This year, we had the incredible opportunity to attend Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week for the first time…and it was truly unforgettable. As one of the most celebrated events in the bridal industry, BBFW brings together designers and bridal professionals from around the world to share upcoming collections and shape the future of wedding fashion.
One of the most exciting parts of our trip was receiving a personal invitation from the Vivienne Westwood team to attend their first-ever dedicated bridal runway show. Held inside the University of Barcelona, a stunning building rich in Catalan history and architecture, the location itself felt intentional. For the Westwood house, history and education are at the heart of their brand, and showcasing their collection in such a meaningful space made the moment even more powerful.
Vivienne Westwood remains one of the last independent global fashion companies, with over fifty years of iconic design behind them. Their 2026 bridal collection was a clear reflection of that legacy—romantic, sculptural, bold, and deeply rooted in thought and craftsmanship.
Below, we’re breaking down the biggest bridal trends we saw for the 2026 season.
The Return of 80s & 90s Drama
For 2026, designers are bringing back bold, voluminous shapes with a clear nod to 80s & 90s fashion. We saw full skirts, dramatic ruffles, and strong silhouettes designed to stand out. There was a strong focus on accessories—long gloves, sleeves, and boleros were everywhere, adding layers of texture and drama. Vivienne Westwood’s ‘Princess Skirt’ and the playful, full shapes from Yellow by Sahar were standout examples of this trend.
Corsets and Two-Piece Looks
The corset trend is holding strong in 2026. This season’s take feels more elevated and fashion-forward, with structured bodices creating a fitted waistline and defined silhouette. Vivienne Westwood’s 'Raven', 'Kitten', and 'Joe Petticoat' corsets were especially striking, offering both drama and elegance. We also loved the 'Cherie' lace two-piece by Netta BenShabu, which brought a softer, more romantic feel to the structured trends.
Basque Waists Are Back
Basque waists: those V-shaped waistlines that dip below the natural waist—are making a comeback, with designers embracing longer and sharper points than in previous seasons. This Victorian-inspired silhouette was seen in gowns like 'Holland' and 'Elise' by Netta BenShabu, as well as several pieces from Nicole + Felicia & Enaura Bridal. It’s a flattering and elegant shape that adds drama without being overwhelming.
Clean Lines and Bold Shapes
While some designers leaned into soft, romantic textures, others went in a more modern direction. We noticed a rise in strong, angular shapes and clean necklines. Nicole + Felicia’s 'NF109' gown played with sharp structure, and Vivienne Westwood’s 'Charmer' and 'Federica' gowns brought in unexpected lines that felt bold and current.
Florals with a Twist
Floral details are still a major trend, but they’ve evolved far beyond simple appliqués. This season, we saw oversized blooms, layered textures, and even printed florals on duchesse satin. Vivienne Westwood’s 'Nova Bagatelle' featured printed florals in a fresh way, while designers like Netta BenShabu and Enaura Bridal used floral details to create depth and movement.
Sustainability is the New Luxury
Sustainable bridal fashion is no longer just a niche—it’s becoming the new standard. Vivienne Westwood’s collection led the charge, with thoughtful use of eco-conscious fabrics and techniques. Brides are looking for more than just a beautiful gown—they want to know their dress was made responsibly, and designers are rising to meet that demand.
Sheer and Light as Air
The sheer dress trend continues into 2026, but with a more refined and bridal approach. Designers like Netta BenShabu and Tina Valerdi are using lightweight, transparent layers to add sensuality and softness without going over the top. These dresses feel romantic and modern, offering the perfect balance between coverage and allure.
My Favourite 2026 dresses from our designers
Vivienne Westwood: LADY- 2026 Bridal
Netta BenShabu: JUSTIN- L’Allure de la Femme
Nicole + Felicia: NF108- Spring Summer 26
Enaura Bridal: Neve- Unwoven
Tina Valerdi: Genevieve- Couture by Tina
Corston Couture: Realm- The Fabled Collection
Lihi Hod: Lev- 2026 Couture
Final Thoughts
The 2026 bridal season is full of energy, range, and intention. Whether you’re drawn to dramatic skirts and corseted tops or prefer a minimalist silhouette with delicate floral details, there’s something in this upcoming season for every kind of bride.
Attending Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week reminded us why we love what we do...helping brides find a gown that speaks to their style and story. If these trends are any indication, 2026 is going to be a beautiful year for bridal.
