New York was abuzz with romance and innovation during New York Fashion Week’s Bridal Week in early October. For brides finally getting to celebrate in-person nuptials, there is a wealth of beauty and great design to choose from. Selecting the perfect jewelry for such exquisite gowns can be a delight, especially in the midst of fashion’s big Pearl Revolution. Here, we explore the top trends from NYFW Bridal week with tips on how best to accessorize each.

All about Sleeve 

Clockwise from Upper Left – Assael Contemporary South Sea Baroque Pearl and Morganite Rope Necklace, Assael South Sea Pearl Stud Earrings with removable handcarved Lavender Jadeite jackets, @InesDiSanto bridal Fall 2022, Assael South Sea Pearl and Marquis Aquamarine clip back earrings (post optional), @VeraWangBride Fall 2022, @DanaHarelDesign Fall 2022

Many bridal designers paid great attention to arms this season. The New York Times editors touted both “Puffy Sleeves” and “Fluttery Sleeves” as two of the seven trends they noted while attending the various bridal week runway shows. Lazaro, YolanCris, Pronovias Privée, and Verdin each featured puffy sleeves. The fluttery look came at various sleeve lengths from long to short, or three quarter at Ines Di Santo and Claire Pettibone. Sheer and lacey arm sheaths were seen at Galia Lahav and Reem Acra. Some innovative designers opted for detachable sleeves, making them an accessory to the gown. The puffy sleeves at Dana Harel were attached to a coordinating removable cape, as opposed to the gown itself, and Vera Wang added sheer lace sleeves that could be easily removed like a glove.

With all the volume, attention, and fabric on the arms, bracelets are not likely to get noticed. Instead, keep the accessories up high with earrings, necklaces, or hair jewels instead. Consider adding a splash of color – aquamarine for the proverbial “something blue” or morganite, one of the most feminine of gems.

Cascading Ruffles 

Clockwise from Upper Left – Assael Akoya Pearl, Morganite and Pink Sapphire Drop Earrings, @OdylyneTheCeremony, Assael Classic South Sea Pearl Strand, @KaviarGauche_official, @Amsale, Assael Triple Drop South Sea Pearl Earrings

Ruffles were also abundant on the bridal runways. Again, the The New York Times dedicated two trends to ruffles – both “tulle ruffles” and “cascading ruffles” made their list of trend highlights. Ruffles added volume in tulle at Kaviar Gauche and Amsale. Vera Wang, Anne Barge and Odylyne the Ceremony used cascading ruffles to drape the bodice in front, leaving a nice split for the leg to show while walking down the aisle.

The ruffled looks are all about volume. Partner these looks with sleek and streamlined accessories.  Stiletto style long drop pearl earrings would sway ever so gently as you walk without competing with the ruffles in the gown. Most of these dresses also leave the neckline open – perfect for the classic pearl strand or a beautiful pendant necklace.

A Touch of Nobility 

Clockwise from Upper Left – South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bubble Tiara by Sean Gilson for Assael, @AnneBarge Fall 2022, Assael Three Row Akoya Pearl Bracelet with Diamonds, @PatBO Fall 2022, Assael Diamond and Detachable South Sea Pearl Drop Earrings 

Perhaps inspired by popular period piece recent dramas like Bridgerton or the Downton Abbey movie, many bridal looks this season showcase a touch of nobility. With Princess Diana once again making headlines in The Crown and the media buzz about the upcoming Spencer biopic, plus the new CNN documentary about her, it is no surprise that we are seeing a nod to the royals in bridal design. The subdued and regal square neckline was seen at Anne Barge, Dana Harel, Halfpenny London, Kaviar Gauche, and Theia Couture. Intricate fabrics with museum worthy details and extravagant pearl beading were also abundant in princess gowns at PatBO, Jimmy Choo OBE’s The Atelier Couture, Rosa Clará, and Theia Couture.

This type of glam vintage styling calls for a sophistication when accessorizing. Consider updated takes on classics like pearls and diamonds or a nice combination of the two. Pearls and diamonds are trending according to leading jewelry influencers. The two timeless treasures accentuate each other beautifully, the hard cuts of diamonds adding focus to the soft, subtle glow of the pearls. Button or short drop earrings work well with period piece gowns and chandelier style earrings can tastefully add to the glamour of the overall look. To fully claim the inner princess on your special day, don an exceptional tiara. The new pearl and diamond tiara by Sean Gilson for Assael is convertible and can be worn as a choker necklace after the wedding day. 

Gloves were also prominent for Fall/Winter 2022 in a wide variety of styles, all of them fit for a countess, princess or queen, a throwback to the upper classes of bygone eras. Elbow and higher gloves were featured at Hermione de Paula, Edem and Vera Wang Bride.  Shorter and sassier versions bunched at the wrist added a touch of class at Anne Barge and Alistair Vlok. Luckily, gloves provide a sleek backdrop for the perfect pearl bracelet. Assael’s three row Akoya pearl and diamond bracelet exudes status and sophistication without ever being “showy.”

Hair Bows & Clips

Clockwise from Upper Left – Assael Single Pearl Hair Pins in Small, Medium, and Large, @MarchesaBridal Fall 2022, @Scorcesa Fall 2022, Bubble Pearl Hair Pins by Sean Gilson for Assael, @VeraWangBridge Fall 2022, South Sea Pearl and Diamond Bubble Tiara by Sean Gilson for Assael

Hair jewels also took center stage on the catwalks.  Brides.com devoted two of their seven top trends to “hair clips” and “hair bows.”  Floral head accents adorned the looks at Marchesa, Reem Acra, and Ines Di Santo.  Large white bows accented the hairdos at Marchesa Notte and Nadia Manjarrez Studio Bridal.  Pearls added a special glow at Scorcesa and Vera Wang.  Shiny metal barrettes were also spotted at Blush by Francesca Avila.

Assael recently noted the red-carpet celebrity trend for spectacular hair jewels and subsequently debuted its first collection of magnificent pearl hair jewels earlier this year. The all-new capsule collection, part of the Bubble Collection by Sean Gilson for Assael, features an assortment of luxury hair adornments from pearl hair pins to barrettes and the convertible tiara mentioned above. Perfect for brides or bridesmaids, the new hair designs add the sophisticated, subtle glow of luster to even the most extravagant bridal gown.

Little Touch of Black and Other trends

Clockwise from Upper Left – @VeraWangBride Fall 2022, Assael Akoya Pearl Necklace with Black Onyx and Diamond rondels, @GaliaLahav Fall 2022, @VeraWangBride Fall 2022, @Scorcesa Fall 2022

Another unique trend that showed up in several collections was an addition of contrast to the traditional white bridal dress. Little touches of black appeared as a black ribbon on the sleeve at Galia Lahav or around the waist at Scorcesa.  A bevy of black floral accents adorned Katharine Polk gowns.  Vera Wang opted for long black gloves to accessorize a white gown. 

Other fun micro trends include bridal suits and separates at Rivini by Rita Vinieris, Katharine Polk, and Kaviar Gauche; non-white colors like soft pinks at Monique Lhuillier and Blush by Francesca Avila; sexy cut-outs at Lihi Hod, Katherine Tash, PatBO, Willow by Watters and YolanCris. Volume Skirts also appeared at Rosa Clará, Lazaro, Anne Barge, and Marchesa.

Pearl earrings were also prevalent in many Fall 2022 bridal runway shows (Rosa Clará, Odylyne the Ceremony, Kaviar Gauche and more). Pearls have always been perfect for weddings, but with the Pearl Revolution happening in the fashion world, they are particularly relevant now. Discover a wide selection of pearls earrings, magnificent strands, bracelets and more at Assael.com – find the perfect contemporary jewels to accessorize all of your bridal looks from the shower to the wedding day and even on to the honeymoon. Let the fun begin! 

Feature GIF at top – Clockwise from Upper Left – Amsale, Kaviar Gauche, Assael, Vera Wang Bride