When the Gown
Meets the Woman
How a gown feels, moves and reflects the woman wearing it, photographed in the streets of West Chelsea.
Words & photography by Angie Mandl · 3 min read
Beyond individual design philosophies, another direction emerged: an increasing emphasis on how a gown feels, moves, and reflects the woman wearing it.
At Elizabeth Lee Bridal, founder and designer Wendy Scroggins places individuality at the heart of her approach, with customization and personal expression central to the brand.
The house's latest collection explored the relationship between structure and movement—a quality that became particularly apparent when we brought the gowns outside the showroom.
Against New York's industrial brickwork, dark reflective windows, and iron staircases, intricate embroidery and generous volumes took on a different character. Fabrics that appeared composed and architectural on a hanger became fluid and expressive in motion.
Our model Mara, a familiar face from previous markets, brought a wonderful natural ease to the photographs, allowing the designs to feel less like objects of fashion and more like garments with lives ahead of them.
Lis Simon · Canada
That thought continued during our editorial with Canadian bridal house Lis Simon.
The label has long emphasized that it is ultimately the bride who brings a wedding dress to life. Photographing its gowns in the streets of West Chelsea, we explored the interplay of structured bodices, sweeping skirts, afternoon light, and the rhythm of the city.
Our model Rachel and I first met at Bridal Market the previous October. Since then, our professional relationship has developed into a friendship, and I have had the pleasure of photographing her own engagement shoot in Central Park.
There is something rather lovely about that connection - seeing someone who presents bridal fashion professionally also begin planning a wedding of her own.
“However magnificent a gown may appear in an editorial, its ultimate purpose is to become part of someone's very real story.”
Continue reading
Part IV of IV
A Future That Includes Every Bride
Hera Couture