A New Language
of Romance
Romance isn't disappearing from bridal. It is becoming more individual, more sculptural and more daring.
Words & photography by Angie Mandl · 3 min read
Across the collections, one idea became increasingly apparent: romance is hardly disappearing from bridal fashion. But its expression is becoming more individual, more sculptural, and often considerably more daring.
Guillermo Pharis · Everlasting 2027
Few designers embody that spirit quite like Guillermo Pharis.
His work is unapologetically feminine, extravagant, and romantic, with extraordinary attention to construction, texture, and detail. For his Everlasting 2027 collection, we ventured into the West Village on the day before the market opened, when most designers were occupied with steaming gowns, organizing collections, and preparing their spaces for the arrival of buyers.
Guillermo nevertheless made time for an exclusive editorial, bringing his models and a selection of remarkable floral headpieces borrowed from a fellow artist.
Against historic façades, ornate doorways, and the architecture of old New York, his designs became almost theatrical. Cascades of tulle moved across the stonework, sculptural silhouettes challenged familiar bridal proportions, and elaborate headpieces added an unexpected artistic dimension.
Having photographed his collections across two Bridal Fashion Weeks, as well as an earlier editorial at Manhattan's 3 West Club, I have come to admire something beyond his considerable talent: his generosity.
Guillermo takes time to acknowledge the people around him—his models, his creative collaborators, and the teams working behind the scenes. For a designer capable of such extravagance, he possesses a remarkable humility.
“For a designer capable of such extravagance, he possesses a remarkable humility.”
Ricca Sposa · Fifteen years
Another compelling expression of feminine confidence came from Ricca Sposa.
Ukrainian designer Yuliia Lobachova, whose house celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this year, has an exceptionally gentle and gracious manner. Yet her gowns are anything but timid.
Intricate lace, visible corsetry, sensual silhouettes, and elaborate textures define a vision of femininity that is bold, expressive, and entirely unapologetic.
Having first met Yuliia at an exclusive press preview the previous year, it was a pleasure to reconnect in New York. We share European roots, a love of architecture, and even the experience of raising two sons.
What I find particularly interesting about her work is the conviction that beauty and feminine strength need not be opposing ideas. Her designs embrace both.
Oleg Cassini · at David's Bridal
Alongside these more expressive interpretations of romance, the Oleg Cassini bridal collection offered a reminder of the enduring appeal of classic elegance.
Carrying the legacy of the American couturier whose work helped define Jacqueline Kennedy's celebrated style, the collection at David's Bridal combined refined silhouettes with intricate embellishment and thoughtful construction.
Clean, sculpted gowns appeared alongside delicate appliqués and romantic lace, demonstrating that tradition remains an important part of bridal fashion, even as designers continue to reinterpret it.
