As bridal fashion evolves, one style remains timeless: the ballgown. This classic silhouette is being reimagined with modern twists, combining voluminous skirts, intricate details and high-glamour finishes. Brides are drawn to the dramatic allure and opulence of these designs, aiming to feel like royalty while also looking for comfort and wearability.

As the modern ballgown continues to captivate brides, blending tradition with contemporary trends, we explore this evolution with insights from three leading labels…

Diane Legrand

How do you bring a sense of romance into your modern ballgown designs?

"At Diane Legrand, romance is at the heart of every ballgown design. We achieve this by blending timeless silhouettes with soft, feminine details. Romantic elements, such as floral lace, delicate appliqués, and flowing tulle, evoke an ethereal charm. Additionally, we emphasise personal touches, like subtle draping or sweetheart necklines, which enhance the bride’s natural beauty and create an emotional connection."

"Our designs aim to capture the magic of the wedding day by combining classic fairytale aesthetics with contemporary elegance. Modern ballgowns feel light and fluid, designed to move gracefully, making the bride not only look romantic but also feel comfortable throughout her special day."

"The 2024 collections see a resurgence of intricate floral appliqués, which add a natural, whimsical touch to ballgowns. Lace with 3D effects and subtle embroidery over sheer tulle create depth, while delicate pearl beading and sparkly sequins give the gowns a soft shimmer without overwhelming the design."

Casablanca

Are there any key design elements that make a ballgown feel high-glamour yet bridal? Do you think there’s a growing demand for opulent, dramatic ballgowns? 

"High glamour is achieved when a gown is tailored to meet the bride’s specific needs. At Casablanca Bridal, every dress is fully customisable and made-to-order, never mass-produced, which showcases our brand’s commitment to brides. Our gowns are made-to-measure, ensuring a perfect fit that highlights each bride’s unique figure. Additionally, we select the finest fabrics and incorporate hand-crafted elements to create one-of-a-kind, high-glamour gowns. From our new S25 collection, 2586 Paris and 2589 Araminta represent our desire to design looks that resonate with the hearts of brides."

"There is a growing demand for opulent, dramatic ballgowns, but this can manifest in various styles. Every bride desires to stand out on her big day, yet the gown must reflect her personal style. We offer a wide range of options, from grand, sparkly ballgowns like 2597 Angelica, to simple and modern designs with an opulent flair like LE158 Fallon. The possibilities for making a dramatic entrance are vast, and our dresses can be customised with accessories such as gloves, capes, and detachable skirts to create a stunning effect."

Rachel Allan 

How do you updating the classic ballgown to suit modern brides? Why do you think this silhouette is so popular right now?  

"It’s all in the detail! Updating any wedding dress style is all about detailing.  Sheer bodices with detachable liners, both modest and exaggerated necklines all offer a new approach to the timeless style that is the classic ballgown. The ballgown is and will always be a staple in the bridal fashion world. The volume and extremities of the detailing is what adjusts the changing fashion of today’s bride. At Rachel Allan, Ballgowns have played a huge part of our collections from the very beginning with our own dedicated ballgown line showcased twice a year, we have a ballgown for every bride."

Love this trend insight? Don’t miss the full, in-depth article in the latest issue of Bridal Buyer