Spring 2008, bridal gowns go high fashion

Bridal Week is usually regulated to red-headed step-child status in the fashion world—and rightfully so. All those shiny white dresses start to look hypnotically similar, and what the designers lack in creativity, they make up for in rhinestones. The spring 2008 season, which wrapped up last week, showed off gowns that were, for once, more high fashion and less David's Bridal. Designers like Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier, Elizabeth Filmore, and Reem Acra dared to stray from the usual formulaic looks and offered up off-the-shoulder dresses, pleats and ruffles, and even pastels. The showstopper of the week: Reem Acra's silk taffeta cape gown with an embroidered belt. Next year, save the lace and satin for your tablecloths.