If you read our piece on capes or feathers and thought the accessories were lovely but just not lavish enough to match your stylish wedding gown – then we have an accessory perfect for those bolder brides among you. This season, floor length shawls have come to the bridal scene determined to take centre stage. Going a step further than the cape or a short shrug, bridal shawls that spiral down the floor are the biggest style statement an accessory can make.
Let’s begin with the most lavish and ornate of these capes – the collection from Naeem Khan in his Spring/Summer 2015 bridal gowns. Among his glamorous dresses he also debuted two stunning floor length capes that brought a fairy-tale feel to the dress. The first was an organza ankle length lace cape with a hood. This design began with a sheer hood that continued down to the shoulders lightly dotted with lace embroidery, until it reached the waistline, when it became a sheath of full embroidery down to the feet. The combination of light lace that lead into a dense gathering at the base of the dress made it appear ethereal yet still elegant.
Similarly, the second cape that Naeem Khan debuted in this collection was the beaded metallic shawl that ended in a layer of feathered ruffles. This style of cape was much more lavish than the first, with intricate glimmering beading all over and a triple layer of crisp white feathers sweeping the floor. This widespread shrug draped from the shoulders and was an accessory that seemed fit for a bride belonging to exotic royalty.
Another particular charming floor length piece is the cape from Angel Sanchez, the US-based bridal designer. With a more retro theme running through it than that of Naeem Khan's collection, this shawl has less adornment but rather more simple style features, like that of its high collar neck with a minimalist embroidered floral border running above collarbone. It then has a billowing waterfall drape in simple chiffon from the arms down to the floor. With a light and airy fabric compared to the previous shawls we’ve seen, this bridal accessory will pair perfectly with a simple dress that has only slight touches of embroidery in order to continue the regal yet traditional decoration for your gown.
Due to their nature, a floor length shawl is something that is designed very uniquely and individually. No two shawls will be styled the same, and they are most definitely a statement of grand proportions. For this reason, we would suggest it is best to pair a floor length sheath with a dress that features the same material and style. Due to the all-encompassing nature that a floor length shawl can have, if it is styled in the same design as the wedding dress it will make for a flattering and stunning ensemble. If you choose to go for a cape that has different colouring or material, then the dress will appear over shadowed and smothered in a mishap of textiles and shades. It can be a very easy accessory to make a mistake with, and just remember that less is often more – especially in the world of floor length capes. If they are done right, they make for the most stunning and awe-inspiring combinations. Giving the wedding gown a very elegant fixture, a floor length shawl is the type of accessory you should fearlessly wear if you want your dress to be shrouded in beautiful mystery.
- Roisin Curran
Image credits: Monique Lhuillier | Naeem Khan | Angel Sanchez