New York Bridal Fashion Week is back this year with mesmerizing designs and showstopping pieces. The highly anticipated event is a highlight of the fashion calendar, bringing together top designers from around the world to showcase their latest creations for the 2024 Spring and Summer wedding season. This year's event was no exception, with designers presenting their most innovative and beautiful designs yet as they captivated viewers with romantic silhouettes, bold colors, functional designs, and delicate embellishments. Each designer, some veterans and some new to the NWBFW stage, showcased their unique and intricate visions, leaving attendees and fashion enthusiasts alike in awe.
While every design had its moment during the week-long event, here is our recap of some of the most interesting collections and designers from this year’s event.
Kelly faetanini
Once the youngest designer to showcase her wedding gowns at New York Bridal Fashion Week, designer Kelly Faetanini has continued to make strides in the bridal fashion industry with her collection of feminine and romantic designs. Ever since launching her brand in 2012, Faetanini has remained committed to providing modern brides of all shapes and sizes with an array of classic styles from romantic to dramatic.
At this year’s NYBFW, Faetanini showcased her Spring 2024 'Eternal' Collection which encapsulated a harmonious blend of elegance and elevated sophistication all while embodying the essence of timeless design and high fashion. The inspiration for this collection was found in the classic silhouettes of 1990s couture. Adding her own modern touch to these iconic styles, Faetanini incorporated refined textures and luxurious materials. Drawing inspiration from the essence of Southern France and the intimacy of a true love story, this collection weaves its own narrative of eternal romance in the simple elegance of each gown.
Ines di santo
In the bridal fashion industry, Ines Di Santo is a name you are bound to hear sooner than later. The world-renowned bridal gown designer has served as a prominent figure on the wedding stage for over three decades. Having studied fine art and design in Argentina and Italy, this designer’s love for arts, as well as her childhood days spent in beautiful Buenos Aires, continue to inspire her signature designs. In effort to bring her fantasy of the “perfect” wedding gown to life, Ines Di Santo designs her gowns to be modernized takes on classic couture techniques, handcrafted embroideries, and fine European fabrics.
In celebration of her 54th collection since the launch of her namesake brand, Ines Di Santo showcased her stunning new spring collection, Symphony No. 54 “In Full Bloom” at NYBFW. With an emphasis on the concept of love in bloom, this year’s presentation featured intricate hand-painted floral designs, stunning dimensional beading, and expertly crafted fabric manipulations. Her unique, signature style was evident throughout her collection with her use of dramatic proportions and bold color choices that not only elevated the designs to be reminiscent of an editorial look, but also perfectly encapsulated the air of Spring.
“Every bride should feel like a flower in full bloom, beautiful and perfectly unique.” —Ines Di Santo
Esé azénabor
Esé Azénabor is certainly the new girl on the block showcasing her Spring/Summer collection at her first ever Bridal Fashion Week. The self-taught designer, hailing from Nigeria, traded in her simple college life for the twists and turns of the fashion world. Inspired by the beauty of African and contemporary European fashion, Azénabor developed a love for, as well as becoming well known for, heavy hand beading with fine crystals, stone and pearls, French lace, tulle, and more.
Introducing her couture runway collection, 'Essence,' for the first time at NYBFW, Azénabor chose to showcase what inspired her decision to become a designer which was to create intricate yet over the top textures. Through the use of fabric manipulation, Swarovski crystals, to Ostrich feathers and 3-D floral patterns, this collection encapsulates the uniqueness and creativity that drastically elevates each look. One of the most unique designs from this collection was a stunning two-piece suit with broad padded shoulders and a dramatic bow adorning the front with each tail trailing down the legs. This simple yet bold look exudes power and elegance and offers brides a beautiful alternative to a classic wedding gown.
Watters
With over 30 years of expertise in the bridal fashion industry, designer Vatana Watters, has built her family-owned and operated empire from the ground up. Having developed a love for fashion and design at a young age, Watters chose to dedicate her career to creating timeless and captivating wedding gowns that were both beautiful and accessible to all brides. From selling her designs out of the back of her car to being one of the most well known and respected names in the bridal fashion industry, Watters has remained faithful to her customers by providing stunning pieces at varying price points.
During this year’s NWBFW, Watters showcased their stunning Spring/Summer 2024 collection that embodied a “More is More” vibe. Their floaty, billowy designs beautifully encapsulated romance and femininity from the off the shoulder sleeves with lace detailing to their floral two-piece gowns. Watters’ fun and flirty elopement dresses ranging in colors such as white and blue with refined beaded detailing, floral patterns and bows are certain to leave brides feeling excited for their summer weddings.
Mira zwillinger
Mira Zwillinger is a luxury brand created by mother-daughter duo, Mira and Lihi Zwillinger. As one of the leading couture houses in Tel Aviv, this collection caters to every bride looking for bridal outfits leading up to their big day as well as a break taking wedding gown to walk down the aisle in. Having been designing and sewing since she was a young girl, Mira Zwillinger developed a unique aesthetic that made new clientele flock to her in support of her creativity and unrivaled quality. As her brand has grown in size and popularity, her collections can now be found at high-end boutiques and department stores across the globe.
AWAKENING - Haute Couture SS24 Bridal
For this year’s NYBFW, Mira Zwillinger’s collection was inspired by her personal awakening process, “awakening to living life in a different way, with a different tuning of our mind and a different outcome of our reality, which bursts forth and influences everything in our path, unleashing our inner power and exuberance of our creative expression.” To showcase the power of unleashing one’s true essence, Zwillinger’s collection of 13 wedding dresses are reminiscent of an awakened and open state through the light and airy look and feel of the gowns. The addition of embroidered flowers and the intentional layering of lace with hand-made motifs represents the process of revealing one’s inner beauty.
This collection was one of the most romantic and dreamier collections to have been showcased as it so beautifully highlighted the essence of Spring and love. The unique design choices of creating removable sleeves, capes, and toppers perfectly encapsulated the idea of self-expression and self‑awakening.
Sareh nouri
All designers strive to break out of the mold and push boundaries and that is exactly what designer Sareh Nouri has achieved with her Spring/Summer 2024 collection.As with many designers who found their love for bridal fashion at a young age, Nouri found her inspiration at the center of where her two worlds collided. Coming to the US from Iran at the age of 9, she was fascinated by the differences of these two vibrant cultures. As she worked many different roles in the bridal industry before launching her own brand, Nouri would combine the many facets of her life and interests from her background in fashion and graphic design to her love of traditional Persian art and classic Hollywood glamor to create a line all its own.
While you wait to find something borrowed, Nouri’s newest collection is offering brides something blue. Soft blue tones had their moment as this designer showcased her gorgeous ball gown and flare skirt dresses at NYBFW. For brides looking for a touch of blue in the detailing, the Last First Kiss design featured her signature blue bows cascading down the back of the dress as well as on the front of the sleeves. For those torn on wanting equal parts white and blue on their wedding day, Nouri’s Blue Moon gown was the perfect elegant slim ivory dress with an over-the-top soft blue bow draping down the back. Lastly, the most bold and blue piece in the collection was the jaw-dropping Hydrangea design consisting of blue floral designs all throughout the dramatic, oversized ball gown.
While her Something Blue designs stole the show, her regal all-white gowns were certainly fitting for any fairytale wedding.
Liz martinez
For Liz Martinez, her road to success started in the bedroom of her mother’s apartment where she would sew her own designs. As her designs gained popularity, she soon became known as the “Cinderella” among the wave of Israeli designers emerging within the bridal fashion industry. What makes her designs so captivating are the glamorous yet bold designs meant to capture the expression of inner beauty and a woman’s seductive nature.
For bold brides unafraid to step away from tradition, Martinez’s Spring/Summer bridal collection may be just what you’ve been searching for. The sheer fabric may be a bit risky on the aisle for some, but the elegant silhouettes, draping skirts, and fine embroidery and tulle detailing strike the perfect balance of timeless beauty and elegance.
Justin alexander
Award-winning designer, Justin Alexander, once again graced the runway at this year’s NYBFW with a blend of modern romance in his signature “Of Dreams” collection. Having made his debut in the bridal fashion scene as T&G (Thanks and Goodluck) Bridal in 1946 at a pivotal time in the fashion world when women began utilizing fashion as an outlet to express their femininity and beauty. Coming from humble begins, Alexander has grown into a successful contemporary designer and manufacturer of mid to high end bridal gowns and accessories. He strives to ensure that women feel beautiful and feminine in their perfect wedding gowns with flattering silhouettes, adorned necklines and a careful attention to detail.
This year, Alexander’s collection was inspired by the love and joy he experienced during a recent major life event – his own wedding. His vision for his bridal creations were to embody dreams rooted in the feelings of love, excitement, and beauty of the wedding day that all soon-to-be we couples will soon experience themselves. This collection featured flowy and tiered skirts with elegant floral embroidery and detailing on the back and necklines creating a dreamy and enchanting look. To add to the floral dream of the Spring and Summer season, Alexander included a fragrance with this year’s collection with notes of cherry blossom, sandalwood, jasmine and lily of the valley – uniting masculinity and femininity into one perfect scent.
Lee petra grebeneau
Lee Petra Grebeneau’s namesake brand is a distinguished couture brand notably sought after for its luxury bridal and evening wear. Hailing from Israel, designer Lee Petra Grebeneau, developed a love for fashion from a young age before continuing her education in fashion by attending “Shenkar” one of the top fashion design universities in the world. While attending college, Grebeneau her own atelier which gained her a list of exclusive clientele through word of mouth. Now, her couture gowns are now available in various countries around the world.
Showcasing her new “SUNRISE” bridal collection for the Spring and Summer 2024 at NYBFW, Grebeneau sought to embody the vibe of new beginnings and fresh starts. The collection is inspired by the beauty and energetic feel of an early morning sunrise rising over a tranquil horizon. For this designer, the feelings of confidence and power brides can feel while wearing her designs are as important as the gowns themselves. In celebration of love and the power of femininity, these couture pieces were reminiscent of the glistening beauty of that early morning glow. One of the most stunning pieces of this collection was her Mermaid gown featuring a semi-dropped waist corset, handmade 3D flowers, and removable off the shoulder cap sleeves.
In addition to her SUNRISE collection, Grebeneau also featured her ALLURE collection of made-to-order gowns perfect for every event from your bridal shower to your bachelorette party. These handmade designs included sleek silhouettes with feathers or glittery embellishments, and crystal fringes.
Jenny yoo
For resident New Yorker, Jenny Yoo, NYBFW hits closer to home in more ways than one. Having been a part of the bridal industry for over two decades, Yoo launched her first bridal brand in 2002 before releasing her namesake collection in 2006. Her modern beliefs in modifying the traditional white wedding dress into more modern and elegant designs emphasizes her philosophy that evolving with the ever-changing times are essential and there is beauty in change. With a forward-thinking mindset, it’s no surprise that Yoo’s signature style is that of clean lines and modern cuts that showcase the fine craftsmanship and fit of her wedding gowns.
During this year’s NYBFW, Yoo unveiled her “Femme Nouveau” collections that offer versatile designs ready to take brides-to-be from their pre-wedding celebrations, to the aisle, and then to the reception. Catered to the feminine woman open to embracing the avant-garde, Yoo’s wedding gowns offer two distinct bridal lines – bridesmaid dresses and little white dresses.
With versatility being at the forefront of her bridal designs, Yoo’s creations embody her signature conversable style that allows bows and sleeves to be easily detached to change the bride’s overall look. Some of her most beloved pieces are designed with a sultry corseted back, thigh high slits, and alluring necklines among many other features.
Nardos
Born and raised in Eritrea, Nardos Imam, found inspiration in her mother’s sewing which inspired her to pursue a career in fashion once she moved to the US. After graduating, her early career began working at a luxe fabric store in Dallas, Texas before she later shifted gears by becoming an in-house designer at Stanley Korshak. As her clientele grew and remained loyal to her innovative and unique architectural designs, Nardos later went on to launch her own fashion house – NARDOS Couture. With her designs being sought after by celebrities, this designer's timeless pieces have only helped to elevate her brand.
Taking the stage at this year’s NYBFW, Nardos showcased her latest Enchanting Garden Bridal Collection that featured a contemporary take on classic trends. Her use of florals to transform these gowns into a spring and summer garden are not only captivating to the eye, but add to the feminine charm of her designs. Her use of geometric shapes around the bust and neckline further elevate her gowns into a high-fashion, glamorous look that maintains an ethereal element.
Galia lahav
International renowned designer, Galia Lahav, has become a popular name in the bridal fashion industry as her exquisite designs and attention to detail make for stunningly over-the-top wedding gowns. Born and raised in Russia, Lahav began her career as a designer at a young age, taking inspiration from her grandmother who was a seamstress. After completing her studies at the Shenkar Fashion Institute in Israel, Galia Lahav launched her first bridal collection in 1988 and quickly gained popularity for her uniquely glamorous style.
At this year’s NYBFW, Lahav proudly presented her Couture Collection| AMOR and GALA Collection | ENCANTO which both serve to introduce sensual silhouettes and styles. In her first collection, AMOR, Lahav found inspiration in the iconic opera, “Carmen” which embodied the raw passion of love while encouraging brides to boldly express their desires. Transforming this feeling into her collection, this designer created her collection around the theme of love, romance, and passion.
In her second collection, ENCANTO, Lahav takes a softer approach in celebrating the blossoming of true love. Her designs for this collection are that of a fairytale, embodying the feelings of love, romance, and the modern celebrations of love. The intricate details and whimsical embellishments will make any bride step fully into her inherent femininity.
Although New York Bridal Fashion Week has now come to a close, future brides, designers, and fashion lovers alike can revel in the latest designs that will be soon making their debut off the runways. This year’s presentations did not disappoint as each designer showcased an array of stunning wedding dresses that captured the attention of soon-to-be brides around the globe. This year, 2-in-1 looks took center stage offering brides the freedom to create the perfect showstopping look during and after the ceremony with removable skirts, adjustable straps, and functional sleeve designs. These opulent and romantic designs with intricate detailing and embellishments will speak to the imagination of any bride for the upcoming wedding seasons. As the wedding industry continues to evolve, it's clear that bridal fashion is keeping pace with the times, and this year's New York Bridal Fashion Week was no exception. We’re excited to see future brides take these gowns to new heights and shape future bridal fashion.
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