Luxury, by definition, is about elegance, money, living comfortably and in style. Luxurious fashion is having the freedom to buy the best fabrics, designer skills and indulge in a little fantasy without worrying about price-per-wear or impracticality. For most of us that is not a practical choice but for some lucky people it is and they get to enjoy eye-catching fashions, including stylish wedding dresses, that are timeless and endearing.
Marchesa Spring/Summer 2017
Marchesa is a relatively new name in fashion but they are already established as the go-to brand for stunning, red carpet worth designer dresses and for impressive wedding dresses too.
As their S/S17 collection revealed, Marchesa designs are unapologetically feminine and glamourous. Trends will not sway them from the love they have for luxurious and opulent evening wear.
Dresses in soft, delicate colours made in floaty, iridescent fabric with frills, appliqué, 3D florals and sheer layering were key.
Kate Hudson’s 2003 Oscar dress
Oscar dresses can become iconic. Those interested in fashion, film and celebrity will usually have favourite designer dresses they remember from ceremonies years ago.
Kate Hudson’s Versace gown from the 2003 Oscars is a stand-out. It’s a beautiful piece already but the hand-made gold chiffon silk fabric and 500 hours of craftsmanship make it a work of pure luxury.
Blake Lively-Maternity Glamour
Pregnancy and glamour isn’t an easy style to get right. Luxury this special is more likely to be about the gorgeously soft cashmere hoody you’re craving.
When Blake Lively revealed her baby bump for the first time at a ‘red carpet’ event in 2014, she got it exactly right. In a nude, flowing tulle gown with delicate flower overlay she looked sensational and comfortable. It was a Michael Kors creation from his Resort Collection from that year. The soft fabric of the dress skimmed over Blake’s tummy and fell beautifully into a puddle draped at her feet which gave her the freedom to move.
Oscar de la Renta SS17 gown
This new season beauty is by the master creator of luxury designer dresses, Oscar de la Renta. The stunning evening gown is made of glorious golden silk faille with a silk lining and bustier neckline. The 300 hours of skilled work on the cascades of organza flowers, sequins and gems is reflected in the price of £12,000. It’s a show-stopping dress we are sure to see on a high profile actress at an awards ceremony soon.
Penelope Cruz Oscars 2007
Feathers are beautiful, delicate, soft, an intricate design straight from nature’s imagination. Sadly, they are largely impractical on any creature other than birds, no matter how graceful and gorgeous they are.
For all these reasons feathered shaped decoration of all shapes, sizes and colours are exactly the type of luxury material designers love to use. Penelope Cruz’s Oscar outfit from 2007 is a memorable example of feathers as fashion.
The ballerina pink Atelier Versace gown was straight out of a fairy tale. It had a form fitting, folded satin bodice that swept out at the hip into frothy, feathered tiers of tulle. A small train gave the dress and elegant feel as contrast to the fun, feminine, fluffy skirt.
