2001
The Trend: Colored Sashes
The Dress: A343 (a.k.a. "The Blue Sash Dress") by Amsale, Chosen by Bridals by Lori
Looking back, it's pretty clear that the craze began when Amsale tied a long, dramatic length of blue taffeta around one of her early duchesse satin styles. The popularity of this look inspired brides to incorporate a bit of color into their gowns, and they embraced the endless possibilities of doing so; requests for blue (or pink or green) sashes came in from all directions.
2002
The Trend: Tasteful With a Twist
The Dress: 147 by Anne Barge, Chosen by Kleinfeld
As bridal gowns started to take a turn towards sexy—make that, really sexy—Anne Barge bucked the trend by continuing to create the well-made, luxurious gowns that marked her debut in 1999, and her gowns stood out because they were modest, yet stylish.
2004
The Trend: Celebrity Impact
The Dress: Camelot by Monique Lhuillier, Chosen by Kleinfeld
Celebrity weddings always have a huge impact on bridal culture, a phenomenon that increased exponentially in the past 10 years. Especially in fashion. Case in point: The style at left likely would have been popular on its own.
2005
The Trend: Modern Femininity
The Dress: Lia by Melissa Sweet, Chosen by The White Dress
Designer Melissa Sweet had a moment mid-decade when she joined the Priscilla of Boston group. Her feminine silhouettes and inspired use of traditional "bridal" details like pleats and buttons clicked with young brides who were looking for traditional-type gowns that still had a modern flair.
2008
The Trend: Texture
The Dress: 92E25 by Oscar de la Renta, Chosen by Ultimate Bride
In 2007, Oscar de la Renta officially debuted his first major bridal collection and frankly, we were thrilled. Thanks to Sex and the City mania, the line sparked major demand among fashionista brides who knew what "couture" meant and wanted nothing less. Their prayers were answered with bridal gowns that consistently celebrate texture through layers of tulle and organza and cascading ruffles (like the style at left).
