Bridal Fashion Week trends: diamonds, tulle, and Jackie O

Weddings have always been women's favorite excuse for extravagance and this season's bridal dresses do not disappoint: as Bridal Fashion Week closes on Wednesday in New York, here are the key trends.

One of the most dominant themes was winter in all its romantic connotations: 'snowflakes' made of diamonds and cristals embellished many of the dresses (see Reem Acra or Monique Lhuillier, pictured), models wore white eye makeup, and the term 'winter wonderland' was used by various designers to explain their inspirations.

A more obvious trend -- it's wedding we're talking about, after all -- was romance: bridal dresses are of course always romantic, but it seems as if this season, there really is no holding back: draping, ruffles, and flower details abounded on the runways.

This trend corresponds to the spring/summer creations shown during the international prêt-à-porter fashion weeks recently, as do many other trends observed at BFW: asymmetry in one-shoulder dresses, transparent layering, and heavy hair accessorizing all coincide with next season's ready-to-wear trends. Tulle, the one key fabric this Bridal Fashion Week, also appeared in many spring/summer shows.

The most dominant color in bridal dresses seems to be ivory, with few exceptions such as Claire Pettiborne who, inspired by Asian wedding dresses, used a lot of pink shades for her embellishments.

According to leading wedding portal The Knot, accessories were mainly inspired by style icon Jackie O: "Pillbox hats, fascinators, and short gloves are all over the runways," an editor writes. Onassis and Audrey Hepburn were cited as important style references by various designers, as was 'Old Hollywood glamour' from the 1940s and 50s.

Badgley Mischka announced a more affordable line of bridal dresses during the event, due out in stores next spring, following a similar announcement by Monique Lhuillier earlier this year.

New York Bridal Fashion Week takes place in April and October and, together with Barcelona Bridal Week, is among the leading events in the field.

Site: www.bridalfashionweek.com