Many wedding gowns designed in the modern era bear the print of the fashion that described medieval times, such as the 18th century wedding gowns inspire nowadays the creations of many bridal fashion designers in their attempt to design impressive patterns for the eccentric brides. In these early years of the 18th century there was the formal dress that represented a stiff-bodice mantua which was actually a closed petticoat which over time got replaced with more relaxed and easy to wear dresses.
Later on, this formal style described the fitted bodice at the front side which was possible by making use of a tightly laced corset, while the back side was designed with loose box pleats known as ‘Watteau’ pleats because they resembled to those in the Antoine Watteau paintings. The skirt which was very widened starting with the waistline was either closed in the front side or open to present a petticoat which was most of the time of a contrasting color, but also coming in matching color this time featuring some embroidery or something to make it different than the rest of the skirt.
The bodices could be also open in the front while being filled on the inside part of the opening with decorative pattern. As to the sleeves, they were more commonly shaped in the bell or trumpet format narrowing towards the elbow area to expose frills or lace that trimmed the sleeve edge. Later on these frills were replaced by separate ruffles known as ‘engageantes’.
You can find many such 18th century wedding gowns inside history museums, as well as online with many images to showcase the fashion during those times. There are as well many dedicated bridal fashion designers who have found their inspiration within these collections of 18th century wedding gowns to recreate this fashion with modernistic touches.
They are lucky to be offered with a wide range of fabrics to use in their unique creations, not to mention their own power of imagination that helps to give birth to exquisite medieval inspired bridal apparel. One such designer is Theresa Blake who has managed to combine her skills as a couturiere with her long experience in the costumes making for TV and film to obtain great couture bridal wear as an alternative to the conventional bridal attire.
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