When we think of weddings, the immediate image is that of a dazzling bride gliding down the aisle. It’s the perfect picture set to a backdrop of soft flowers and piercing strings.
Beyond the romance, the wedding industry has also seen a continued, albeit slowed down, boom in weddings. Of course, a report on the boom by CNBC found that inflation has inevitably caused these labor-intensive services to increase in price.
According to a guide to organizing an accessible wedding by 77 Diamonds, brides are still bearing the brunt of planning in the wake of post-pandemic reshuffling and rescheduled weddings. Here, experts note that dress shopping is one of the most important aspects to get done long before the big day to minimize the stress on the couple. With such a big event, it’s worth taking the time and getting something that makes you feel amazing.
Despite these hiccups, fashion-savvy brides-to-be still seek out true artists who continue to elevate the art of making the perfect wedding dress. Take a look at some of the most fascinating designers who have hit new heights in 2023 thanks to their vision.
1. Valentine Avoh
Creating a name for herself after working with the likes of McQeen and Milano, Valentine Avoh is one of the most unique designers when it comes to bridal wear. Her keen eye for precious materials lends itself to stunning creations that burst with detail. Wherever your eye lands, there’s something magnificent to gawk at.
In a time where everyone seems to be going minimal, Avoh embraces different patterns and cuts that go beyond your usual idea of a wedding gown. As more brides seek out that Vogue aesthetic for their own special days, the Brussels-based designer only continues to grow.
2. Stephanie White
Stephanie White is the creative powerhouse behind the magic of Odylyne The Ceremony. Expertly blending the timeless with the trendy, every bridal gown produced by this line manages to feel like something out of a storybook. The popularity of such designs only grows as more brides seek to lean toward their dreamier and more bohemian tastes.
Going viral for her Mini Caspian dress, she continues to embrace the puff and sheer delights that trail through her designs. One look at the Bridal Spring 2023 collection shows the effervescent aesthetic that has drawn brides to the designer as of late.
3. Noe Bernacelli
Years after his collection grasped the attention of Los Angeles Fashion Week SS18, Noe Bernacelli continues to transcend with his perfected style. Strictly against fitting the tide of trends, the Peruvian designer lends his keen eye for glamour and carefully detailed opulence. He has turned his eye to the world of weddings, with a lot of buzz surrounding his 2023 Brides by Noe Bernacelli collection.
The private exhibition has yet to drop but has already sustained a lot of excitement because of the immediately iconic wedding gown he created for the stunning wedding of Brunella Horna and former congressman Richard Acuna.
4. Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier has long been a favorite of celebrities and brides across the globe. A recurring fixture in New York Fashion Week, she manages to keep elevating her designs and finding something new to bring to haute couture. Even better, she has found the sublime blend of both worlds, creating both bespoke and ready-to-wear options for every kind of bride.
It’s practically a given that a Monique Lhuillier bridal piece will be a breathtaking masterpiece. However, what has kept her firmly ingratiated in the perception of the public is her staunch stance on ethical labor and sourcing of materials. With designers like her, who says luxury needs to be at the cost of others?
5. Galia Lahav
To include a designer who has been a mainstay for decades may seem strange, but Galia Lahav still manages to change the game in 2023. Her artistry is unmatched when it comes to making sophisticated gowns that effortlessly fit the cream of the crop. Pristine silhouettes and breathtaking tailoring are her bread and butter.
Notoriously one of the most expensive designers you can tap, Lahav recently made headlines after a lucky Goodwill shopper found one of her $6,000 pieces and got it for just $25. Upon finding out about the viral find, she and her team announced an initiative to donate more wedding dresses so that thrifters get more chances to get that Cinderella moment.
