Even among the tony, conservative clientele of Oscar de la Renta, a bride’s needs are ever-changing. “It’s important that the offering reflects the modern woman,” said creative director Peter Copping backstage.

He aimed to provide weddingwear for both extravagant and low-key ceremonies with a versatile spring collection that contained an elegant mix of gowns and cocktail-length dresses.
Of the slimmer silhouettes, there were trumpet styles in figure-hugging silk mikado; a long-sleeve corded lace stunner; and a simple shift dress in silk crepe with a pearl-and-feather-embroidered hemline. Even the grandest of ballgowns — particularly a strapless ivory style with layered organza embroidery and a sash at the waist — seemed to float down the runway. “I think that’s one important thing to achieve, to get those big volumes but still have a lightness, so that they don’t overwhelm,” Copping said.
The house’s devotion to craftsmanship was on full display throughout the lineup — underscored by the show notes, which listed all 45 names of the company’s design studio and atelier staff — particularly in an ivory lace bolero adorned with mink and fox fur in a diamond motif, worn over a simple column gown.

EXCLUSIVE: Inside the Atelier at Oscar de la Renta with Creative Director Peter Copping

Fabrics, rather than external inspirations, are always the starting point for Peter Copping when creating a bridal collection in his role as Creative Director at Oscar de la Renta. The designer first came to the house with a true understanding of femininity, sophistication and refinement from his time at Nina Ricci–and many of his pieces there often translated well for a wedding–but his new job requirements entail a deeper understanding of what women want not only for everyday, but also for the aisle. We paid a visit to the designer at his new homebase in New York City, to get a behind-the-scenes look at his preparation for Bridal Spring 2017, and a sneak peek of one of his favorite gowns from the collection.