THE GOLDEN AGE: A BOLD BRIDAL TREND

There’s a siren in the distance, and as she approaches, we’re blinded by her all-consuming light. No, we haven’t lost our marbles (not yet at least), but we’ve spotted an undeniable niche wedding trend emerging from the Haute Couture F/W25 shows — and it’s one for our beloved bold brides: GOLD.

It began with a wedding profiled by Lebanese Weddings: Fidelle Zahran dressed in custom Krikor Jabotian — a gold wedding dress so brave, so dazzling, so all-out metallic, that you either love it or hate it — there’s no in-between. The gown, featuring a molded breastplate encrusted with jewels and a mermaid-style silhouette that billowed behind the bride like a mercurial river, was matched by a wedding theme echoing the same golden tones. After all, we’ve progressed lightyears ahead as a society — isn’t it time we evolve past the traditional color palette associated with weddings?| Image from Fidelle Zahran via Instagram

The images from Fidelle Zahran’s wedding quickly set the internet abuzz, particularly among Middle Eastern brides unafraid of taking risks. The now-viral posts (shared by the designer, the bride herself, Lebanese Weddings, and others) drew a flurry of reactions: some praised the majestic colour and boldness, while others clung to simpler palettes. But delve into the FW25/26 Haute Couture shows, and one can’t ignore the striking resurgence of metallic golds across fashion’s most iconic names — from Elie Saab and Tamara Ralph to Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda. Which begs the question: Could Dubai’s more demure brides be embracing gold this fall? |Image Dolce & Gabbana ALTA MODA

In Elie Saab’s collection, the designer presented a spectrum of metallics — from soft whispers of shimmer to bold, encrusted masterpieces. Each gown, in true Saab fashion, offered resplendence without compromise. His work proves that you don’t have to go loud to embrace the gold trend; as with most iconic looks, the secret lies in letting it reflect your personal style.|Image from Elie Saab Haute Couture AW25/26

And it’s not just Elie Saab. Dolce & Gabbana’s Alta Moda show featured metallic breastplates, belts, and bralettes that channeled the dramatic glamour of Roman armies and a bygone royal age. Sculptural gold was melded with silk jersey and chiffon, offering brides a more nuanced way to embrace the trend. Too bold to go full gold? Try a jaw-dropping diamond- and ruby-encrusted corset atop a flowing sea of silk chiffon and tulle. Still too much? How about a traditional white gown, but with a richly gilded bouquet? The colour trend is alive — and come fall, we predict brides will look for ways to incorporate its resplendence throughout the wedding space, adding their own unique flair.

"Gold, as a wedding shade, holds power. It symbolizes the sun, light, regality, royalty, and vivacity. What more could a bride ask for?"

- MOD

After all, Middle Eastern brides are no strangers to bold entrances — a glance at regional wedding décor is enough to silence any naysayers. And did we mention that Iris Van Herpen’s origami-style silk skirt and corset from AW25 would make for a show-stopping bridal moment, too? In the end, a trend is just that — a trend. What matters most is the embodiment of one’s unique personality on the most special of days. But still... has anyone ever really said no to a touch of gold?

All images have been credited to their respective brands. Gallery credits in sequence: Krikor Jabotian | Fidelle Zahran via Instagram | Elie Saab HC AW26, Elie Saab HC AW26, Elie Saab HC AW26, | Dolce & Gabbana ALTA MODA AW26, Dolce & Gabbana ALTA MODA AW26, Dolce & Gabbana ALTA MODA AW26 | Zuhair Murad Haute Couture AW26 | Iris Van Herpen Haute couture AW26 | Dolce & Gabbana ALTA MODA AW26 | Explore THE MOD BLOG