In some ways, Spring 2023 Bridal Fashion Week—which unfolded all over New York City—felt like a reemergence. The first series of in-person fashion presentations and shows in just over two years, this market couldn't have come during a better time: at the dawn of spring. It was a fresh start—and, ultimately, there is no better way to kick off the season than by seeing what's new in the world of wedding dresses—which in turn inspire a bride's vision for the start of her own new beginning.
That's where we come in. To give you a sense of the gowns that will be available in the months to come, as well as the new trends to look out for (if you're so inclined) we combed through all of your favorite designers' brand-new oeuvres and we're spotlighting the garments we think are a cut above the rest. As you're about to discover, designers celebrated the return to the runway with extraordinary design: the beading is more intricate, the 3D appliqués are more voluminous, and the silhouettes are sleeker. Needless to say, these gowns are wedding boom-ready.
Though there is something for every bride on the slides ahead—where you can find stand-out pieces from lauded fashion houses like Amsale, Elie Saab, Monique Lhuillier, and Sareh Nouri—you'll quickly notice a few connective trends. Asymmetrical, one-shoulder necklines have made a comeback—and botanical motifs (think vine-like embroidery and floral lace) are a season mainstay. Fads aside, these wedding dresses are, on the whole, timeless—whether you're a modern woman of the hour or someone who prefers a more classic look, you're sure to find a wedding dress you love.
Amsale
Amsale's newest collection comprises a series of embellished pieces designed to be mixed and matched, which is also ideal for brides who want multiple looks for their big day. Inspired by the jazz clubs of New York's past and songstresses like Billie Holiday, these wedding dresses are a new take on old glamour—something the "Noore," a crystal-embellished ball gown, perfectly embodies.
Anne Barge
You'll want to promenade through an English garden while wearing one of the latest debuts from Anne Barge. "I envisioned a bride in one of these lush topiary gardens, beneath a trellis of roses, looking breathtaking," says Shawne Jacobs, the brand's creative director, of this season's jumping-off point. Complete with floral appliqués, romantic trains, bare-shoulder necklines, and feminine silhouettes, the oeuvre is an homage to spring and summer—which is why any bride tying the knot during the warm-weather months should consider this floral lace trumpet sheath, complete with a dramatic (and detachable!) taffeta train.
BHLDN
The floor-length wedding dress isn't every bride's vision—which is where this set, comprised of the "Glozell" vest and "Stellfi" short and designed by Ronny Kobo for BHLDN, comes in. It's daring and unexpected, with vintage '60s flare; we think it's the ultimate getaway outfit.
David's Bridal
David's Bridal newest launch honors the many women who wear the accessible fashion house's designs—filled with a mix of classic, modern, and daring creations, there's something for every woman of the hour. We're partial to this long-sleeved number, which features a floral appliqué bodice and pearl beading; with an alluring V-neckline and sheer paneling, it's the perfect combination of sexy and sweet.
Elie Saab
Lauded designer Elie Saab turned to the heroines depicted in pre-Raphaelite paintings (think Ophelia, Lilith, and Circe) when dreaming up his own works of art this season. A swirl of Chantilly lace, Mikado, immaculate beadwork, ruffles, and asymmetry, the creative's spring 2023 wedding-dress collection is a testament to the powers of realism and nature. This ensemble feels particularly art-inspired—the folded bodice resembles brushstrokes.
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Galia Lahav
Galia Lahav is known for delivering daring gowns season after season. The atelier's latest collection was no exception—if anything, it was the brand's boldest series yet. The reason? To combat more casual work-from-home aesthetics, the fashion house's designers—helmed by Sharon Sever—dug deep to create their most fashion-forward, extravagant batch to date. It's no wonder, then, that the collection is titled "Shine." With gilded, sparkling motifs and 3D appliqués (both of which are seen on the "Nirvana," pictured here), these wedding dresses help brides do just that.
Halfpenny London
Named "Wonder," Halfpenny London's just-debuted wedding-dress series was born out of a season of incredible change. Founder and designer Kate Halfpenny focused on playing with fabrics and construction to ensure the collection met this moment, resulting in a particularly fresh—and full of wonder—oeuvre. The series is wonderfully diverse; there are figure-hugging numbers, like this satin ensemble (we love that loose-tie bow!), and dramatic ball gowns, complete with modern corsets, too. The gist? There's a style to suit any bride's design sensibility. The brand is also committed to size inclusivity, which means there really is a dress for every woman who wants to step out in a Halfpenny London ensemble.
Hermione de Paula
British designer Hermione de Paula has officially broken into the bridal market. Her debut demi-couture collection—titled "Kado," after the Japanese art of flower arranging—features 30 signature, customizable silhouettes that are rich with the creative's intricate botanic embroidery, hand-painted prints, and unique structural details. Having cut her teeth at fashion houses like Christian Dior Couture, Alexander McQueen, and John Galliano, de Paula took a haute-couture approach when ideating these stunning pieces. We can't stop looking at this pink-and-green ensemble, complete with floral motifs, puffed sleeves, and a striking peplum.
Ines di Santo
Ines Di Santo, the founder of her eponymous line and its sister brand, Ines by Ines Di Santo, turned to her childhood, which she spent in Buenos Aires; her time as a fashion student in Paris; and her travels throughout Dubai (where she discovered opulence) when ideating each new ensemble. In some ways, these gowns, tucked into a series dubbed "Post Cards from Ines," are a map—they trace "how my travels led me to collect the skills I have spent my career trying to perfect," she wrote in a press release. This wedding dress, with a sophisticated sheath silhouette (Paris!), dynamic feather skirt (Buenos Aires!), and intricate embroidery and beadwork (Dubai!) encapsulates all three places—which means it's perfect for a destination event.
Jenny by Jenny Yoo
Jenny Yoo's bridal brand is rooted in minimalism; the pieces highlight, but never overpower, the wearer's form. Graceful and fluid, this latest installment eschews fleeting trends and speaks to the power of basics with subtle twists—like the lace accents that frame the open back of the "Florence," a flowing, long-sleeved A-line complete with a gently pleated skirt.
Justin Alexander Signature
Showmanship meets craftsmanship in Justin Alexander Signature's Spring/Summer 2023 collection, which was informed by the theater sphere. Naturally, the series is full of drama—note the flared train on the "Edna," a striking ensemble perfectly suited for the woman of the hour who wants to make an entrance—translated through oversized bows, shimmering textures, and experimental draping.
Lihi Hod
Designer Lihi Hod's just-debuted pieces are a celebration of life: Collectively titled "Mystic Wildflower," these gowns represent the richness and renewal of each new dawn. The creative ideated each silhouette and motif after studying in-bloom flowers; their slow unfurling was translated in a myriad of ways (note how the the neckline on the "Nela" resembles petal folds), through smooth fabrics like organza, Mikado, and silk and floral embroidery.
Marchesa
English photographer Joe Horner's floral installation imagery inspired the designers behind the Spring 2023 Marchesa couture collection. His art, which features live flowers collaged against natural elements, like clouds or water, informed the dahlias, roses, and wildflowers embroidered onto the gowns' silhouettes. Note the floral lace motifs on this off-the-should A-line, complete with a voluminous back bow (which speaks to the clouds seen in Horner's work!).
Mira Zwillinger
This Israel-based fashion house debuted the "Wonders" collection at Spring 2023 Bridal Fashion Week. Inspired by unity in a period of great disconnect, each piece feels tethered to the next, tied together by similar fabrics, like gauzy tulle and lace, and incredible detailing. Mira Zwillinger's signature move—dynamic, hand-crafted appliqués—is also on full display in this series; brides can expect to see intricate florals, unique vines (which span the length of the "Demi," pictured here), and even shells on these dresses.
Monique Lhuillier
Take a trip to Italy by way of Monique Lhuillier's most recent big-day series; though each garment nods to a different region, they all embrace la dolce vita. Exaggerated embroidery and extended Watteau trains (both of which are seen on this mini dress), evoke modern whimsy and sophistication—a balance the designer manages to find each and every season.
Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta's newest series is dedicated to the renaissance bride. Creative directors Laura Kim and Fernando Garcia drew inspiration from the architecture of Florence, Italy, such as the marble-floored palazzi. Details like billowing sleeves—these structural, puffed iterations are the definition of dramatic—and floral appliqués accent the silk fusion gowns, adding stunning, unique touches to their traditional silhouettes.
Reem Acra
Brides looking for a romantic, but modern wedding dress should consider Reem Acra's latest offerings. The "Love From Above" collection features elegant gowns with dramatic accents, such as lace capes and long floral trains. They're ethereal, but up-to-date, which is a trope this brand is known for.
Romona Keveza
You'll find iconic silhouettes in Romona Keveza's famous 5-ply silk crepe throughout her latest collection, which was designed with multiple big-day styles in mind—from large, formal gatherings to more intimate destination affairs. This sleek number, however, toes the line: The slight asymmetry of the neckline feels fresh, while the structural pleat and shoulder-height train reads more formal.
Sareh Nouri
Sareh Nouri turned to Southern brides when dreaming up this timeless collection, which is filled with the brand's special twists. With bows, incredible ruffles (the tulle layers seen on the "Greyson," a number suited for a bride who doesn't connect with the color white, are endless), embroidered laces, and hand-draped accents, the gowns inside the fashion house's "Southern Charm" oeuvre are perfect for women who want a gown with flair—but also want to look back on their big-day choice and know that it never went out of style.
Steven Birnbaum
You'll find dresses in soft, off-white hues—including champagne tones and ivories inspired by the soft glow of twilight—in New York-based designer Steven Birnbaum's new bespoke oeuvre. His designs include silk empire-waist numbers, satin mermaid dresses, and tulle ball gowns—all of which embody "the luxury of true love," the designer explained.
THEIA
A balance of angular and organic elements, THEIA's latest release was designed with a specific artist in mind: local flower photographer Eva Grall, whose style (inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's) is sensual, simple, and modern—all tenants of the THEIA brand. Petal-informed details can be seen throughout the series, via cowls and strategic draping, but we're particularly drawn to the punchiness of this textural sheath, complete with an asymmetrical, cut-out neckline.