If you follow us over on our social media feeds, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, you’ll have been by our side for all the action coming live from Barcelona Bridal Week. I’m here as a guest of the exhibition, and it’s been an intense and fashion packed couple of days so far. I’m here reporting from the front row all week, giving our readers an exclusive first look at the 2016 collections from some very big name designers as they land. To be the first to see my favourite looks from the shows, make sure to follow Brides Up North over on Instagram – where I’m also posting live video streams from the catwalks.
Yesterday’s schedule was intense (and today’s is no different, I’m writing this from the VIP area between catwalk calls), and I was privileged to be invited to view the collections of Cristina Tamborero, Natalie Capell, Miquel Suay, Sabrina Saree, Jesus Peiro, Yolancris, Isabel Sanchis and Inmanculda Garcia, before being a guest at an incredible evening catwalk event at Palau De Pedrables, where 25 esteemed designers showed off 25 iconic looks in the gilded hallways of the Royal Palace to celebrate 25 years of Barcelona Bridal Week.
The collections were as diverse as they were beautiful, but I noted some prevailing trends in the 2016 collections. The two piece is everywhere, with belts, blouses and knits seen combined with both voluminous and sleek skirts. Grecian cuts continue to be popular, as is back detail and interesting cuts – including crop tops and thigh skimming skirt slits. Fabric wise, there’s everything to play for – with lots of swishy silk chiffon, frothy tulle layers, structured satin and fine lace. Official press shots and info will follow, but here are a few of my own catwalk candids (with apologies for the grainy quality) from each label.
cristina tamborero
Inspired by fairytales, Cristina Tamborero’s collection was pure romance. Full of elegance and imagination, these were feminine dresses with low necklines in the back, pocket detail and deep cuts on the waistline. The gowns also featured gemstones, floral embroidery and Swarovski crystals.
natalie capell
Sleek and soft, the fluid gowns of Natalie Capell are one off pieces incorporating vintage lace and special details into their simple silhouettes.
miquel suay
The Epiphany collection from Miquel Suay was flirty, fun and full of confidence. Modern boho looks worked well against super glam styles… with draping, sparkle, silk and intricate lace patterns and the models were rocking their fabulously high hair!
sabrina saree
This fashion forward collection of bridal sarees used modern draping, colour and embellishments to create a really different cross cultural look.
jesus peiro
The Nanda Devi collection drew inspiration from the mountains of India and Nepal and evoked goddess like comparisions – snow queens, sirens, and sun princesses. Layers of iridescence, sequins and crystal embroidery were combined with fabrics like Georgette crepe, brocade, spotted tulle, golden Chantilly and cotton guipere lace.
yolancris
The 2016 collection from Yolancris is innovative and exciting, with Chantilly lace, guipure silk, organza and mohair mixing with silk tulle and silver rhinestones and pearls. With a touch of boho folk influence mixing with more elegant styling, the hemlines, cuts and finishes were both surprising and delighting.
isabel sanchis
Isabel Sanchis was all about structure, layering and surprising colour. My favourite gowns played with proportions and shape, or wrapped up the models in swathes of sensational tulle.
inmaculada garcia
Fun and fabulous, with more than a touch of ranch style inspiration, the Golden Sunshine collection by Inmaculada Garcia combined loose draping and light dresses with delicate materials like organza and tulle plus lots of pearl and rhinestone detailing. A second line of gowns were more structured with precious materials like Chantilly lace and floral Damask.
