A bride for every era: From Grace Kelly's glamorous gown to Kim Kardashian's mermaid silhouette, stylish sketches reveal the evolution of wedding dress fashion over the past 110 years

By Erica Tempesta For Dailymail.com

Published: 12:59 EST, 21 July 2015 | Updated: 15:55 EST, 21 July 2015

A stunning new series of illustrations charts the evolution of bridal looks over the past 110 years, offering a glimpse into the world's changing political and cultural climates through the varying styles of the wedding gowns that were favored during those times.

The infographic, which was commissioned by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts, features sketches of wedding gowns worn over the last eleven decades, from the 1900s to the present day. The drawings, which were illustrated by a fashion designer, are accompanied by a historical analysis of why certain silhouettes, veils and make-up looks were popular during a particular decade.

The inforgraphic also accommodates the influence of famous brides, including Grace Kelly, Princess Diana, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Kate Middleton, revealing how their choice of gowns helped to shape the favored fashions of brides in that era. 

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1900s: Affluent women donned white gowns featuring S-shaped corsets to cinch their waists and wide puffy sleeves that were tapered to their forearms during the turn of the century 

1910s: As the Edwardian era neared its end, empire line gowns gained popularity and women opted for dresses with intricate lace designs and higher waist lines 

Queen Victoria forever changed wedding style in 1840 when she chose to wed Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha in a white gown during a time when colored dresses were considered the norm. 

By the 1900s, affluent women were all donning white gowns featuring S-shaped corsets to cinch their waists and wide puffy sleeves that were tapered to their forearms, while other, less wealthy, brides chose to wear azure and muted pink dresses.

The modest gowns featured high-necks and ruffles around the bodice, sleeves and neck, and women often chose to wear their hair on the top of their hair as a art of the 'Gibson Girl' look.

When it came to beauty trends in the 1900s, pale skin, full eyebrows and rosy cheeks were considered the height of fashion, so make-up was applied in as natural a way as possible during this time.

Ten years later, as the Edwardian era neared its end, empire line gowns gained popularity. Waistlines began to rise and a bride in the 1910s typically opted for shorter sleeves and a dress featuring an intricate lace design 

1920s: During the Jazz Age, brides flocked to dresses that featured dropped hip waistlines and straight silhouettes with swinging hemlines - which were perfect for dancing 

Roaring twenties: Kate Moss married Jamie Hince in 2011 wearing a 1920s-inspired bias cut wedding gown designed by John Galliano. The stunning dress was paired with cap-styled wedding veil 

While the fashions changed dramatically over the course of a decade, natural make-up was still considered important. With MaxFactor's introduction of mascara, women started to tine their eyebrows and lashes in addition to staining their lips and cheeks. 

During this time, hair was still piled on top of the bride's head, however, it was meant to be curly and oversized so it could be seen underneath the large hats that were popular with many women.

Dress styles also underwent an evolution during the 'Roaring Twenties' when hemlines rose and women opted for waistlines that dropped from the hip as the 'flapper trend' grew in popularity.

Gowns featured straight silhouettes and swinging hemlines that were perfect to dancing to American Jazz, the music of the era.

While long sleeves were still common, V-neck dresses also became an option. 

Kate Moss wears Galliano gown on her wedding day

1930s: The Depression era bride often wore dresses that they already owned because of economic hardship, however, women who chose to buy a dress chose a design that could easily be dyed and worn again 

1940s: Wartime rationing meant that brides had limited coupons to purchase a gown. If they did buy one, they typically had round shoulders, gathered sleeve, and corseted waists to give the illusion of an hour glass figure 

Screen icon Clara Bow was the style icon of the time, and brides-to-be powdered their faces and wore exaggerated kohl eyeliner to imitate the actress' dramatic look. 

Elaborate updos were swapped for bobbed hairstyles featuring curls or finger waves, which were perfect for the Juliet cap veils that were favored in this era. 

However, ten years later, during the Depression , gown choices were dictated by the economy and brides started getting married in dresses that they already owned because of financial hardships.

Women who opted to buy dresses chose styles that had less details, so they could be dyed and worn again. Brides also chose for rayon instead of silk because it was more affordable.

While hemlines were lowered down towards the calves, drop waist silhouettes were still popular, although they were higher and more formfitting than before.

1950s: Brides during this decade opted for cinched waists and ballerina length gown inspired by Christian Dior's 'New Look' 

Iconic dress: Grace Kelly wore a high-necks gown designed by Helen Rose of MGM Studios when she married Prince Ranier III in 1956. The classic look is still admired and emulated today 

Movie star: Ms Rose also designed Elizabeth Taylor's gown for her wedding to Conrad 'Nicky' Hilton, Jr. in 1950. Ms Taylor made the sweetheart neckline popular thanks to her role in Father of the Bride

During these difficult economic times, women looked towards the glamorous fashions worn by Hollywood film stars, and, eager to replicate their looks, chose longer finger waves or pin curls for their wedding days.

While pale skin was still highly-coveted, beauty began to take a turn for the adventurous, as eyebrows were thinly styled and women started wearing deep red lipstick.  

By the early 1940s, World War II was in full swing and bridal silhouettes reflected the times. Weddings were often rushed and organized a few days before, and  coupons were needed to buy clothing as a result of war time rationing.

If brides did wear gowns, they often featured corseted waists and padding around the hips to create an hourglass figure. Rounded shoulders and gathered sleeves were also favored details at this time. 

Elizabeth Taylor wedding gown sells for £121,875 at auction

1960s: Wedding gowns in the 'Swinging 60s' featured high necklines, empire line silhouettes and metallic embellishments inspired by space travel 

Rock and roll couple: Priscilla Presley wore an empire waist gown and a bouffant hairstyle to marry Elvis in 1967

1970s: Women preferred bohemian style dresses featuring flowing sleeves and 'dust ruffle' hems during this decade  

War time rationing also influenced beauty during this time. Because make-up was sparse, women had to get creative by pinching their cheeks and biting their lips to bring a flush of color to their skin.

However, wealthy women still opted for dramatic eyeliner, arched eyebrows and lush red lips. And when it came to styling their locks, women of this time preferred to wear their hair in soft waves on their wedding days.

In 1947 French designer Christian Dior changed the look of the time when he debuted his first collection, which was soon dubbed the 'New Look'. His designs featured nipped-in waists and a full skirts that fell to the mid-calves, a style that was soon picked up by brides-to-be. 

1950s brides often opted for ballerina-length gowns that features fitted bodices, fuller skirts and sweetheart necklines that were made popular by Elizabeth Taylor's role in the 1950 film Father of the Bride.

Stunning footage shows Elvis and Priscilla's wedding

1980s: The earthy, free-flowing bridal designs of the 1970s were soon replaced the over-the-top creations that marked the rising materialism of the 1980s 

History making gown: In 1981, Princess Diana's nuptials to Prince Charles was dubbed the 'wedding of the century'

Made for a princess: Not surprisingly, her elaborate gown featuring puffy sleeves and a 24 feet long train inspired women plan their own 'fantasy' weddings

Gowns were often tiered or decorated with lace during this time, and strapless gowns were paired with matching bolero jackets, allowing women to maintain their modesty. 

In 1956, actress Grace Kelly married Prince Rainer III in a high-collared gown featuring long lace sleeves and a full skirt, a bridal style that is still admired and imitated today. Kate Middleton's iconic wedding gown, which was designed by Alexander McQueen creative director Sarah Burton, was inspired by the princess' bridal style. 

Actresses also dictated the favored beauty looks of this period. When choosing their wedding make-up, women preferred the matte skin, red lips, and liquid eyeliner made popular by Ms Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. 

Meanwhile, hairstyles were typically shorter and curled, and worked well with the birdcage veils and skull caps that were popular during this time. 

By the 1960s, waistlines moved up once again, and women started to favor empire line silhouettes. Fashion was inspired by the 'space age' during this decade and many gowns featured metallic embellishments. 

The Royal Wedding of Charles and Diana

A-list wedding:  Mariah Carey's wore a Vera Wang gown inspired by Princess Diana's when she married Tommy Mottola in a lavish ceremony in 1993

Floral details, such as daisies, were also added to gowns. Necklines remained modest and fairly high, and like the previous decade veils were often shorter in length.

The social change and sexual revolution of this time marked the rise of free-spirited groups and individuals, and clothing was influenced by this counterculture. The highly-coveted hairstyles of this decade varied dramatically.

Teased bouffants and pixie cuts inspired by the British model Twiggy were beloved styles. Heavy black eyeliner, bright eye shadow in blues and greens, oversized fake lashes and pink frosted lips were all typical beauty looks during this period.

In addition to veils, tiaras became more popular thanks to a swathe of society weddings, such as Princess Margaret’s wedding to Anthony Armstong Jones in 1960.

A decade later bridal fashions went from somewhat traditional to totally bohemian. 1970s brides also favored empire waists, however, gowns of this decade featured new additions such as caplets and batwing sleeves. 

1990s: Brides during this decade favored minimalist styles and shunned intricate details such as lace and beading 

American royalty: In 1996, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy wed John F. Kennedy, Jr. in a bias-cut dress by French designer Narciso Rodriguez

While sleeves were typically long and flowy, necklines were high and often square in shape. When Princess Anne married Captain Mark Philips in 1973, she wore a high neck gown that featured long batwing sleeves.

The man-made fabrics that were invented in the mid-1970s were light and easy to work with, giving designers plenty of options when designing a wedding gown. Dresses of this time often featured a 'dust ruffle', a ruffle that circled the dress 12 inches above the hem.

Dubbed the 'me decade', the 1970s were all about individuality, and women would often design their gowns with the help of their mother or dressmaker.

Sticking with the bohemian style, hair was worn long and flowing, and tanned skin was the epitome of beauty, however make-up styles varied depending on the bride. While some women preferred natural beauty looks, others leaned towards the statement eyes and bold lips that were first popularized in the 1920s.

However, the earthy, free-flowing bridal designs of the 1970s were soon replaced by far more over-the-top creations, which marked the rising materialism of the 1980s. 

2000s: As more and more couples moved away from traditional church weddings, brides no longer needed to cover their shoulders. Strapless gowns soon became the style of the decade 

Pretty in pink: Gwen Stefani looked stunning a dip-dyed gown created by John Galliano when she said 'I do' to Rossdale in 2002

Gowns featured cathedral trains, oversized shoulders, and flowing sleeves that were gathered at the wrist. High collars, laced edges and full length veils were favored during this time, and women also started to begin experimenting with colors, choosing shades of ivory, champagne and pale pink in addition to traditional white.

In 1981, Princess Diana's nuptials to Prince Charles was dubbed the 'wedding of the century', and not surprisingly, her elaborate gown, which featured puffy sleeves and a 24 feet long train, inspired women to plan their own 'fantasy' weddings. 

The 1980s saw a resurgence of big, teased hair that was often permed. Make-up styles during this period were far from subtle, with women opting for bright eye colors and lipsticks, as well as the tanned skin that dominated the 1970s. 

By the 1990s, women were shunning the ostentatious designs of the 1980s and were instead flocking to minimalist designs. When it came to bridal style, this decade was influenced by classic American looks that were simple and elegant. 

There were a rise of destination weddings during the 1990s, and simple silhouettes were better suited for beach weddings and warmer climates.  Dresses were more fitted, and rarely featured lace or beading. 

Kate Middleton wears beautiful lace gown for Royal Wedding

Power couple: Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky in a strapless gown designed by Vera Wang in 2010 

In 1990, famed designer Vera Wang opened her first bridal salon in the Carlyle Hotel in New York, and she soon became a household name. 

Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy was the style icon of the decade, and when choosing the designer to create her wedding gown, she opted for French designer Narciso Rodriguez, who was fairly unknown at the time. 

When she walked down the aisle and wed John F. Kennedy, Jr. in a bias-cut dress made of pearl-white crepe and long white gloves in 1996, she launched Mr Rodriguez's career. 

And while big hair was still popular during this time, Carolyn chose to wear her blonde locks pulled back into a loose knot. 

When it came to make-up, women preferred natural faces with a bit of color on the cheeks, dark eyebrows and wine-colored lips – and Caroline was no exception. 

The iconic blonde beauty often chose to pair a minimal eye featuring very little shadow and liner with a standout red lip. On her wedding day, she looked fresh-faced an luminous, wearing a muted lip and hardly any eye make-up. 

2010s: Brides flocked to mermaid style silhouettes during this decade

Custom made: Kim Kardashian walked down the aisle and said 'I do' to Kanye West wearing a stunning lace, mermaid style gown designed by Givenchy creative directory Riccardo Tisci

Ten years later strapless gowns were all the rage and intricate details such as lace and beading started to make a comeback, appearing on belts that were worn across the waist. As people moved away from traditional church weddings in the 2000s, there was no longer a need for women to wear gowns that covered their shoulders.

Brides also moved away from veils during this time, instead opting to decorate their hair with flowers or tiaras. In 2010, Chelsea Clinton married Marc Mezvinsky in a strapless gown designed by Vera Wang. The dress was lightly gathered and featured the embroidered waistband that reached the pinnacle of popularity at the end of the decade.

While bridal hairstyles were typically simple during this time, women preferred 'smoky eye' make-up, tanned skin and pale lips when it came to their beauty looks.

In the 2010s, strapless gowns are still popular, however, more and more women are choosing figure-hugging gowns mermaid silhouettes that hug the body until fanning out at the calves. Lace and intricate beading are once again highly-coveted.

When Kim Kardashian wed Kris Humphries in 2011, she wore three-custom designed Vera Wang gowns, which included two mermaid silhouettes. 

Amazing masterpiece: The 2010s have been  marked by the return of long, dramatic veils like Kim's (pictured) 

Royal Wedding: Long veils grew in popularity following Kate Middleton's nuptials to Prince William in 2011 

Three years later, she walked down the aisle and said 'I do' to Kanye West wearing a stunning lace, mermaid style gown designed by Givenchy creative directory Riccardo Tisci.

Meanwhile, dramatic veils have grown in popularity following Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding to Prince William in 2011.

And while Kate and Kim shunned intricate updos during this time period, women are typically favoring natural looking waved piled into an updo.

Smokey eyes and long lashes are still popular and brides sometimes opted for red lips as a statement feature.

Although it is unclear how wedding dress styles will change over the next five years, socialite Nicky Hilton wed banking heir James Roths child earlier this month in a $77,000 couture Valentino gown featuring a high-neck and a long train, topping the look off with a dramatic lace veil, a look that was reminiscent of Grace Kelly's iconic wedding gown. 

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