I love a black wedding dress.

In her bold and evocative statement, Vera Wang, a legendary figure in the world of bridal design, proclaims her love for a black wedding dress. These words challenge deeply rooted traditions, for the white wedding gown has long been seen as the universal symbol of purity, innocence, and new beginnings. By expressing her admiration for black, Vera redefines the meaning of a bride’s attire, reminding us that beauty and symbolism are not bound by a single color. She calls for individuality, daring brides to embrace their own power and mystery on one of life’s most sacred days.

Historically, black has been a color associated with mourning, solemnity, and power. In many cultures, it represents the mysteries of the unknown, the infinite depth of the night sky, and the strength that arises from transformation. In wearing a black wedding dress, a bride declares herself fearless, willing to embrace both light and shadow within herself and her union. Such a choice speaks to the truth that marriage is not only a beginning filled with joy but also a vow to endure life’s inevitable sorrows together. Black becomes a symbol of strength, depth, and eternal devotion.

Vera’s perspective is also a response to the rigid norms of the bridal industry. When Queen Victoria wore a white gown for her marriage to Prince Albert in 1840, she unintentionally sparked a global tradition that equated white with virtue. For centuries afterward, brides across the world were expected to follow this model. But before that moment, brides wore garments of many colors, including red, blue, gold — and yes, even black. In parts of Scandinavia and Spain, black wedding dresses were once symbols of formality and elegance. Vera’s words, therefore, are not a rebellion against tradition, but a return to diversity and freedom of expression.

The black gown also carries a dramatic artistry that resonates with Vera Wang’s legacy as a designer. Known for pushing boundaries, she has long infused her work with emotion, crafting dresses that tell stories of individuality and boldness. A black wedding dress is not merely a fashion statement — it is a work of art, meant to reveal the bride’s inner strength while captivating all who witness her transformation. In this way, Vera honors the role of the designer as both creator and storyteller, shaping garments that reflect the complexity of the human spirit.

Thus, Vera Wang’s declaration is more than a preference; it is a philosophy. She teaches future generations that love and identity cannot be confined to tradition alone. A bride who chooses black claims her own narrative, standing as a figure of elegance, courage, and self-possession. Through her words, Vera calls upon all to see weddings not as rigid ceremonies, but as living expressions of individuality — where every thread and color carries the truth of the soul. In the dark brilliance of black, a new kind of bridal light is born.