Vivienne Westwood wedding gowns could define bridal trends in 2026

In the bridal world, wedding dresses by Vivienne Westwood hold cult status. The British designer created her first wedding dress in the early 1960s, before the brand itself even existed, while the first bridal creation bearing her name did not walk the runway until decades later, in the Spring/Summer 1992 collection. Since then, her wedding gowns have been inextricably linked to popular culture. Beyond Carrie Bradshaw’s ill fated wedding to Mr. Big in Sex and the City, numerous celebrities have walked down the aisle in her distinctive, nonconformist style, including Miley Cyrus, Dita von Teese, and Lorraine Pascale.

Although wedding dresses have always been an integral part of Vivienne Westwood’s DNA, this April the brand presented a complete bridal collection on the runway for the first time in its history. The setting for this somewhat unconventional debut was one of Spain’s oldest and most prestigious universities, with the show staged as part of Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. More than half a century has passed since the opening of the Let It Rock boutique on London’s King’s Road with Malcolm McLaren, yet the moment to unveil the first bridal collection seemed perfectly timed. Under the creative direction of Andreas Kronthaler, the collection was met with great enthusiasm, heralding another triumph in what can without hesitation be called the year of the Vivienne Westwood bridal renaissance.

In mid July, musician Charli XCX married in a Vivienne Westwood gown, choosing the Nova Cora Mini for her wedding. In May, Demi Lovato said “I do” in a creation by the fashion house, while Hailey Bieber wore a cream white off the shoulder mini dress from the Vivienne Westwood Couture line to the rehearsal dinner ahead of her wedding. This parade of celebrities in Vivienne Westwood wedding dresses sparked a frenzy on social media, making the British fashion house one of the most sought after among Generation Z brides.

Reinterpreting the classic romanticism of the past, the brand presented two bridal collections for 2026: Vivienne Westwood Couture and the Made to Order collection, with photographs shot in the studios and corridors of the Westwood atelier in southwest London. The 2026 Couture Bridal collection draws inspiration from classic silhouettes and presents nine looks featuring corsetry, voluminous cuts, and airy layers. At the heart of the collection are pleated tulle and sheer organza, playing with textures in a delicate homage to the English rose. Some designs are inspired by the brand’s historical creations, such as the Pompadour dress made from moiré fabric and referencing the Vive La Cocotte collection for Autumn/Winter 1995/96.

Vivienne Westwood 2026 Couture, Courtesy of Vivienne Westwood

By contrast, the 2026 Made to Order Bridal collection introduces fourteen new dresses, alongside detachable pieces such as blouses and corsets, and accessories including veils and gloves. Standout designs include the Darling dress, which merges influences from archival creations, and the Lady dress, inspired by the War and Peace gown from the Spring/Summer 2012 collection. The collection uses carefully selected materials, including environmentally friendly alternatives, and everything is designed and handcrafted in England. Given the enthusiasm with which brides embraced Vivienne Westwood wedding dresses this year, it would come as no surprise if they become even more coveted next year.

Below, take a look at some of the designs from the 2026 Made to Order Bridal collection.