10 Up-&-Coming Wedding Dress Designers

(That you need to know about…!)

Have you just started your wedding dress journey? It can be daunting - I know! Some dive straight into the Instagram or Pinterest whirlwind, others choose to visit bridal ateliers in their home cities for inspiration. There is a myriad of choices, and more emerging every year. Here below is a list of my top recommendations of up-and-coming designers who I would highly suggest to consider when searching for your dream wedding dress.

Danielle Frankel

New York based designer Danielle Frankel has been on my radar for a couple of years now. Having launched her first collection in 2018, she has quickly become a go-to for fashion forward brides all over the world. With a background designing for Vera Wang and Marchesa, her craftsmanship is unparalleled and she has a unique vision for her pieces. Ranging from ethereal gowns, to modern suits and two-piece sets, Frankel looks to design investment pieces that brides can carry with them beyond the wedding day itself.

Hermione de Paula

Hermione de Paula is one of my absolute favourite wedding dress designers - she is renowned for creating one-of-a-kind botanical inspired pieces with intricate embroidery and infinite feminine details. Having worked previously at Dior, Galliano and McQueen, she has a flair for couture with the modern woman in mind. You can even have her personalise your gowns to include your wedding date, initials or any sentimental words or meanings.

Victor Bellaish

This designer is the not the only Israeli designer featured on my list, but he is one the most interesting up-and-coming designers to the wedding dress scene from the country. Israel has continuously produced some amazing designers; Berta, Galia Lahav, Inbal Dror, Liz Martinez, just to mention a few - and here is Vivi Bellaish! Having spent a decade in Italy and several years as a designer at Cavalli, his wedding dress collections are aimed at the bohemian bride and absolutely perfect for an Ibiza wedding!

Sophie Et Voila

Not to brag but Spain has some of the most amazing wedding dress designers in Europe in my humble opinion, and Sophie Et Voila is definitely one of them. Based in Bilbao founded by Sofía Arribas and Saioa Goitia in 2016, Sophie Et Voila is a minimal and architecturally inspired brand for the ultra modern brides. With elegant silhouettes, sustainably made, their pieces are simple and striking with a touch of feminine accents.

Alexandra Grecco

Alexandra Grecco launched her bridal line in 2014 after she having gone through the process herself for her own wedding a year earlier. With a focus on making brides feel like their very best self on their wedding day, Grecco’s designs are effortless and chic. Handmade in New York, her dresses feature delicate floral appliqués and intricate embroidery, creating romantic and classic looks for contemporary brides.

Costarellos

Another top favourite of mine (as mentioned as well in my Wedding Trend journal for 2022), I have been a fan of Costarellos’ evening wear line for a few years and I’m so excited to see them grow their bridal line. Born in Germany but based in Greece, Christos Costarellos effortlessly embodies Mediterranean style with Parisian fashion. Not afraid to use colour, this is a perfect match for brides who are looking for a barefoot-in-the-sand yet elegant dress for their special day.

Dana Harel

My second Israeli designer featured on this list (and let’s be honest, there could be 8 more!), Dana Harel launched her brand in 2012 providing high end bridal and evening-wear gowns for modern and fashion-forward women. All of her designs are sophisticated and and elegant, with an attention to detail which sets her aside from her competition. By working with avant-garde fabrics and materials, and integrating them with more traditional designs, this brand is leading the way of what high-end bridal fashion means in 2022.

Valentine Avoh

Valentine Avoh is a Brussels-based designer who launched her namesake label in 2017 after having spent many years designing for McQueen and Alexis Mabille. Her designs are inspired by Old Hollywood icons; their charm, glamour and effortlessness. Each piece is handmade using only the highest quality fabrics which Avoh sources from Italy, France and Belgium. For brides looking for refined, classic designs with surprising details and timless cuts, this is a designer to consider.

Halfpenny London

Kate Halfpenny is not exactly new to the wedding dress designer industry, having launched her company in 2005, but she’s one of the lesser known designers who absolutely deserves a spot on this list. Her collection is made for real women, regardless of size, combining vintage inspired pieces with a cool and effortless British style. Each piece is made bespoke for each bride, making the wedding dress work for them - not the other way around!

YolanCris Bridal

Last but not least, another one of my favourite designers who I have been following for a few years now: YolanCris. Based in Barcelona, I had to include YolanCris on my list, even though the brand was founded in 2005 it’s still not one of the most common names in bridal fashion. This sister-duo designer team specialises in haute-couture wedding dresses and evening wear, inspired by boho, alternative and vintage bridal style. In 2020 the brand launched another bridal line; B by Yolancris which embodies a bohemian essence and is perfect for Mediterranean brides.

Who is your favourite? I want to wear them all…

xxx Johanna