Trying on a vintage gown, photo by Laurel Marcus
Tis the season to be…married? Well, not quite, but it IS the season to get engaged! According to Brides.com, the engagement season is bookended by Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day, with the most proposals happening in December. “This unofficial season may run for just a few months, but just under half of all couples get engaged during this time.”
How appropriate for all the upcoming brides that Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year is Cloud Dancer – “a lofty white that reads like a breath of fresh air and is imbued with a feeling of serenity.” Anyone who thinks that white is supposed to be the absence of all color rather than a color itself need look no further than Benjamin Moore’s paint chart to see that there are more than 50 shades of white out there! Fun fact: This is the first year in the 26-year run that Pantone has chosen a white shade.
Victor dE Souza light green gown, photo by Laurel Marcus
Of course, despite tradition, brides needn’t wear white – the trend seems to be moving towards ivory, cream, eggshell, or even a pastel blue cloque or green silk satin, as seen recently during Victor dE Souza’s bridal collection presented during New York Bridal Fashion Week. Inspired by Princess Alexandra of Wales, a late 19th-century fashion muse, his bride adopts a modern lens on the Victorian era.
Moth gown, photo by Laurel Marcus
His collection runs the gamut for varied ages and tastes, from lace embellished ruched silk satin slip dresses, perhaps with the young first-time less traditional bride in mind, to a more structured and refined silhouette in brocade, to something for the more avant-garde – the Moth dress with winged side panels to encase the lower arms and hands ending in a feathered hem.
Victor & members of staff, photo by Laurel Marcus
A pale green mini with a dramatic cape and an ivory pantsuit (also featured in his Spring 2026 collection) is adorned with huge, blooming roses on the sleeves. The collection is on view at Emanuel New York in Midtown West, alongside dESouza’s other unique creations. If you and he can dream it up together, he is always happy to do custom work if your time and budget allow.
Fragrance bar, photo by Laurel Marcus
It’s a one-stop shop for accoutrements, including headpieces – while you’re there, you can also pick out an “ultra niche luxury fragrance” to wear on your wedding day and beyond. Emanuel, a newcomer to the scene, has quickly become THE place for industry events and new fragrance launches, such as last week’s Scentxplore hosted by Emanuel owners Dustin Lujan and Victor dE Souza.
Allegra Vintij Bridal, photo by Laurel Marcus
From something new to something old – a new bridal studio has just opened on West 35th Street with a twist – it’s for those who have their heart set on a vintage gown. Allegra Vintij Bridal is owned by founder Michelle Radow, whom I first met in 2019 when she opened Allegra Vintij on the Upper East Side.
Michelle Radow, photo by Laurel Marcus
Their back room of bridal finery recently morphed into its own store during New York Bridal Week, and I was there for opening night. Michelle and her excellent staff are so energetic – the week they opened the bridal studio, they also showed their non-bridal at Manhattan Vintage!
Corseting detail, At Emmanuel, photo by Laurel Marcus
Here, you can sustainably find your whole wedding wardrobe – from evening wear for brides, from ceremony ball gowns to flirty cocktail reception dresses, to engagement party wear, rehearsal dinner, and bridal shower finery – plus bridal accessories, all in a compact yet inviting space overlooking the garment district. Even MOB’s have been known to find a dress among the various racks.
Something Blue at Emanuel, photo by Laurel Marcus
Everything was very calm and lovely — no “Zillas” were in the house when I arrived, but you know, there’s always the bride who gets overwhelmed. I asked for past stories of the type of thing that goes on while selling bridal merchandise, and they obliged with this: one particularly stressed UES store bride had been asked to go out, relax, have lunch, and come back later. When she was calmer, she bought a wedding gown. You often have to be part psychologist/part fashion expert to figure out how to deal with women (and possibly their mothers) at this incredibly emotional time in their lives.
Calla Lilies with Matching Shoe. photo Laurel Marcus
The problem you often hear about vintage gowns is that they tend to run small, so anyone over a size 4-6 may feel they can’t find anything suitable. “We really try to cater our selection to timeless true vintage styles in a variety of sizes,” said Radow.
“We also work with a bridal designer who can help to alter or re-design a dress to a bride’s exact vision.” Lovellfaye to the rescue – Lovell “reimagines heirlooms,” whether it’s a family wedding dress or something that you find here, she can work wonders. Rosettes and bows can be added or removed, providing ample room for customization.
When you make an appointment, you will be asked to submit your Pinterest board or any other inspo you have so the staff can help curate your vintage dream dress. Dresses range from the 1930s through the 2000s, with most likely from the 60s onward. Prices vary, with most gowns ranging from $1,000 to $2,500.
Whether you go for something old or something new these are some options to consider before saying “yes to the dress.”
