Dando London, with Christine Dando at the creative helm, has a clear direction: timeless design mixed with a contemporary eye, plus impact and detail on every level. Trends and key themes focus on what brides are asking retailers for, as well as popular elements from couture runways and beyond. Here, we take a closer look at five new styles and the inspiration behind them.

The return of the big dress

Something we are sitting up and taking notice of for the new season is maximalism. And, more specifically, the return of the big dress. We love this trend, and there are certainly styles to suit within Dando London’s new collection.

The Limoncello gown perfectly fits the vibe. It is sleek from the front, and then the detail and impact hits when you see the back. "Limoncello is for the bride who wants to make a statement without saying a word,” explains Christine. “I designed this gown for the woman who understands that true luxury often reveals itself slowly, like the best kind of surprise. From the front, she’s sleek, sophisticated, and utterly modern with the strapless sweetheart neckline. But when she turns around, that’s when the magic happens. The illusion back and dramatic lace appliqué glass train create a moment that takes everyone’s breath away.”

Christine tells us that she can imagine the dress being worn at a country house wedding or a sophisticated city celebration; somewhere an impactful entrance can be made.

“The optional detachable organza bow is for the bride who wants to enhance the romance even further,” says Christine. “My favourite detail has to be the ruched skirt. It’s so incredibly flattering on every body type, which is essential to me. Every bride deserves to feel like the most beautiful woman in the room, and this silhouette does exactly that. The beaded lace appliqué trim catches the light in the most exquisite way, and when she moves, the entire gown comes alive."

Bomboloni: design & detail

The next gown we focus on is Bomboloni, a dress that is all about detail, and one that Christine Dando tells us is a personal favourite. In design, it is a joyful blend of romance, drama, and impact. “The vision was to accompany the feel of the day where floral blooms are in abundance at a wedding, and the bride wants to carry on that floral theme with drama and impact,” the designer says.

Each flower on the skirt is crafted from organza, which holds its shape perfectly while still feeling natural and flexible, just like real petals.

“When the bride moves, the flowers move with her. They don’t look stiff or costume-like at all. They breathe,” explains Christine.

According to Christine, the design process was about capturing the feeling of walking through an Italian garden in full bloom, surrounded by roses and peonies. “I wanted the bride to feel like she’s wearing a living, breathing work of art,” she says. “The craftsmanship involved is extraordinary. Each flower is individually made and placed, which takes incredible skill and patience, but the result is absolutely worth it. This gown is for the bride who isn’t afraid to be bold, who wants her dress to be a talking point, and who believes that more is always more when it comes to romance.”

Lace in focus

Lace wedding dresses 2026: One of Bridal Buyer’s favourites in the collection is Gelatina. As we have noticed lace becoming such a star this season, the two-tone look here, with its mix of fabrics, feels so modern, yet so romantic.

"Lace, to me, is the heart of bridal fashion. It’s timeless, it’s delicate, and it carries so much history and romance,” says Christine. “But I never want lace to feel old-fashioned or expected. With Gelatina, I wanted to show how lace can be utterly modern and fresh.”

This style is actually based on one of Dando London’s best-selling designs, Demure, which brides absolutely adore.

“So many women love the structured shape with flattering ruching across the tummy because it creates such a beautiful, feminine silhouette. Lace is making a huge impact in 2026, so this felt like the perfect moment to evolve that beloved design and feature both elements together,” says Christine.

The sheer lace high neck detail with long sleeves and a low back complements the minimalist nature of the dress. “It’s that contrast between covered and revealed, between simplicity and intricacy, that makes this gown so special. The two-tone effect with the mix of fabrics gives it depth and dimension,” says Christine. “It’s sophisticated without being overly embellished, and romantic without being too sweet.”

Arancia: fabric in motion

Another lace mix gown, Arancia offers real versatility. It looks magnificent with or without the detachable train, providing brides with two looks if they want to change up their style on their wedding day. "Arancia is pure sophistication,” says Christine. “The detachable tulle train with beaded appliqués adds that extra layer of drama. This gown absolutely oozes elegance, and it’s both modern and timeless, which is exactly what I always strive for.”

Christine tells us that detachable elements have become increasingly important to modern brides because they want versatility and choice.

“They want the drama and impact for the ceremony and those all-important photographs, the moments that will be captured forever,” she says. “We find brides often love the detachable elements because it means they can create that dramatic entrance, have those beautiful photographs with the full effect of the gown, but then opt to remove the trains and sleeves for the nighttime party. It’s like having two dresses in one, and it makes so much sense for the modern bride who wants it all?"

Fresh and exciting, yet classic

Finally, we look at Abruzzo: a classic that’s undeniably chic, yet still manages to feel fresh and exciting. Christine Dando tells us the secret behind this is all about understanding proportion, texture, and the way fabric moves on the body.

“Abruzzo is one of those designs that proves simplicity is never boring when it’s done right. When a bride asks for a plain dress, usually she’s really asking for no sparkles and lace, but it’s so important on a plain dress to think about texture and how the fabric folds and lays across the body. That’s where the magic happens,” says Christine.

This gown features a flattering off-the-shoulder sleeve, and the pleats across the body fall into a V waist, creating a beautiful and elongating effect.

“The pearl buttons at the back are a delicate modern touch that elevates the entire look. They’re traditional in concept, but the execution feels fresh,” says Christine. “This style is also available in an embossed matt satin, which adds another dimension of texture and luxury. When introducing different and new textured fabrics, it’s so important for us to always give the retailers and brides the option of ordering in a more popular crepe, soft satin, or Mikado too. Choice is everything.”

_{WORDS Anna-Marie DeSouza}