Harper's BAZAAR global fashion director Carine Roitfeld's latest portfolio showcases a modern interpretation of one of the most feminine archetypes in history: the bride. The cast reflects a uniquely diverse representation of today's woman, each defying traditional bridal norms and standards.
Ugbad Abdi, a Muslim woman from Somalia, poses opposite Hannah Ferguson, the type of all-American blonde bombshell you might find on the beaches of Malibu. Grace Elizabeth transforms from a punk bride clad in black to a dreamy romantic in swaths of ruffles. Taylor Hill goes ultra-femme in hot pink, before donning a suit and tie. Hiandra Martinez takes on the bride as a renegade, a maverick, and a mother.
Today's bride isn't predictable, nor is she confined to one tradition, creed, or style. She can walk down the aisle in a hijab, a suit, a punk rock t-shirt, or even a hand-beaded crystal Chanel bathing suit. Fashion isn't the only way to tell your story; in this exploration of bridal archetypes, from the expected to the unconventional, bridal beauty breaks new ground. After all, why can't a bride wear feather lashes or a black lip on her big day?
Using one of the most historic and antiquated practices in fashion, Haute Couture, Roitfeld turns wedding traditions upside down.
Above: Hannah Ferguson wears a Wolford bodysuit, Tia Mazza veil, Vex Clothing gloves, and .
Here comes the bride...
Taylor Hill wears a Valentino Haute Couture cape, skirt, tights, and sandals, and Wing and Weft gloves.
Left: Grace Elizabeth wears Q House of Basics t-shirts and Vex Clothing gloves. Right: Hannah Ferguson wears a Dior Haute Couture dress, cap, and face veil.
Indira Scott wears a Chanel Haute Couture swimsuit and veil, and a .
Left: Hiandra Martinez wears a Givenchy Haute Couture top and bodysuit, Tia Mazza veil, and . Right: Chunjie Liu wears a Balmain Couture coat, Vex Clothing gloves and stockings, and Gianvito Rossi shoes.
Grace Elizabeth wears an Armani Privé dress, Lyz Olko t-shirt, Tia Mazza veil, and Faraone Mennella necklace.
Left: Hiandra Martinez wears a Givenchy Haute Couture top, skirt, bodysuit, stockings, and sandals. Right: Ugbad Abdi wears an Armani Privé dress and veil, and Vex Clothing gloves.
Grace Elizabeth wears a Valentino Haute Couture cape, dress, and jumpsuit.
Left: Hiandra Martinez wears a Dior Haute Couture jacket, shirt, cap, and face veil, and . Right: Taylor Hill wears a Alexandre Vauthier Couture top, pants, and scarf.
Hiandra Martinez wears a Giambattista Valli Haute Couture cape, dress, and shoes, and ; On child: LoveShackFancy dress; Roger Vivier shoes.
Left: Indira Scott wears a Givenchy Haute Couture jacket, dress, bodysuit, and backpack with bow, Wing & Weft gloves, and .
Right: Hannah Ferguson wears an Atelier Versace wedding gown and , , and .
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This article originally appears in the May 2019 issue of Harper's BAZAAR, available on newsstands April 23.
Sittings Editors: Ron Hartleben and Daniel Gaines; Casting Director: Evelien Joos; Hair: Lucas Wilson; Makeup: Grace Ahn; Manicures: Mei Kawajiri; Producer: Hannah Huffman; Set Designer: Andrea Stanley; Digital Technician: Matthew Shrier; Fashion Assistant: Lauren Fern; Photo Assistants: Chad Meyer, Darin Burch, and Eduardo Silva; Production Manager: William Galusha; Location: Pier59 Studios, NYC; Video: Difficult Pictures
