Recovery, shifts, trends and sustainability in the diaries for the sector’s buyers, who try to give a clear, comprehensive overview of the state of the art.

Sì Sposaitalia Collezioni spoke with Monica Gabetti, owner of the self-titled atelier which, precisely by virtue of its strategic position on the border with Switzerland (Como), benefits from a comprehensive, well-rounded view. Starting with the product, the sector’s beating heart for buyers and a demonstration of the vivacious ingenuity that distinguishes it. So what are the trends influencing the wedding dress? Monica Gabetti hasn’t a doubt in her mind as she identifies a preference for the easy, but always sought after, dresses. What to look for: light, informal creations favouring natural, fine fabrics. These are the future choices boutiques will be leaning towards buying, designed to give preference to a less structured and more liberated easy-to-wear style. Maintaining, nevertheless, a vast range of alternatives on offer to compliment the lively ideas that characterise the retail outlet.

After all, it’s clear the pandemic has changed the shopping experience, not least for wedding dresses, a market segment where the approach has become more shrewd and analytical, ready for any eventuality. Sustainability is slowly but surely gaining a foothold in the sector, not so much as a direct request from brides, but rather as an ethical stance from bridal companies who are increasingly gravitating towards using eco-sustainable materials.

For Monica Gabetti, the digital world merits a separate discussion altogether. Although aware of the importance of online tools, she’s convinced the bridal sector hasn’t yet evolved to the point of a tout court digitalisation that eliminates the emotion choosing a wedding dress involves. That it must be and, for a long time to come, will be a ‘real’ event to experience live with family and friends. On the contrary, where the company and boutique relationship is concerned, the internet can be an effective aid and prove successful in many predicaments. It couldn’t be like this for a business, like Gabetti’s atelier, where an empathetic rapport with a bride is fundamental. Also where a direct relationship is useful in terms of the in-house tailoring service, always ready to meet demands and make alterations so each dress is perfect for each bride to be.