Brides-to-be on a budget may just be in luck with TopShop’s newest collaboration with Richard Nicoll. The London-based designer is creating a bridal collection for the fast-fashion retailer, due in stores this summer.
The wedding frocks will retail between $165-640, according to Flare. But the dresses in the collection aren’t your conventional wedding gown; since corsets, sheer panels and minimalist silhouettes are main elements.
Nicoll told Vogue UK: “I liked the idea of making a modern affordable alternative to meringue culture. The dresses are marketed as bridal but would equally be suitable as bridesmaid or cocktail dresses.”
I have to agree with the latter. These dresses are much better suited for a quickie wedding than a walk down the aisle. Not only are they overpriced for their simple aesthetic (you could do way better at a Bridal Salon trunk show), but some of them look so disheveled and blah.
This one looks like your average negligee.
This gown is sort of interesting, but somehow, the ethereal quality of the long skirt is lost when it’s mixed with a peplum and corset. There are just too many ideas and contradictory elements in a garment that should be simple and elegant.
This one is by far the worst offender. I hope that this isn’t actually a wedding or cocktail dress, but a slip to wear underneath another one. The lace makes it even more slutty than Carrie Bradshaw’s infamous “naked dress” she wore on an early date with Big. And if you’re marrying your Mr. Big, this dress gives the wrong impression. Unless that’s what you’re going for. Cheap.
Images via Marie Claire UK, courtesy of TopShop.