American designer Molly Goddard, best known for her enthusiastic millefeuilles of ruffles and tulle, was immediately reluctant to develop a line of. Actually, I had to resist it for a while. Primarily, it was because people usually chose to wear pieces from our prepared- to- use collections and that felt much,’ Goddard tells Wallpaper* on the occasion of her latest marital collection, which arrives in time for this summer’s nuptials.
Her first marital series was released in November 2020, and she was ultimately persuaded by the increasing volume of requests for custom models from her inner circle. She noted that small, Covid-restricted gatherings don’t need to mean smaller dresses, not to mention that there are enormous taffeta and tulle gowns and dresses that you can hem and wear repeatedly. Following the launch of a ready-to-wear marital series, all of her work embodies the romantic and realistic vibe that permeates it. There were the required tulle gowns, as well as more traditional designs with hand-smocked and beneath details, as well as lively options, such as a frilled tulle bolero and shocking pink veil.
Molly Goddard’s ‘March ‘ dress, a sweet tulle super dress with a ladle neckline and a embroidered skirt
(Image credit: Courtesy of Molly Goddard)
I design marital in much the same manner I style ready-to-wear. I want to hear from the group what brides have been hearing at marital sessions and what has really resonated with them, says Goddard, who claims this feedback circle has been one of the most enjoyable aspects of beginning the line. There are components, such as veils, cardigans, and a unique dance, that allow brides to create a special complete look. We value having different sample sizes available for brides to consider. In this spirit, sizes run from a UK 6 to a UK 20, and come in small, usb and compact measures, depending on the disposition of the situation (or, indeed, the number of dress changes).
The fresh collection includes clothes called the ‘March’, ‘April’, ‘May’ and ‘June’, which Goddard calls ‘works on some of our most- loved designs’. The ‘April’ dress, for example, has a thin strap and carefully fitted shirred gown, before exploding into a passionate full tulle skirt, while the ‘May ‘ dress is adorned with anemone- like ruffles. ‘It’s a small new offer that fits what our brides want: volume, craftsmanship, and comfort because I always consider our different customers and body types,’ she says.
Molly Goddard’s ‘May’ dress, a stiff tulle sleeveless midi dress with a full frilled skirt
Goddard offers some advice for the burgeoning brides, particularly those who want something different from the typical saccharine offerings of traditional bridal shops. “It’s best to choose something that feels most your way in everyday life,” she says. My main advice is to stay put forever. People look best when they feel most at ease in what they’re wearing when trying a new silhouette that you’ve never worn before… I want people to feel happy and comfortable! Able to move freely and like themselves.’
In this spirit, three recent Molly Goddard brides tell Wallpaper* why they chose the designer for their nuptials, and how their dresses made them feel on the day.
Molly Goddard bridal wear: three contemporary brides
Paula Varjack, Artist
My dress was a cross between what I would imagine on the top of a bridal figure on a cake and what Frida Kahlo would wear. It has a simple, structured bodice that gives it its gorgeous full shape, but the ruffles, especially with the ivory taffeta, really make it unique. It’s very chic, but it’s also incredibly entertaining and playful.
I’ve been a big Killing Eve fan since I first fell in love with the iconic pink dress Villanelle wears with clunky Balenciaga boots in the movie. So I had a few pieces that I had either purchased on sale or used. After I got engaged last year, I made an appointment at the atelier. I tried on a number of dresses, but the one I chose felt right on me right away. It was exactly what I needed, something that was both elegant and had an edge.
Molly’s dress is so obvious because it speaks to being feminine, elegant, and fun because I can only speak for myself. I had one of the most beautiful wedding dresses they had seen, according to so many people, both at the wedding and those who saw the pictures. Sometimes I think a wedding dress can overtake the bride, and these dresses don’t do that, instead, I think they elevate, they have personality and joy.
Paula Varjack
(Image credit: Photography by Garry Carbon)
Melanie Xu, Artist
“I was very fortunate that the atelier remade the A/W 2017′ Lizzie ‘ dress in silk taffeta for our wedding. I had been having a dream about these particular whipped cream sleeves for years. Sumptuous, comfortable, joyous!”
I believe Molly appeals to brides because of how she still makes you feel in her clothes. The dresses are incredibly indulgent despite being so comfortable. And it’s just really enjoyable to swoon all over in that fabric.
Melanie Xu
Heather Halbert, Artist
‘I chose the stunning, ready- to- wear “Larry Dress” in ivory for my wedding dress and it was an absolute dream to wear. It’s the perfect tea- length dress, with an open back, full skirt, and hand- smocked bodice. The ivory cotton used to make the dress was extremely comfortable to wear. I sincerely desire to wear it once per week.’
I tend to find difficult to find pieces that fit my body in a way that makes me feel good because I have curves. But I never wanted to take off this dress the first time I put it on. I’ve never felt so beautiful in a garment before.
Molly’s creations have such a lovely push and pull between traditional and contemporary. Because she will almost always add something new and fashion-forward, like a neckline or a silhouette, but also add something like smocking or ruching, which is what I find so original and fashion-forward, I am personally drawn to her work.
Heather Halbert