Are you ready to embrace your inner fairytale? Ines Di Santo's latest bridal collection poses a daring question: Are you a 'good' bride, or are you ready to be a little 'wicked'? This isn't just about choosing a dress; it's about choosing a persona, a fantasy for your big day.
Inspired by the highly anticipated film "Wicked: For Good," premiering November 21st and starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, this five-piece bridal capsule is set to redefine wedding fashion. Imagine dresses that capture the essence of Oz, ready to make their debut at Di Santo's NYBFW show in downtown Manhattan.
The collaboration came about in an interesting way. Universal Pictures, the powerhouse behind "Wicked," initially approached Veronica Di Santo, Ines's daughter and managing partner, with a unique request: to potentially costume Ariana Grande as Glinda for a wedding scene in the film. Veronica, a self-professed longtime fan of the play, was ecstatic.
But here's where it gets interesting... Veronica kept the opportunity a secret from her mother! She wanted to gauge Ines's reaction to the movie first. Luckily, Ines was completely captivated by the world of "Wicked." When Veronica finally revealed the offer, Ines was overjoyed, stating she left the theater "brimming with ideas." This speaks to the importance of shared vision and trusting your creative instincts.
So, how do you translate the magic of Oz into wedding gowns? Di Santo explains that she completely immersed herself in the film's “scenography, the colors and, of course, the essence of the characters.” She promises that these influences are woven throughout the collection, creating instantly recognizable nods to the "Wicked" universe.
Picture this: a Glinda-inspired gown, a frothy, saccharine cloud of pink tulle, shimmering with iridescent butterflies – pure bridal sweetness. Elphaba, on the other hand, gets a dramatic, femme-fatale makeover with an emerald green fishtail gown, complete with a devilishly chic feathered cape. This is where opinions might diverge! Are these gowns too thematic for a wedding, or do they perfectly capture the spirit of a modern fairytale?
The remaining three dresses are equally fantastical, but lean towards more traditional white hues. However, they're far from ordinary. These gowns incorporate embellishments that subtly unite pink and green, and introduce a touch of gold – a clever reference to the iconic Yellow Brick Road. Think delicate embroidery, shimmering accents, and unexpected textures.
Di Santo notes a growing trend among couples: transforming their weddings into elaborate, big-screen productions. Whether it's recreating an enchanted forest or renting a castle, couples are increasingly embracing fantasy themes. And as Di Santo puts it, "the dress plays a key role in bringing that dream to life.” This highlights the power of fashion to transport us and create unforgettable moments.
Any of the dresses in this collection could seamlessly fit into these elaborate settings. Retailers are expected to receive their stock of the "Wicked: For Good" collection by April next year, just in time for brides to say "I do" somewhere over the summer.
And this is the part most people miss... It's not just about the dresses themselves, but the experience they offer. They’re not just garments; they are conversation starters, expressions of personality, and vehicles for creating unforgettable memories.
What do you think? Is this collection a stroke of genius, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of modern weddings? Or is it too niche, too theatrical for the average bride? Would you dare to wear an Elphaba-inspired gown on your wedding day? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
