BRIDE-TO-BE 2019. BRIDAL HAUTE COUTURE. The beauty looks of the haute couture runway shows are an invaluable source of inspiration for brides searching for the perfect gown, hair do and make-up, because everything on the big day must be flawless, gorgeous and – why not? – very cool! Bridal dresses are always a big draw at these shows. Times have changed but gowns, princess-style or otherwise, still have that dreamy, fairy-tale allure and any bride will tell you it is the most important dress of her life. And designers have caught on. Many of them closed their shows with the ultimate classic - the white dress - which in some cases had been given a rather unconventional reworking. GOWNS. If you’re going to dream, you may as well dream big. Go on, have a quick peek at what’s hot in Paris haute couture, with its luxurious, chic and decidedly over the top models. Catering to all styles and personalities. THE TIMELESS ROMANTIC GOWN. Ralph & Russo’s gown was for anyone who has ever dreamt of being a princess. Its tight bodice and full, voluminous skirt were in ivory silk decorated with gorgeous embroidery and beading. Topped with a long white veil and floral crown. Opulence is the byword for Elie Saab’s 2019 bride. A magnificent ball gown in tulle with long sheer sleeves and a sweetheart neck, with impalpable transparencies embroidered in shimmering shades of gold and silver. The generous veil was held in place by a crystal hairpiece. THE UNCONVENTIONAL BRIDE. For Chanel, a bride is a jewel just waiting to sparkle. Myriad exquisite crystals recreated floral motifs with glittering silver effects. Showstoppingly luxurious, which is what we have come to expect from the brand, this time however it surprised everyone with a truly different version of the bride-to-be. The gown in question was, surprisingly, a swimsuit, a monokini to be precise, revealing the thighs and back but without indulging in plunging necklines. The only classic touch was the floor-sweeping white tulle veil, held in place by an exquisite bathing cap. For poolside weddings and truly unconventional brides. THE MINI DRRESS. Giambattista Valli went for the bare legged look with an eye-wateringly short skirt but added silver embroidery and a voluminous white tulle train with flounces. Alexandre Vauthier also went for the sensual look with an ultra-short dress. And a daring neckline. No surprises with the veil, which was long and in tulle. CHIC. Armani concluded its show with a bride in a long sequined dress, under a huge white veil. The Valentino bride, on the other hand, was black from top to toe with a ruffled skirt and see-through tulle top half, worn magnificently by Naomi Campbell. HAIR STYLES AND ACCESSORIES. At the Paris haute couture shows it was all about veils and fascinators, alongside headpieces which appeared to take brides back in time. But there were also maxi bows and hair accessories. Skullcaps, caps and bonnets. Tiaras with flowers and pearls, worn without a veil at times. The most “out there” hair dos were Marie Antoniette-inspired looks, featuring super volumes and backcombing, as well as more contemporary styles like side swept hair with the wet look. The classic chignon was given a geisha twist, sitting on the top of the head with sophisticated and clean allure. There were also messy ponytails with crimped tendrils, perfect for more boho or gypsy-inspired brides. Asia Argento walked the runway for Antonio Grimaldi, showcasing the more underground bride look, her hair style decorated with glittering insect-shaped 90s-inspired hair clips. MAKE-UP. All eyes were on eyes, with eyeliners, black and kohl pencils and plenty of mascara the focus of attention. But space was also given to soft fluorescent eyeshadows in orangey pink shades. Valentino even dressed his model’s eyes with long, brightly coloured feathers. Haute couture is the thing of dreams and while many of its beauty looks may not be to our taste, they certainly give future brides plenty of food for thought.