V Magazine 145 takes a unique look at trends in wedding dresses, with model Aylah Peterson bringing her Aussie indy spirit to the fashion set for ‘Take the Plunge.’

Stylist Anastasia Barbieri chooses elegant ensembles from Dior, Givenchy, Gucci, Jacquemus, Loewe, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Valentino, and Vivienne Westwood.

Photographer Alvaro Beamud Cortes [IG] is behind the lens./ Hair by Lorenzo Barcella; makeup by Luciano Chiarello

See all the product credits at V Magazine.

Seriously? Black Wedding Dresses?

If there's one thing weddings are known for, it's the dazzling presence of white or ivory wedding gowns exuding purity and innocence. However, in recent years, a new trend has emerged, one that embraces the allure of the unconventional: the black wedding dress. While this nontraditional choice might seem surprising to some — including Anne — delving into the origins of the black wedding dress reveals an interesting history attached to the color.

Had V Magazine not featured four dresses out of nine in the color black, Lulu would not have been summoned. Simply stated, I could not resist unearthing a short history of black wedding dresses.

Black Wedding Gowns As Wealthy Sophistication

The roots of black wedding dresses can be traced back to ancient cultures. In Medieval Europe, for instance, brides would choose black wedding gowns as symbols of wealth and sophistication. Black was often associated with high social status, and brides would wear dresses made from exquisite fabrics adorned with intricate embroidery and embellishments, showcasing their opulence, refinement and unaffordable to most price tag.

Black was associated positively with fertility and also as a color to ward off evil spirits before white usurped it as a symbol of purity and innocence.

In some Eastern cultures, the color black has long held significance in wedding ceremonies. In China, for example, black symbolizes strength, power, and spiritual transformation. Brides in certain regions would traditionally wear black wedding dresses adorned with gold or vibrant colors, representing good fortune and prosperity in their new lives. Black is a positive color in Japan as well.

Dark Romanticism for Widows and Goth Lovers

Another origin story of the black wedding dress can be found in Victorian mourning customs. During the Victorian era, it was customary for widows to wear black clothing for an extended period after the death of their spouses. When these widows sought to remarry, they often chose to wear black wedding dresses as a testimony to their enduring love for their deceased partners and a solemn acknowledgment of their past.

Moreover, the rise of Gothic subculture in the 20th century brought forth the adoption of black wedding dresses as a symbol of individualism and self-expression. Gothic brides embraced dark romanticism and incorporated elements of Victorian fashion into their wedding attire. Their black gowns, often accessorized with elaborate lace, corsets, and dramatic veils, portrayed a sense of mystery, elegance, and rebellion against traditional norms.

Personal Agency and Female Empowerment

In today's landscape, the popularity of black wedding dresses has soared due to their ability to create a striking and unforgettable visual statement. Modern brides seek to infuse their weddings with personal style, deviating from the confines of tradition. The black wedding dress embodies the essence of this rebellion against the norm, allowing brides to showcase their uniqueness and challenge societal expectations.

As we delve into the origins of the black wedding dress, we cannot ignore its contemporary significance as a symbol of female empowerment and breaking stereotypes. By embracing black as their choice of wedding attire, brides reclaim their agency and celebrate their individual identities, disregarding preconceived notions about what a wedding should look like.

It would seem that black can be a good color for second marriages, especially if both the bride and groom were previously married.

The Catholic Church and Brides in Black Dresses

Today, the black wedding dress stands as a reflection of the modern bride's desire for self-expression, individuality, and the celebration of her unique love story.

The Catholic Church, with its rich history and deep-rooted traditions, has long played a significant role in the celebration of marriage. Finding myself still unusually curious about black wedding dresses, I asked Lulu if the Catholic Church permits the bride to wear black.

Wedding Attire for Catholic Brides

Traditionally, the Catholic Church has associated a white wedding dress with joy, purity, and new beginnings. Understood within this context, white symbolizes the sacredness of the marriage covenant and the couple's commitment to living a life of love and fidelity.

The official stance of the Catholic Church does not expressly forbid a bride from wearing a black wedding dress. However, the Church encourages couples to choose attire that respects and upholds the sacred nature of the sacrament of marriage. Therefore, while not explicitly prohibited, wearing a black wedding dress might be viewed as unconventional and potentially distancing from the Church's long-established symbolism.

While individual dioceses may have specific guidelines when it comes to wedding attire, the majority defer to the judgment and discretion of the couple. Often, priests advise engaged couples to consider the overall ambiance of the wedding ceremony and their own personal comfort without compromising the sanctity of the sacrament.

Catholicism Is Global

Catholicism is a global religion with diverse cultural expressions. In some cultures, black wedding dresses bear different symbolic meanings, such as representing fertility and warding off evil spirits, rather than connoting mourning or darkness. In such cases, the Church may be more open to embracing cultural diversity in wedding attire choices.

In Spain it’s very common for Catholic women to wear a black wedding dress. However, we are not speaking of a “little black dress”. Rather, it’s a majestic black dress — a powerful dress meant to be worn once in an important marriage that survives all the challenges of modern marriages.

Lulu and Anne have only scratched the surface of historical and current trends in black wedding dresses. And we’re not at all convinced that they are a major trend right now.

When model Anna Cleveland married the cofounder of Dazed, Jefferson Hack, in a romantic ceremony near Windsor last summer, she wore ivory. And they are both mavericks.

Nevertheless, AOC will be watching this trend, as one that is fascinating. But we’re as interested in the couple and the lives they lead, as the dress itself.

In the what to wear as an independent-minded bride, V Magazine has opened up the topic and they are in the lead of established magazines to talk brides in black. ~ Anne and Lulu