2026 Bridal Gown Trends – Textures and Sculptural Draping

Written By Tina Wong – Curator and Founder, Lead Designer at Grace + Ivory 

 It was just Bridal Fashion Week in New York, one of my favorite times of year! There are a ton of bridal trends hitting the runways, more corsets and basque waists, to new twists on capes and veils.  

For us? Texture and sculptural draping is the trend for 2026. 

This year, the throughline is texture. At Grace + Ivory, we played with layering silks, crepes, organzas, and satins. Exploring how white-on-white can feel dimensional, sculptural, and alive. 

Personally, we obsess over every drape, layer, and line until the final piece feels like something you’ve never seen before, and completely your own. It’s all about movement and detail you can feel, even in the quietest fabrics.

Devae Photography

Love what you’re hearing? Us too! We’ve been creating our own magic behind the scenes. I’m so excited to finally share a first look at new wedding dresses, arriving soon online and in our Chicago showroom. 

You get to see them first! Scroll on for some sneak peeks of new dresses that you can find in our Chicago showroom this fall (or online... soon!). So excited for you to see what we’ve been dreaming up. 

 Introducing... 

The Liana Dress 

2026 Trend: Drop-waist and luxurious textured silk tulle 

Peep photos of this dress above! The Liana gown is made from real silk tulle -- 100% silk -- and it feels so soft and textural. We played with lots of ruching throughout the fabric to create both texture and shape, so it hugs the body gently.  

  The thicker straps form this really soft Queen Anne neckline that frames the shoulders beautifully, and the drop waist creates a tasteful, elegant moment. (Drop waists are very on trend this season and are here to stay.) 

  It’s honestly such a comfy yet luxurious dress to wear. We love comfort, especially when the dress is so stunning. No need to compromise on style! 

The Rani Dress 

2026 Trend: Hand-beaded pearls and draped satin 

I love how pearls and beading feel in my hand – not to mention the craftsmanship it takes to create this beautiful dress. Our Rani dress is all about how pearls and draping can add dimension. Then when paired with our 100% silk neck scarf? She’s absolutely stunning. 

Each pearl is hand-beaded onto the top, and the skirt is made from a really luxe, beautiful silk-satin that drapes so nicely. The draping helps make it our play between a column and slight A-line skirt, giving you room to move while beautifully framing your shape and silhouette. 

The one-shoulder neckline is asymmetrical... but you know us: Here at Grace + Ivory, you can customize your dress. This means you can do it strapless or with a matching strap, depending on your style! You can really see how the pearls and draping work together to create that textured, expensive feel we love. 

P.S. The name "Rani" means Queen in Hindi, aptly named for this dress... because she's downright royal.  

The Adelaide Dress 

2026 Trend: Corset bodice with satin drape and textured lace overlay 

Adelaide is softly draped on top and textured. This vintage-inspired gown features a basque waist and a structured corset with a lace overlay: the kind of detail that makes it feel really classic, but still modern.  

This dress also has a structured corset bodice featuring exposed, fabric-wrapped boning for a modern, sculpted look. The boning is covered in the same fabric as the dress which creates a very tonal, dimensional finish -- but without sheerness. 

The great thing about this corset gown is that it has a really nice matte lace texture that is subtle on the front and pops on the back. It feels structural, clean, and romantic.  

The bust is draped in the same silk satin as the rest of the dress and skirt: soft and smooth against the skin. And finally, the back has mesh-covered boning with lace detail and pearl buttons trailing down.  

(Buttons down the back = that timeless bridal detail that always feels right!) 

 

That's it... for now! 

…We'll be sharing more soon. ;) 

Are you excited to try these above and see what other new wedding dresses are joining our collection in 2026? Check us out at www.graceandivory.com and book an appointment there to visit us at our Bucktown Showroom in Chicago.  

 

Photo credits (shot in Chicago by a Chicago-based team):  
Photography: Devae Photography
Dress Designer: Grace + Ivory
Studio: Studio Sunset Chicago, Pilsen
Makeup Artist: Makeup by America F
Hair Stylist: The Bridal Collective
Fine Jewelry: Plum Diamonds
Models: Natasha Woods & Carissa Hughes
Video Content: Unveil the Day