New York is all about trends.
London is all about buying.
Barcelona is all about art.
Which is exactly why it’s our favourite.
In April, myself and Sophie, our social media manager (if you love our IG or TikTok you have her to thank!) flew to Barcelona for four days of catwalks, couture, crystals, and sensory overload. It was absolute MADNESS and here’s our favourite things we saw.
This isn’t a trend report, because honestly you can find those sorts of articles anywhere, instead this is our insight into the coolest, most unique brands and designs that were the hidden gems among the absolute sea of white dresses. From bold draping to unique fabrics and finishes, asymmetrical woven details, bling to make your eyes pop, and a dress made out of actual wicker, this is not ‘wearable’ bridal by any stretch of the imagination. This, my dear, is ART.
Ed’s Note: If anyone reading these wears one of these gowns, I am begging you to send us your wedding photos. And I personally guarantee we will do a feature on what’s sure to be your seriously awesome wedding!
Candelas Y Felipa
Their latest collection, EL ALCÁZAR, takes inspiration from the silhouettes of the 16th and 17th centuries. Not as costume or historical reproduction, but as homage. Breastplate-style corsetry sat alongside fluid fabrics and draped shapes, creating silhouettes that felt both architectural and soft at the same time. Some looks leaned futuristic, while others carried subtle references to garments of the past.
The palette moved far away from traditional bridal white too, pulling instead from tones of stone, earth, shadow, and weathered surfaces.
And then came the finale piece. A gown made entirely from handwoven wicker. Easily one of our favourite moments of the week. The fact the look was worn by an older model didn’t go unnoticed by us either. Bravo.
Joli Poli
If your dream wedding look sits somewhere between celestial goddess, Swarovski chandelier, and living sculpture, look no further. In a world where so many bridal designers are pairing back, doing ‘less-is-more’ and simplifying silhouettes, Joli Poli is doing the complete opposite. Quiet luxury this is not. Its loud, its proud and it’s freakin’ awesome.
At the heart of the Chrysauge Opus collection lies Joli Poli’s signature golden-ratio corsetry – a refined structure engineered with near-architectural precision. These corsets sculpt the body into exaggerated, goddess-like proportion. It is where mathematics meets sensuality, and where the body becomes a living masterpiece.
Inspired by the eternal imagery of goddesses, the collection also channels celestial forms so it’s no surprise the first model to walk onto the runway was sporting giant silver wings. The audience gasped and we were immediately transfixed.
These dresses aren’t for everybody, but if they’re for you, there really is nothing like them.
The Atelier by Prof. Jimmy Choo
The Atelier is high-fashion bridal couture featuring exquisite craftsmanship, intricate crystal embellishments, and dramatic, voluminous silhouettes. This is wearable art in every sense of the word.
The Twilight Stellaris collection balances romance with almost futuristic styles. It incorporates really unique fabrics like structured organza, heavily embellished and embroidered tulle, architectural cut-outs, and three-dimensional cutting and boning techniques.
This is for the nearlywed who wants something fantastical, romantic, and avant-garde. Someone who won’t settle for the usual or expected and isn’t afraid to stand out.
Wang Feng
Shanghai-based Wang Feng drew inspiration from a 17th-century Dutch girl’s dollhouse for their Spring Garden collection, using exquisite miniature details to reflect a real-life runway.
Metallic gowns, hand-painted florals, unexpected textures, and a full spectrum of colour sat alongside more classic bridal shapes. Even the simpler looks had something slightly unexpected about them in the best possible way.
The fabrics were light and flowing, balancing the theatrical styling with silhouettes that still felt very wearable.
Vaishali S Studio
Vaishali S Studio brought something completely different to the runway. Based in Mumbai, the brand works with handwoven Indian textiles and traditional weaving techniques, including heritage Karnataka weaves that designer Vaishali Shadangule has helped revive and preserve.
The craftsmanship here speaks for itself. Every piece felt rich in texture and movement, while still looking modern and directional. The silhouettes floated down the runway in a way that felt effortless, but the level of detail behind them is anything but.
In a week dominated by sparkle and excess, this collection stood out through artistry, textile work, and cultural storytelling.
Kiyoko Hata
Kyoto-based designer Kiyoko Hata understands the assignment when it comes to princess vibes.
Think oversized floral textures, glittering fabrics that catch the light like water, giant skirts, dramatic sleeves, and soft pastel tones straight out of a fantasy film. The gowns feel dreamy and theatrical, but still very cool and playful.
A lot of the looks also featured detachable elements and styling versatility, which makes sense for a generation of brides who want multiple looks without changing into an entirely separate dress halfway through the night.
These are gowns for the bride who grew up wanting to be a Disney princess listens to emo music and has excellent taste.