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By Maria Gawne
The Fall NY Bridal Fashion Week was really speaking to my inner artist, book lover, and romantic. The shows and presentations this year had theatrical elements that I was really all about. If you’re planning a wedding in 2025 or 2026, the Fall 2024 NYBFW was a treasure trove of inspo, couture, soft tulle, and ethereal goodness. This year’s collections moved beyond traditional bridal norms while also paying homage to historic romance, showcasing corseted bodices, tailored fits, dramatic drop waists, playful pops of color, and a noticeable departure from the classic white princess gown. If you’re looking for fresh ideas for your wedding day look, you have arrived…these highlights from Bridal Fashion Week are a must-read!
The week for me, kicked off in Soho at Galia Lahav. Known for pushing the boundaries of bridal fashion, Galia Lahav delivered an out-of-the-box experience that was unsurprisingly iconic while also being playful. Her designs married dramatic flair with meticulous craftsmanship, which is pretty standard for her. I had the opportunity to go to Galia Lahav’s show back in Spring 2023 NYBFW and I loved her unique reimagining of veils then and was pleased to see that it still rang true this year. My favorite was a blush pleated veil that was secured with a comb in the model’s hair but was also attached to each of her wrists with tulle rosettes giving her the ability to open it up like wings. It was a 12/10 for me. I would wear that veil everywhere…weddings, networking events, Costco… give me the ability to have a winged fairy queen moment and I am there.
Badgley Mischka’s event was playful and innovative, featuring tear-away skirts and gowns that easily converted into two looks—a perfect solution for brides wanting versatility on their big day. My personal favorite? A black birdcage veil adorned with dots and a bow topper that felt both vintage and modern. And let’s be honest, the season of the bow is still here—and it’s not going anywhere!
A real treat and epically romantic experience was Ines Di Santo’s presentation which gave all the Bridgerton vibes. Models were displayed on Monet-esque backdrops amidst stuffed peacocks and antique furniture. Draped over chaise lounges and standing with wistful looks while a string quartet played in the background, women with dreamy ringlet updos wore playful colors, feathers, and looks that really played with all the textures- think liquid satin full length gloves in jewel tones with traditional white ruffled gowns. As a theatre girly who is obsessed with all things Bridgerton and Jane Austen this presentation really captivated me.
A stand out designer that really spoke to my inner drama club nerd was Rime Arodaky. The show took place in front of a gothic style church and had a surprise start with a model running barefoot down the runway as church bells rang out. There were a lot of storytelling elements to the whole show, especially when it ended with a man dressed in a sheer Shakespearen-esque lace blouse running out barefoot and meeting the first model in the center of the church courtyard in a somewhat confusing but dramatic embrace. Honestly, my favorite story was a real and unexpected one that had very little to do with the collection. There was a man with two young children and their mother was clearly one of the models. Watching them see her walk was my favorite part of the day. It really made my Mama heart happy to see a woman with children confidently walking the runway while her littles watched her adoringly…but I digress. The collection itself was a mix of playful bubble skirts, high-low hems, and wearable designs perfect for brides seeking drama and functionality.
I’m a wedding photographer who lives for movement so, Millia London’s private suite presentation was a highlight. I had worked with some of their gowns on an editorial shoot and was so in love with the soft bunches of tulle used to create their signature style. Walking into their suite was like walking into a rainbow unicorn cloud filled with magic and possibilities. It was an instant serotonin and dopamine boost for me. Every cell in my body was saying “immediately yes”. I wanted to dive in and go for a swim. It would be a dream to work with them on a campaign and make all my Rainbow Bright dreams come true.
House of Ren Hue was a surprise bonus show for me, but it ended up being extremely memorable and totally my vibe. Their collection featured lightweight, elegant gowns crafted from activewear-inspired materials—perfect for brides seeking style and comfort. The designs were iconic, accessible, and practical, proving that elegance doesn’t have to come at the expense of wearability and it doesn’t have to break the bank. It didn’t hurt that we were treated wonderfully by their team and got to hang in The Chelsea Hotel which is basically like the Gryffindor common room on steroids.
My last stop was Nardos. I feel like the last show/presentation of any New York Bridal Fashion Week is always somewhat of a party and Nardos did not disappoint. Live models were displayed bringing in a lot of the elements I had been noticing all week (playful textures, gowns with movement, bows, sparkle, color, etc.). It helped that the presentation was set up like a cocktail party at their stunning salon on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. I highly recommend a visit there. They have multiple stories of haute couture gowns in a rainbow of colors and I recently recommended them to someone looking for a unique bridesmaid’s gown for her daughter who was going to be her Maid of Honor. This is a great place for special event gowns and bridal looks!
Fall 2024 New York Bridal Fashion Week was a mile a minute blast with many literal miles clocked on my Rothys. From Galia Lahav’s bold artistry to Millia London’s dreamy tulle and Ines Di Santo’s Bridgerton-inspired romance, this season was truly a celebration of innovation in bridal fashion and makes me so excited for our upcoming weddings over the next couple of seasons.
I’m already planning to attend another Bridal Fashion Week in Spring 2025—whether it’s in New York or abroad, you’ll have to stay tuned to find out. To all the 2025 and 2026 queens looking for the perfect wedding gown, I hope this recap inspires your bridal journey. Stay tuned for more updates and fashion-forward ideas!
Maria Gawne is a full time destination wedding and fashion photographer based in Tucson, Arizona. She documents weddings and personal stories and portraits all over the world, along with covering runway shows in NY for Bridal Fashion Weeks and NY Fall Fashion Week. Her work has been seen in Style Me Pretty, The New York Times,a billboard in Time Square, and on the cover of Arizona’s Finest Weddings! She is a contributor for Getty Images and a speaker/ educator for photographers and entrepreneurs. She is currently booking destination weddings and speaking gigs for 2025 and 2026.
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