Copenhagen designer Cecilie Bahnsen on the dream bridal look …
More than a fashion designer, Copenhagen based Cecilie Bahnsen has become a by-word for cool, alternative brides who aren’t afraid to take risks – in sumptuous, ethereal and airy bridal gowns, that is. Part wedding dress, part meringue dream, Bahnsen has, perhaps, single-handedly pioneered the current vogue for voluminous dresses emulated both by her fellow designers and on the high street.
Ahead of the brand’s ten year anniversary, Bahnsen has released two different bridal edits, revisiting archive pieces loved by her devoted following (this writer being a card-carrying member). Here, she shares what makes the perfect bridal look and why she still hasn’t nailed down her own wedding dress, quite yet …
What, to you, is the definition of a cool bride?
It’s about allowing your personality to shine through in your wedding look. But I also think it’s about being a little bit bolder when it’s your wedding day: having fun with it and celebrating it through the look that you put together.
Is the focus still on the traditional white dress?
I think there’s a lot happening now that speaks to individuality. We have just launched an archive edit of pink bridal dresses. Pink is really iconic for us as a brand. We have a lot of brides who wear pastel colours, rather than white, which is so cute. It doesn’t necessarily need to be traditional: it can be pink, mint or blue.
Your dresses are ethereal and feminine, without being twee. What’s your advice for a bride who wants to embrace softness but still have an edge?
I like the different flats that people style with our collections. It’s about adding that personal touch to the dress that you connect with, and making it your own. Our new organza bow veils are a modern way of having a veil and movement: you’re not covering your full face but you have that detail that catches the wind that feels super effortless. You can do them also as small bows which is like a tying ritual, so you’re tying a knot with your partner. I like the symbolism in it as well.
So, is it all about flat shoes if you want to be an alternative bride?
Not necessarily, it depends on your wedding and the location. A lot of people who come to us for bridal appointments might come in with a flat and think that’s what they’ll do, and then when they actually put on the dress it sits better with a heel. It’s really about allowing yourself to play with it and have fun with styling.
What bridal trend do you endorse?
There’s a definite celebration of femininity right now. You see that in our signature details like the bows, flower appliqués and expressive silhouettes. It’s also in how you tie it. It’s in the fabrications. It’s in the transparency [of the materials]. So, I think it’s really in the layers of fabrics too. That’s what people feel when they put it on, there’s something you explore that also become yours in it.
What’s your tip for a non-alternative bride who wants a relaxed look?
I really like a lot of the separates around now. You can match them in different ways depending on whether you want to dress them up or down, such as a floral top with a pencil style or puff skirt. I also enjoy some of the smaller shift dresses because they’re just so easy. You put it over your head, tie the bow in the back and you feel comfortable all day. It’s a kind of cocoon. You can imagine it with bare legs in summer or bare feet in a field.
Do you have any bridal muses who inspire your collections?
I’ve been lucky in that the bridal collection has grown naturally from, and is an extension of, the mainline collection. One of our bestselling bridal dresses is from our first mainline collection. I love working with white fabrics, the way the tones change when you add the appliqués. People like Bianca Jagger is an amazing bridal reference in her own right, but I think the coolness of what we do comes from the fact that it’s an everyday couture moment.
You’re famous for voluminous dresses. What silhouette are you into now?
We’ve gone slimmer. We have a new elasticated top that is super fitted with long bows on the back to become a veil. I like that it’s the most comfortable thing that you can put on, but it has so much drama to it.
A lot of your dresses are backless. How do you feel about visible bra straps?
I love the idea of a backless dress for summer because you tie it with the bows and you get all of the sensuality in the back more than it being sexy in the front. I wear those a lot myself and I always feel super comfortable in them. In the past, we designed slip dresses [to mask bra straps] or you can place the bow to cover your strap, so it’s possibile to still have that openness and wear a bra in those dresses.
What’s your tip for a bride to blend a traditional and contemporary look?
The right veil is the perfect bridge [between past and present]. I love our bow veils, or some of the floral veils with old embroidery techniques, but you can also get something that goes on nearly like a scarf. I like those because you can match it with any kind of dress and elevate the bridal look.
Lastly, what’s your dream bridal look?
That’s probably why I’m not married yet because I keep designing these looks and my boyfriend gets scared, thinking; ‘you’re going to change 20 times’. My perfect bridal look is definitely in progress and there’s a new proposal for it every season.
Shop Cecilie Bahnsen at Havana (Dublin), Samui (Cork) and Brown Thomas; bridal collections are available at ceciliebahnsen.com.
READ MORE: 10 Elegant Outfit Ideas For A Spring Wedding
