Designer Veni Infantino tells us that black tie weddings are fast becoming big news in the UK – which is following the trends for this type of event from Europe and the USA. And while there are so many beautiful wedding dress styles to suit contemporary brides, what is available for one of the very special guests? Of course, we’re talking about the mother of the bride (MOB). “Black tie is such a big thing in all these countries, and it is coming here to the UK, too,” says Veni. “And also, we are seeing a huge demand for these styles for people who’s children are having destination weddings, living abroad or marrying someone that lives in a different country.”  

Veni’s latest mother of the bride collection is an incredible blend of exciting colours, fresh silhouettes and comfort. The designs this season are elevated far beyond an average occasion-wear offering, with so many clever details, sleeve options, brilliant cuts, necklines and drapes. In addition, the collection features a range of evening inspired looks, which match the black tie vibe to perfection. 

Veni Infantino: Style of the week 

Our favourite look from the new collection is the stunning Style 992464, which is a drama filled cape style in teal. “The dress also comes in fuchsia and in black,” says Veni. “The cape element is great, and it is decorated in beads of all different colours.” 

The designer is a big fan of colour, and offering her styles in an array of different tones is a huge factor for her. “There will always be a demand for pale and muted tones, but there is so much room for vibrance and colour, too. After the pandemic, I’ve personally made sure to wear less black – and I’ve made sure there are lots of colour options through my collections.”

In terms of design elements, Veni reminds us, that just like brides and everyone else, MOB’s have lots of different insecurities and there are certain areas they like to cover or hide. “The cape not only looks wonderful, but is a really clever tool for hiding arms, or just adding that bit of coverage. It gives a different option to sleeves.” 

Style Inspiration 

For Veni Infantino’s new bridal collection, one of the strong themes emerging is bridal accessories and add ons, such as capes, and she says it just made sense to her to include this theme in special occasionwear, too. “I loved seeing the capes, and different takes on capes, at the Met Ball – I could see all the new trends emerging.”

Veni also tells us that she was inspired by wanting to create something that looks couture, but was comfortable to wear and move in, and was at an affordable price point, too.

“The dress itself is crepe, and the cape element is a tulle mesh – but the dress is all in one, rather than two elements. We have created a centre back zip, and allowed enough room, so that the style is easy to get into without messing your hair up,” says Veni. “And because, obviously, you’re going to keep it on all evening, it needed to super light – and the fabrics offer that – and the stones add just enough weight to hold the cape in a great way.”