It didn’t all start with Vera’s black sachet on pearl-white wedding dresses. Those who are not familiar with Vera Wang, she is currently the most well-known wedding dress designer and the name behind celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian and Chelsea Clinton’s gowns.
Black wedding dresses, in fact, were worn centuries ago in different cultures. In Europe for example, brides wore whatever color they pleased or basically the best dress they owned, no matter what color or shade it came in. It was Queen Victoria who originally sparked the trend for white wedding gowns when she wore it to her wedding ceremony in 1840.
White gowns then became exclusive to the elite who would apparently afford spending so much on an expensive gown that could easily be ruined! After WWII, the middle class caught up on the trend. Nonetheless, black wedding gowns were still worn by brides, and most often by those who had recently lost a loved one. Interestingly enough, in Spanish cultures, Roman Catholic brides wore black to symbolize their devotion to marriage till death.
It’s kinda romantic… Wouldn’t you say?
In the late 1800′s though, black took on a very negative connotation and was mainly associated with death and mourning. Later on, it became a huge taboo for the mother of the groom or bride to even wear black, as it denoted regret towards the marriage or choice of spouse!
However, the craziness had to come to an end since today black is considered the king of all colors, and by far the most elegant and sophisticated shade a woman can wear.
It was merely a matter of time before the modern bride toppled over the ‘all dressed in white cliché’ and let a rainbow of colors invade the bridal couture. And what better timing for Vera’s black ribbons & sachets to come knocking on the door?
And so in 2010, an exquisite collection of white wedding dresses, embellished with beautiful black sachets and bows at the waist, were introduced to the awaiting fashion world. And with that, a single black wedding gown made a phenomenal comeback.
I must confess, it didn’t capture my attention nor cause a buzz like the black sachets did. Although the introduction admittedly paved the way nicely for what’s to come.
This time around I was completely taken aback by the 2012 line of black wedding dresses! The layers and layers of black organza, soft tulle, provocative lace and an occasional combination of nude shades were just enough to blow me away to a far paradise of pitch black beauty.
I instantly fell in love with two dresses from that collection… They scream elegance in every way a black dress does!
So, are we going to see a black wave wash over the bridal shores anytime soon? In my humble opinion, no. Although they are a bold fashion statement, and some are absolute masterpieces, I think that we’ll need a few more centuries perhaps to see brides in black walking down aisles (at least in the Gulf area). Mainly because of the sorrow and mourning connotation the color carries, and also because by nature society is more inclined towards white shades and what they symbolize: purity, beauty and virginity.
On the bright side, I think this means we’ll be seeing more guests in breathtaking black gowns. So watch out fashionistas, a trend is about to black you out!
- Reem Behbehani
Illustrations of Vera Wang 2012 wedding dresses by Suad Al Fraih
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i Love Black …i have a lot of Black mini dresses , tops and shoes in my closet. But the thought of wearing it *black wedding dresses* hmmm will probably look like one of those Dracula’s Addams Family wife !
I totally agree Reem! Imagine the gossip at the wedding about the bride and her black gown! especially from the older ladies LOL
But nonetheless, I love the Vera Wang line of black for guests. They’re gorgeous!
Black wedding dresses done in an unique ethereal manner are simply elegant… IT IS THE BRIDES CHOICE/DAY… If others want to judge … Let them… INFACT… I ENCOURAGE THEM TO DO SO!! I’m wearing the black/nude lace Vera wang BECAUSE THAT IS WHAT I WANT… And that’s all that matters!!! I also have a giant ruby engagement ring!! Is that judged as well??? I’m not a typical bride … Hats off to brides who break “conventional” and “traditional ” to be true to themselves and THEIR STYLE!!!