New York Bridal Fashion Week (NYBFW) has continuously highlighted the crème of the crop in the world of designer bridal twice for wedding fanatics. With two dedicated weeks of bridal fashion occurring in April and October each year, this April we’ve been dazzled by a few of the new collections showcased at NYBFW.
Let’s recap some our most beloved collections that debuted this season.
Sheila Frank SS23 – Victorian Modernism
Through her new collection, Sheila Frank blends modern femininity with a historical point of view. Conservative styles were adorned with contemporary fads that made for a beautiful fusion of two periods of time through design.
Entitled ‘Victorian Modernism,’ the collection shares elements from both the Victorian and modern era. Shown impeccably through the styling, an era known for the industrial power advancements of the British Empire, we see these elements of the Victorian age vividly in the collection. Elements of structuring from previously conventional work wear are shown through the sharp lines and masculine aspects of Frank’s work.
Through the combination of the two time periods, we also see apparent components of fresh fashions in the collection. From the feminine features of gleaming fabrics to innovative beading techniques, ‘Victorian Modernism’ provides a seamless fusion of the two times. Modern styling approaches, too, transform the bridal pieces to a 21st century point of view.
In terms of her inspiration point, Frank stated that, “This season I explored Victorian Menswear from pre-Victorian 1830s to late 1890s. Each look is designed with a garment in mind from the frock coat, waist coat, shirt variations to the cravat. Fabrics include matte and shiny satin, crepe, tulle, and beaded mesh. Gowns are adorned with bronze and gold buttons and styled with pressed flower pendant necklaces and belts. I explored the idea of vintage meets modern with clean lines and pleated fabrics that flatter the female form.”
Justin Alexander and Savannah Miller SS23 – Love in A Mist
Just in time for wedding season, post a hard reset on large celebrations, Justin Alexander Warshaw in collaboration with Savannah Miller resurge with their new SS23 collections of timeless Bridal fashion. Derived from legacy, the family-owned bridal business was established in 1946 by Justin’s grandparents. Rooted in humble beginnings with T&G (Thanks & Goodluck) Veils, an accessory company now empire at the hands of meticulous business of the budding mogul. A sequel to the family-owned business, the Justin Alexander brand is a pioneer in design, manufacturing including distribution. Expanding their portfolio with Adore x JA, Lillian West, Sincerity Bridal, Viktor&Rolf Mariage and now Savannah Miller Bridal founded in 2016.
“I knew I would be in Bridal; I absolutely love the fashion side & the business side, it’s in my blood.” -Justin Alexander
Reintroduced and the precursor to New York Bridal Fashion Week, 360 Magazine was cordially invited for a sneak peek at an industrial Midtown showroom. The luxury reception themed event showcased wedding dresses of both Justin & Savannah. The befitting return to NYC by Miller who decodes romance and elegance through her understated designs. Each garb overflows with personality, not to mention love which Savannah trusts prevailed within the last two years. A collection befitting of its title ‘Love in A Mist’, inclusively curating her brand with detailing inspired by her tenure at Alexander McQueen.
Armon, Creative Director for 360 Magazine met with the designers for a ‘No No-sense Conversation’ where they shared advice and candidly shared each will be preparing for their own nuptials in the coming future. When asked, what inspires them and why Bridal? Justin shares “It’s nothing better when a bride lights up when she found the dress or enters walking down the aisle with everyone in awe.” Miller goes on to say, “As a woman, you know when it’s right and how it feels on your body,” encouraging liberation. One thing they both agreed on is the significance of what a moment such as a wedding means. Therefore, having positive influences involved in your overall process.
Dana Harel SS23 – Acqua
Designed with rich inspiration points of past-time Europeans with an added Mediterranean taste, Dana Harel’s new ‘Acqua’ collection utters elegant chic. The SS23 collection was created to commemorate all things life, creativity and freedom while incorporating elements of the energy from our beloved oceans. Each piece of ‘Acqua’ resembles pieces that modern princesses would adorn during their wedding days.
The collection effortlessly showcases distinctions between western and eastern cultures through the varying designs. An array of 11 designs stem from the collection, offering for a wide selection of aesthetic preferences. Whether the bride to be is in search of a sexy, simple look or a more conservative, luxurious piece, ‘Acqua’ has all the components to make you feel like a new-day princess.
Pictured below are the Vittoria and Nicola dresses. The Vittoria elevates a modern design with a classic European cut. Dripping in the finest sequin/crystal fabric, the Vittoria is a sexy take on the contemporary, romantic essence of the 21st century. The Nicola takes on a more moderate fabric with Italian double satin. Also showcasing a slit like the Vittoria, the Nicola sports a gathering affect that reminds us of the rifts and waves in the ocean.
The Atelier Couture SS23 – Shakespeare in Love
The Bridal by The Atelier Couture transports us all the way back to the Elizabethan Era when British theatre was at its peak with their new collection ‘Shakespeare in Love.’ Distinctly crafted with bold Avant-Garde visions reminiscent of gowns that were sported in Shakespeare’s plays, The Atelier Couture captivates us with a new bridal take on classic Europeans drama.
Ball gowns adorned with extravagant beading and lacing; the ‘Shakespeare in Love’ collection encapsulates the essence of Shakespeare’s work. Each gown tells its own story through shifting necklines, silhouettes and train lengths. Mostly consisting of over the top, out of this world fluffy ball gown silhouettes, The Atelier Couture’s latest bridal collection looks as if it would be worn by the Queen of England on her wedding day.
The romantic essence of the collection references old-school fairytale silhouettes. The contents of this collection are elaborate and poetic, similar to Shakespeare’s plays. Renowned as one of the greatest writers in the English language, ‘Shakespeare in Love’ lives up to this accolade.
Dress Hunt x HOUGHTON Pop-Up
Dress Hunt and HOUGHTON collaborated to bring forth an exclusive bridal pop-up event this season. Dress Hunt is a bridal hub where brides can find a selection of wedding dresses and bridal accessories essential for their big day. Ensuring access to everything that a bride may be in search of for her big day, Dress Hunt sources the finest bridal fashions into one location for a leisurely shopping experience.
Founded by Katharine Polk, the pop-up showcased HOUGHTON Season 2, seven celebrity-inspired looks crafted for seven individual women. With a luxurious reference to celebrity fashion, designs ranged from cocktail dresses to elaborate gowns. The styles were created to reflect that of what the modern woman is in search for.
Coming together to create a hands-on experience for brides in search of their perfect dress, the event turned out to be a smashing success. Aside from HOUGHTON Season 2, other collections were platformed from ASAR By Nikeen Asar, NOVA, Deesigns and more.
Sophie Et Voilà SS22 – Cristóbal
Individualism and philosophy blend together to create the meaning behind Sophie Et Voilà’s 2022 Cristóbal collection. A women-founded and ran company, Sophie Et Voilà prides themselves on their commitment to sustainability. Focused on handcrafting pieces for their clientele, each piece is unique and distinct. The theme of their brand follows that of their new collection, Cristóbal.
Standing alone and not conforming to the modern trends was one of the key elements of the Cristóbal collection for Sophie Et Voilà. Inspired by the ways that we think, the ways that we choose to learn and live past our mistakes throughout life, came Cristóbal. Each piece from the collection takes on their own name, one and only one. With classical structures, sleek lines and advanced styles, Cristóbal embodies potency and independence.
Regarding the collection, they stated, “At Sophie Et Voilà we never wanted to be commercial. We never thought about being others. Being different was never our goal. Doing something different has been the consequence of opting for doing things our own way. In a world where adaptation is everything, being true to oneself is a luxury that very few can afford.”
