Carly Cushnie is always on the go. The designer welcomed a baby girl last week and is already busy sketching next spring’s ready-to-wear. But first, the new mom unveiled her Spring 2020 Bridal collection in New York on Thursday. It marked the second bridal outing for Cushnie, who initially set out to create one collection for the year— until brides-to-be got a glimpse of the designer’s sleek new offerings—minimalist dresses and separates free of the usual, ubiquitous frills—and Cushnie met her customers’ demand for (less is) more with a second season.
Cushnie introduced seven new silhouettes, shown alongside the best-sellers of her Fall 2019 bridal debut, like an off-the-shoulder twisted bodice gown with a modest train. Her goal is to deliver timeless wedding designs that brides can wear beyond the big day (and at a similarly approachable price point, which tops out at $5,400), while providing her with fresh options uniformed by trends. As always, fit, tailoring, and clean lines were at the core. “I design pieces that will highlight a woman on her special day, not overpower her,” Cushnie said via email. “Everything is ultra-sleek and elegant, while still being sexy at the same time.”
Form met function in a square-neck column of ivory crepe with a softly cascading train that could be removed post-ceremony—perfect for dancing at the reception. Elsewhere, a bustier gown was molded to the body, courtesy of invisible boning. Cushnie’s customer base gravitates toward the modern silhouettes with minimal embellishments, and this season, the designer opted for hints of lace – see the shawl collar jacket with caped lace sleeves and the one-shoulder dress with an asymmetric lace strap at the back.
The end result was effortless glamour, made all the more uncomplicated by a well-edited lineup that left no shortage of styles for a bride’s myriad of events. Take, for example, Cushnie’s favorite new look this season: A strapless bustier top with draped silk train and high-waisted flare pants. As she said herself: “It’s so flattering on the body, and serves as a playful, chic option for the rehearsal dinner or as a second wedding-day look.” Indeed, the Cushnie bride’s wardrobe can do it all.