Today, I'm excited to welcome Gabrielle Hurwitz, a bridal fashion stylist specializing in luxury weddings and fashion-forward editorials, to comment on bridal fashion trends for 2023! Read on for her top gown selections, designer obsessions and engagement ring pairings.
Obsessed with all things weddings since she was a little girl, Gabrielle has channeled that passion into helping brides find the wedding dress of their dreams and working with the industry’s top planners and photographers to creatively direct and style photo shoots around the world. After three years working as the head of social and editorial content at Style Me Pretty, she launched Gabrielle Hurwitz Bridal Styling in 2018.
Bridal Fashion Week wrapped in October 2022 - what were some of your favorite looks?
Look One: Hermione de Paula
Gabrielle: This dress stopped me in my tracks. The juxtaposition of the hand-beaded pearl-embellished monstera leaves and negative space, is so sexy and fun. I picture it as an after-party dress for a tropical beach wedding with your toes in the sand and a cocktail in hand.
Look Two: Lela Rose (first slide)
Gabrielle: Drop waists can be tricky, but this Lela Rose ballgown hits all the right notes. I love how it’s classic yet modern, dramatic yet simple. It’s also the perfect blank slate for some fabulous jewelry. It works at a multitude of venues and is the perfect canvas for someone to make their own.
Dress Three: Dana Harel
Gabrielle: This gown is an absolute show-stopper. The way the beading is done to mimic the draping of fabric is genius and oh-so-flattering. I love that it’s glamorous and sexy without being over-the-top or vulgar. I could see it at a winter or NYE wedding with a faux fur stole or as a second dress for someone looking to make a statement with their reception look.
Dress Four: Oscar de la Renta
Gabrielle: I’ve always said Oscar de la Renta can do no wrong, and I think this gown is the proof. I love the graphic nature of the lace, which gives it dimension and drama. But the floral and butterfly motif adds a touch of sweetness and romance that I love. This is the modern take on a lace gown.
Dress Five: Francesca Miranda
Gabrielle: Colombian designer Francesca Miranda channeled Audrey Hepburn with this gown if you ask me. I love the geometric corset detail on the bodice paired with the unique, textured fabric and watteau train, and don’t even get me started on the gloves. I feel like this is a fresh take on Old Hollywood Glamour in the very best way.
Rapid fire: the perfect designer gown matched with your engagement ring
Gabrielle’s pick: Katherine Tash Dress & a 3 carat East West diamond engagement ring
Hannah’s commentary: This dress is sexy and certainly full of personality! The East West style you picked feels really aligned with the modern woman’s lifestyle; a bit avant-garde, unexpected but still tasteful.
Gabrielle’s pick: Elie Saab gown & emerald cut custom diamond engagement ring
Hannah’s commentary: This elegant beaded gown is dreamy! The architectural details and composition lends really well to a princess-cut three stone engagement ring, which will always feel - to me - like the pinnacle of femininity.
Gabrielle’s pick: Chana Marelus & two stone pear shaped diamond engagement ring
Hannah’s commentary: Two stone rings are so popular right now - they are so fluid and versatile but certainly rooted in distinction, just like this Chana Marelus gown. Perfect pairing!
Any trends as you look towards ready-to-wear bridal fashion for 2023 + 2024 brides? What would you love to see brides really embrace in terms of style?
I love seeing brides embrace more fashion into their wedding wardrobes. By that, I mean thinking outside the box in terms of silhouettes, colors, fabrics, designers, etc. It’s always fun when brides incorporate ready-to-wear pieces into their weekend looks in one way or another.
I think a lot of designers are doing really fun accessories, too, right now which can take a look from one thing to something totally different with the addition of a glove, detachable train, or removable sleeve.
If not for the wedding day itself, I also love when brides incorporate color and pattern into their rehearsal dinner or brunch look. Not only does it make such a statement, but it’s a great way to be more sustainable and find something you’ll be able to wear again!
Excited to work with Gabrielle? You can read more about her styling approach here and get in touch with Gabrielle through her website. If you’re excited to drop a hint to your partner about your unique engagement ring style, click here.
