Is fashion predictable? Absolutely not if we take the fashion shows at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week as an example. The designers showed us an explosion of creativity across the runways, the 2026 season is shaping up to be both diverse and daring. From sharply tailored silhouettes to cloud-like capes, sheer overlays to reimagined peplums, the collections showcased a dazzling mix of craftsmanship, innovation and emotion.

While every show offered something unique, these 10 looks stood out – not just for their beauty, but for how they captured the essence of the season’s strongest trends. This is our snapshot of the styles that stole our hearts...

1 Tailoring 

Tailoring was everywhere. There were some stunningly structured suits, long coats and dresses cut to perfection. We love the bridal takes on blazers and overcoats, especially those with a hint of 80s volume to the sleeves. The standout for us came from Isabel Sanchis who paired a laser-cut polkadot dress, with a glorious high neck, with a long overcoat – those power shoulders enhanced with a 3D cut rose to one side. It was such an elegant, almost powerful look, but still remaining hugely feminine thanks to the details.

2 Structured Romance

A key trend we saw this season was the interplay between architectural silhouettes and romantic detailing. There were bold, precisely crafted gowns matched with soft and light accessories – changing up the whole look, from veils to capes, shoulder wraps and more. We loved a style from Katy Corso who juxtaposed a sculptural satin gown with a floral lace-edged veil, creating movement and softness against the dress’s clean, structured lines – the ensemble strikes a perfect balance between architectural precision and bridal delicacy. The cathedral-length veil delicately edged in floral lace—an ethereal touch that softens the strong lines.

3 Luxe Lingerie 

Lingerie-inspired bridalwear isn’t a new trend, but we really saw it refined and elevated in Barcelona – pushing the boundaries between sensuality and sophistication. One of our favourite looks came from Cymbeline x Lucas Anderi, crafted from sheer floral lace in a soft blush tone, it evokes the delicate intimacy of high-end lingerie while remaining unmistakably bridal. The halter neckline – another emerging silhouette this season – adds a modern, statuesque element, drawing attention to the shoulders and elongating the figure. This look is for brides that want something both daring and elegant, who want a more fashion-forward interpretation of romance. 

4 Ethereal Draping

This trend is all about that floaty, goddess-like aesthetic. It’s minimalism with a boho soul, and is all about movement, not structure. This look from Raquel López is a standout example of ethereal minimalism. The clean, simple gown acts as a graceful canvas, beautifully elevated by a light cape that added both softness and drama to the runway. The model moved her arms in a butterfly-like motion at the fashion show, and the cape responded with breathtaking fluidity, showcasing the lightness of the fabric and lace panels hidden within its folds. The contrast between the silky satin base and the embroidered lace lends depth and artisanal charm, perfect for the modern bohemian bride.

5 Powder Blue Revival

We saw so many pops of colour this season, and also a return of soft blues into bridal. This whimsical showstopper from Demetrios captures the colour’s resurgence, offering a dreamy alternative to traditional white in a romantic and rebellious way. The voluminous silhouette is amplified by balloon-like ruching (another significant trend) and dramatic draping, creating a soft, sculptural effect – we feel it’s an almost 90s prom-meets-princess vibe. The gown is accented with rosette appliqués and paired with a gauzy neck scarf. And, while it is a nostalgic look, it still feels fresh and editorial.

6 Sparkle with Substance

This season, embellishment goes beyond mere decoration – pearls, sequins, beading and appliqués that add texture, structure and storytelling. Our favourite look was this absolute show stopper, packed with opulence by Ines Di Santo. It delivers a glamorous twist on bridalwear, showcasing a bold gold that’s both regal and refreshingly modern. The real star here, though, is the bodice; it’s a tapestry of sequins, beading, and jewelled appliqués. The full skirt has a rich texture and metallic sheen, adding dimension and movement – it is wearable art.

7 Mermaids

The mermaid silhouette gets a couture-level update – the trend is all about sleek lines, sculpted structure and dramatic volume, blending timeless seduction with architectural precision. This Wona Concept gown is a stunning refinement of the mermaid silhouette revival. It is sleek and sculpted through the bodice and hips, it flares to create drama without overwhelming the design. The cat-eye neckline adds a touch of retro glamour, while the subtle exposed boning introduces a sense of structure and linear elegance, which keeps the look crisp and architectural. Paired with a voluminous, ruffled, sleeved cape, the result is high-impact yet balanced – a modern siren’s dream.

8 Power Capes

In Barcelona, the accessory of the moment was capes. Styles ranged from sheer and romantic to tailored and minimal this season, but it is the maximalist moment we can’t stop thinking about. It’s bold, architectural and pure fashion fantasy – this is for the bride who wants to enter a room and own it. This dramatic look from Yolancris opened the show with a bang – a statement that for 2026, capes aren’t just accessories, they’re statements. The ultra-voluminous silhouette wraps around the bride like a cloud, instantly commanding attention. Paired with a sleek, embroidered column dress beneath, the contrast highlights the artistry of scale and proportion.

9 Pepulms 

Peplums are back – we have seen so many different styles, strong and structured and soft and sheer. Designers are reimagining this iconic trend with layers, corsetry and embellishments that make it more sculptural. It’s a style that adds visual interest at the waist and plays beautifully with volume and proportion. This Isabel Kristensen gown is a standout amalgamation of runway-leading trends seen in Barcelona. The lingerie-inspired base – with its sheer fabric and visible boning – channels sultry boudoir energy, while the structured Basque waist and flared peplum add definition and a nostalgic nod to ’90s glamour.

10 Mini Moments 

Bridal minis are stepping into the spotlight, but not alone. This season’s breakout twist is the addition of sheer, flowing underskirts that add softness, movement, and a sense of high-low drama. We love the bold interplay of translucency, texture and length. This Yuliia Lobachova Couture mini is a textural triumph, with a bodice densely packed in delicate 3D floral appliqués. A slender, soft bow ties at the waist, subtly highlighting the transition into the sheer tulle overlay that floats effortlessly around the legs. The contrast between the sculptural mini and the whisper-light fabric creates a play of silhouettes that feels both flirty and ethereal. 

WORDS Anna-Marie DeSouza

IMAGES Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week