Didn’t Prescilla Chan look radiant when she married Mark Zuckerberg this week?! For their surprise, back yard ceremony the bride opted for, who else but Claire Pettibone! The exquisite gown was style ‘Sky Between the Branches’ (from Claire’s continuing collection), which features the most beautiful cut out embroidery, creating a stylishly elegant bateau illusion neckline.

The illusion neckline is something of an on trend feature at the moment, which I for one am a big fan of! Fashion forward yet oh so stunning on a traditional gown, appropriately demure yet hinting at being revealing, they are such a refreshing alternative to the strapless gown I adore them (and have done since the Alfred Angelo dress from my Cranberry Christmas post)

And so, it seems does Claire Pettibone. The design can be seen on more than one of her 2012 Beau Monde Collection dresses….

As well as her latest Spring 2013 collection….

But it’s not just the ever inspiring Claire Pettibone continuing this trend, BHLDN feature the Elysium gown with gorgeously embroidered flowering branches reaching heavenward on a sheer pieces of tulle and atop a structured bodice…..

Just perfect for a beach wedding!

And the 2013 NYC Bridal Market was awash with illusion necklines, on the runways of designers such as Reem Acra who showed not one or two but three truly creative gowns, flawlessly combining the classic with the modern from a slinky fishtail….

….to tonnes of tulle appliqued with lace….

….and glimmering embellishments….

(Reem Acra is stocked exclusively in Australia by Anna Dafonte)

….each one jaw-droppingly gorgeous!

Cleverly combining another of my favourite trends, the statement necklace, Alfred Angelo showed this lace lovely, brilliantly bejewelled at the neck….

Monique Lhuillier‘s sublime Spring 2013 collection, featured no less than five gowns with an illusion neckline! From lacey romantic princess gowns….

To short, super sweet and ultra modern….

My personal fave remains this glitter fest….. this will be my NYE dress the year I win the lottery 🙂

(Monique Lhuillier is stocked exlcusively in Australia by Helen Rodrigues)

Pronovias isn’t the world’s leading bridal house for nothing. The bridal gowns from their 2013 collection are everything every bride has ever dreamed of, truly fit for a princess and also featured some wonderful examples of illusion necklines….

(Pronovias is stocked in a variety of cities across Australia and New Zealand)

Never one to miss a trend,  Marchesa’s 2013 collection was magical and whether you’re a modern bride looking for the latest shape, or a traditional bride wanting delicate, ethereal beauty Marchesa had something for everyone….

I couldn’t possibly miss Jenny Packham, who won my heart with Mimosa (and such innovative photography) from her latest collection….

Local designer Jennifer Regan also nailed the look with Greta, which can be accessoriesd with either waist cinching belts seen below….

This trend is truly impeccable and I hope destined to be around for a couple more collections yet.

Have you fallen for an illusion neckline??

Amy

x

P.S. – I have read some articles describing the illusion neckline as the perfect alternative to hoisting your dress up all day. I can’t leave this post without saying that any (..or almost any) strapless gown can be made slip proof, provided it is fitted well and worn over good underwear!