Wedding dress shopping for some could be a daunting experience. When I went hunting for my perfect modern wedding dress, I remember scouring the internet and shop floors, but nothing felt entirely “me.” As a fashion editor, I dreamt of a white dress that said “bridal” but that also felt fresh and fashion-forward, something with structural or embellished elements that made it less cupcake, more couture.
From oval shapes to chunky gold silhouettes.
Thankfully, a growing number of brands big and small have cropped up to fill that space for us fashion brides seeking something unique for our special day. Over the years, and especially after the pandemic, aisle style, along with wedding traditions in general, have drastically evolved and expanded in range. Once dominated by brands creating either gowns from mounds of tulle or simple slip dresses, the bridal industry has now come to encompass chic, independent labels carving a niche for themselves, be it with delicate embroidery, dramatic capes or ethereal pleating.
Below, we've curated 9 modern wedding dress brands creating pieces that are sure to make any fashion bride swoon.
KHYELI
Emirati designer Ahmed Alkhyeli's designs used to grace the Couture Fashion Week runway, until his gowns were in such high demand he chose to slip away and cater to the plethora of personal clients and their various evening wear or bridal needs. His dresses perfectly walk the line between fairytale-esque gowns that still maintain an edgy fashion twist, which is why he became the go-to for fashion tastemakers like Bettina Looney and Sophie Coote (co-founder of Sir the Label) for their Big Day.
WED STUDIO
Central Saint Martins classmates Amy Trinh and Evan Phillips bonded over their mutual love of craft, which led to the birth of WED Studio in 2019. Best known for their bespoke, draped gowns using dead-stock fabrics (some of their early designs made headlines for using fabrics from a 300-year-old mill that once supplied silk jacquards for Princess Diana's wedding gown), the talented duo are honorees of prestigious accolades including the 2021 LVMH Prize and Sarabande Foundation Artists in Residence 2019-2021.
DANIELLE FRANKEL
Danielle Frankel needs no introduction thanks to the gaggle of stars from Alexandra Daddario (of White Lotus fame) to Naomi Biden who chose the NYC-based designer to create their dream modern wedding dresses. Before launching her own label, Danielle cut her teeth under the one and only Vera Wang—and it shows. Her perfectly tailored designs blend Baroque beauty with modern minimalism in a way that romantic and new every season. Oh, and she recently launched shoes, too!
MAGDA BUTRYM
Polish designer Magda Butrym has amassed a fashionable fanbase for her sexy, dramatic party wear, like mini-dresses with power 80s shoulders and slinky, rose-covered gowns. This nostalgic romanticism in her brand DNA has lent itself particularly well to a growing line of aisle-ready looks. This season's lacy numbers or simple tube dress with a scarf detail are perfect for those planning an intimate, beachside wedding.
VIKTOR & ROLF
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When it comes to avant-garde wedding dresses, the couturiers behind Viktor & Rolf are the first to come to mind. Their bridal offering merges the brand's futuristic aesthetic with conventional bridal needs, resulting in sleek columns with stark lines, or ultra-modern silhouettes like bridal rompers. Their latest collection featuring crisp jumpsuits and dramatic veils uses luxurious fabrics like mikado, jacquard, and charmeuse satin to create their elegant styles.
ASAR
Sometimes a girl just wants a simple satin dress with just a touch of drama, and that's where London-based designer Nikeen Asar comes in. Through her minimalist collections, you'll find a sheer polka-dotted dress or a tie-neck satin gown with an open-back and mini train—perfect for the bride looking for something laidback, but that still stands up to the occasion.
ROTATE
Creative directors and Scandi It girls Jeanette Madsen and Thora Valdimarsdottir know how to make party wear you want dance in and their bridal edit is no exception. Between puff-sleeved midis and full-sequinned suits (did someone say Studio 54 themed reception?), there's something for every type of bride and wedding. They've also just launched a zebra-print filled H&M collab to fulfil your hen do needs!
LUIS INFANTES
One look at a top-to-toe fringed gown by Luis Infantes and one could tell the Madrid-based designer understands drama. Luis operates from a small studio in which each piece is carefully hand-sewn by seamstresses to minimise waste, and ensure perfect finishes. We love that the more outré elements in some pieces, like a sweeping fan collar or 3D polka dots are always balanced out with sleek silhouettes, making them fashion-forward but still timeless classics in their own right.
CUCCULELLI SHAHEEN
For the ladies who love a little sparkle (then again, who doesn't?) and intricate embellishments, Cucculelli Shaheen is the brand to know. The designers, who are also married partners in real life, have design experience at a wide array of international brands from Oscar de la Renta and Burberry and have since created their unique identity, which encapsulates goddess gowns sprinkled with delicate appliqués or a dusting of metallic embellishment.
