The mermaid wedding dress has always been a symbol of elegance and sensuality, famous for its ability to enhance the femininity of the wearer. An iconic model that still represents the choice of many brides on their fateful 'Yes' day.
The mermaid dress is characterised by its fitted line that wraps the body up to the knees, where it opens into a fan-shaped skirt, enhancing the bride's silhouette and highlighting her natural curves. The bustier is often decorated with lace embroidery, a material that adds a touch of sophistication and romance to the dress.
Lace, with its intricate details and tattoo effect necklines, is one of the main decorative elements of the mermaid dress, making it a sartorial work of art. Necklines can vary from the very popular sweetheart neckline to V-neck, wave and humeral necklines, offering many options to suit the bride's personal taste. They are made of various fabrics such as lace, silk, taffeta and satin, each offering a different but always elegant effect.
The history of the mermaid wedding dress
The history of mermaid dresses originated in France thanks to the creative and avant-garde work of the designer Madeleine Vionnetfounder of the Maison Vionnet. Its revolution in women's fashion was implemented in the liberation from 19th century bodices and skirts, introducing the innovative use of diagonal cutting at 45° to the warp and weft. This technique made it possible to create dresses with fitted lines that were brought to success by the Hollywood divas of the 1930s and 1940s.
In the 1990s, the mermaid dress was revived by Julien MacDonald cwith its collection of mermaid evening dresses with the evocative name, 'Mermaid'. This model has also become a favourite for evening occasions, confirming its status iconic in the fashion world.
Mermaid wedding dress: who wears it best
The mermaid wedding dress is particularly suitable for women with an hourglass figure, characterised by prosperous breasts and hips. This model enhances natural curves, creating a sensual and harmonious effect. Tall or medium-height brides, especially if curvaceous, will find in this dress a perfect ally to enhance their figure.
On the contrary, this model may not be ideal for very petite brides or those with small breasts, as its tight fit tends to emphasise the lack of curves. In these cases, the semi-siral model, which gently caresses the hips without swaddling too much, could be a good alternative.
To complete the look, it is advisable to wear shoes with heels to slim the figure. The most suitable shoes are open toe or jewelled sandals with a solid heel, which add a chic touch to the dress. The hairstyle should also be chosen according to the type of neckline of the dress: if the back is decorated, it is better to gather the hair, while a deep neckline allows it to be left loose and flowing.
The mermaid wedding dress suits various wedding themes, from urban metropolitan to classic romantic to rich baroque. However, it is more suitable for spring and summer weddings because of its necklines. For autumn or winter weddings, lace sleeves can be added for a touch of elegance and warmth.
The mermaid wedding dress is one of the topics of the Specialisation course in bridal and haute couture modelling which aims to train pattern makers specialised in bridal and haute couture.
