Exclusive: Vera Wang’s Fall 2016 Bridal Collection Is Inspired by the ‘Seduction of Latin Dance’

“This collection, as well as the film, is about the lure of Spain—the passion, sensuality and beauty of Spanish culture,” designer Vera Wang says of her new Fall 2016 bridal collection and the short film, Hotel Madrid, that accompanies it. “Part of that culture and heritage has always involved dance. I wanted to capture the movement, poetry, and seduction of Latin dance.”

The dresses—a mix of ball gowns and sheaths—were designed along with Wang’s Spring 2016 gowns earlier this year, which explains the Spanish motifs woven throughout both seasons. “Although the dresses were designed to go together, they were very carefully edited, so you would see Spanish subtleties in the beginning and then finally, dramatically, by the end,” she explains.

Two looks from Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2016.

Brides will find that the new collection, which encompasses a myriad of what Spain means to the designer, is a mix of traditional paired with modern, more revealing details. There are elements of sexuality, sensuality, rhythm, movement, and expression. Voluminous tulle ball gowns are paired with cut-out bodices, feminine lace hugs the body’s curves, and dramatic embroideries embellish a long-sleeved sheath.

In the 90-second-long Hotel Madrid, viewers get an up-close look at the production that goes into creating Wang’s iconic bridalwear. “I wanted the film to highlight not only the attitude of the clothing, but also the tremendous quality,” says the designer. “We really tried to achieve the intensity of one concept as it develops over a year.”

A look from Vera Wang Bridal Fall 2016.

“We bring a unique heritage to bridal fashion,” she continues. “We design, construct, and perfect each gown with European couture level craft.”

In addition to that undeniable craftsmanship, one thing’s for sure: this is a seriously sexy bridal collection. “In my heart of hearts, I’m a sensualist,” explains Wang, “because I always see women as extremely sexual objects by my definition of sexy, which is my very own. I think it’s not about being obvious, I think it’s about being subtle. I don’t think it’s about being an exhibitionist, but it’s more about being something hidden, and not that obvious.”

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