THE EDITORIAL BY GIULIANA PARABIAGO

Who said wintertime is no friend of the bride? If the 2020 trend is all about sleeves, varying volumes, cape veils and modest necklines, we are all singing from the same song sheet and a mountain wedding is also an option.

Winter - for weddings - is a magical season. Myriad elements concur to create a special atmosphere: the proximity to Christmas, the yearning for intimacy and sometimes snow too. Those who choose a winter wedding know they have fewer hours of daylight, rare sunsets and less time to spend outdoors, but more longing to gather together around the fire, rare and majestic flowers, silvery leaves, berries, Christmas-style touches and crystals. And gowns? The 2020 trend 'dressed' more and undressed less, choosing to focus on sleeves, often full length, and plunge backs, but with shoulder straps as wide as braces. It emphasised the décolleté, framing it like a necklace, and rediscovered compact, slightly heavy lace. It embraced lightness, but only with a succession of layered tulle, perfect even in winter. On top, brides can consider wrapping up in a stole, or flaunting a velvet shawl or pashmina, or there are precious shrugs, light but cosy coats, or even the unusual touch of a down jacket. More eccentric brides can opt for a studded jacket, feisty but feminine at the same time, in white leather or moiré fabric. In addition, there are cape veils, hooded veils, capelets, light, sheer duster coats. But 2020 will also be the year that sees brides wear the trousers, along with ultra-feminine dinner jackets and palazzo pants paired with a jacket or blazer, perfect for wintry weather. Dressed like this, a mountain wedding is less daunting: after all, nothing could be more romantic than getting married on the Skyway at Mont Blanc, in Gressoney, in an early 1900s hotel in Saint Moritz, in Kastelruth, which in January celebrates the age-old tradition of peasant weddings, or in ancient Bormio. The secret is to emphasise alpine details, for example with a bouquet of mountain flowers and wild herbs, lace-up booties or ankle boots rather than dainty bridal shoes, or a woollen scarf embellished with matt sequins. And then a horse-drawn carriage!