved through lashings of lace, body-hugging silk, skimpy mesh and see-through tulle, with overlays and sheer panelling complete with strategically placed sequins or floral embellishments in place to protect modesty.

Throw in some fun and flirty feathers with the accessories or built into the dress itself via feather-trimmed sleeves or full feather skirts, and it's largely a mix of light, frothy, feel-me transparent materials sashaying along today's designer bridal catwalks. 

Pronovias, stockist The Wedding Company

Catherine Deane, stockist The Ivory Secret

Augusta Jones, stockist Kate Walker Bridal

Stella York, stockist The Bridal Corner

Rosa Clara, stockist The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood

Olvi's Lace, stockist The Bridal Rooms of Wellswood

Maggie Sottero, stockist Pirouette

Victoria Jane, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Ronald Joyce, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Annasul Y, stockist The Ivory Secret

Alan Hannah, stockist Sam Cox Bridalwear

SILHOUETTE

The shape of the dress is an unabashed homage to the female figure, where the hourglass reigns supreme. Lingerie-inspired and close-fitted, the craze covers everything from corsets and slips to floor-length mermaid silhouettes.

Cinched waists, flowing and A-line skirts and sculpting bodices all serve to exaggerate womanly curves; while detachable skirts allow those desiring a more traditional look for the ceremony the option of a more bold evening reception transformation of their own. 

Long, floor-skimming designs composed of transparent skirts, micro mini skirts and flaring fishtails (with elaborate trains optional) evoke modern high fashion, and, when combined with delicate beading, floral embroidery and intricate patterns, complete the naked look to exquisite effect.

Ella Rose, stockist The Bridal Box

Kenneth Winston, stockist The Bridal Box

Ladybird, stockist Amica Bridal Boutique

Stella York, The Bridal Corner

Martina Liana, stockist Sam Cox Bridalwear

Martina Liana, stockist Sam Cox Bridalwear

Lou Lou bridal, stockist Kate Walker Bridal

Charlotte Balbier, stockist The Wedding Company

Sophia Tolli, stockist The Wedding Company

Copyright  Wed Magazine 2016

Stockists:

Sam Cox Bridal www.samcoxbridalwear.co.uk

Kate Walker Bridal www.katewalkerbridal.co.uk

The Wedding Company www.the-wedding-company.co.uk

Bridal Box www.thebridalbox.co.uk

Bridal Rooms of Wellswood www.bridalrooms.co.uk

Pirouette www.pirouettethecollection.com

The Bridal Corner wwwthebridalcorner.co.uk

The Ivory Secret www.theivorysecret.co.uk