French designer Delphine Manivet has been captivating wedding enthusiasts (like us!) ever since she said goodbye to haute couture and burst on to the boho bridal scene with her eclectic line of wedding wear nine years ago. Each of Manivet’s collections exudes elegant femininity with an urban edge, making her the designer of choice for brides looking for something alternative yet timeless to showcase their unique style with a certain gracefulness.
This year, Manivet’s collection edges away from the boho style she has become so famous for, and instead looks to more structured, simple silhouettes using an array of vintage-inspired features such as 30s style drop waists and soft statement sleeves. Proportions are played with perfectly too with Manivet’s signature separates styled beautifully in the 2014 Lookbook to create light-hearted drama and a distinct air of cool confidence.
As with her Fall 2013 collection, Manivet doesn’t shy away from short gowns for her 2014 offering and gives brides an array of styles to choose from when it comes to this contemporary and daring design choice. We are particularly enthralled with the short and romantic Desire dress (above) – styled in this series of photos with the seriously sweet lace Allon overdress – and the outrageously chic, simple and cool Ravi (below), which has all kinds of Jackie O-like awesomeness.
The major difference in Manivet’s latest collection is that she has tried to move away from classic lace and instead is opting for a range of different embroidery techniques to create high end bridal wear that’s both unique and timeless. Her starting point for this collection was an embroidered veil she came across in LA. “It’s a sort of very large tulle,” she told French Vogue last November, “with a strange, ethereal air about it.” The designer has been on a personal quest to modernise lace by making it simple, light and elegant, as can been seen with her use of delicate lace panels in this collection.
Manivet is in the business of foreseeing trends of contemporary brides. When asked about her vision of brides for 2014, the eminent designer responded, “There will be lots of different styles and faces, but fundamentally she will be confident and comfortable in her own skin. It’s a different generation getting married now, we’re seeing much fewer 24 year-old brides and plenty more between the ages of 27 and 38, who sometimes already have children. This means she already knows herself and what she wants, she knows what she’s worth, and she is free and honest.”
All eyes are on Delphine Manivet again this year as she launches her first ever Red Carpet collection which builds on the designer’s statement silhouettes and simple, elegant styling. According to French Vogue, the collection is all a bit hush hush at the moment, as it works on building its brand in the States before undoubtedly becoming recognised internationally. We think it’s just the right time to snap up one of her pieces before she becomes a household name!
To see how these designs look on real brides, check out the ‘Newlywed’ section of Delphine Manivet’s website. For stockists worldwide click here.
