New York gave several blustery, cold days in April as a backdrop to the spring 2026 bridal collections for buyers, press, and influencers to contend with to see the latest trends in the bridal world. Inside the Lotte Palace, where Union Square Couture gathered brands, the sunshine streamed through large windows, and models with their hands on their hips twirled as designers talked about the reasoning behind each creation. Several trends emerged at this season’s shows— mix and match skirts and corsets, bubble skirts, lightness in the weight of dresses, and the trend of corsetry and dropped waists, which seems to have burst into a mass appeal. Also seen were unadorned sculptural dresses minus all the fuss of embellishments. Brides these days require at least 2 dresses— if not more- for the rehearsal dinner, after party, and brunch, and designers are more than happy to accommodate them with as many options as needed.
“Our brides want to look snatched,” says bridal designer Jaclyn Whyte, who recently won The Fashion Group International’s Rising Star award for bridal. She created her mini runway in a room of the Lotte, complete with a photo backdrop to set her dresses against. This is a word that I heard over and over by designers who interpret their clients’ needs, weaving dreams into a yes dress. Whyte Couture, helmed by Francesca Guzzo-Whyte, is a 40-year staple in the bridal made-to-order world in Toronto. Her daughter Jacelyn now adds her touch to the family business with the offshoot label, Jaclyn Whyte, which uses exquisite fabric and techniques to create a stellar collection. French lace is crafted into mermaid dresses and or a sculptural mini dress which holds its shape even while hanging from its hanger straps. Whyte paired a nude ribbon detailing in bows and accents on some dresses, which looked uniquely fresh. She’s doubled down on bell-shaped mini dresses and increased the selection, likely due to the bride’s 2 dress minimum—one traditional for the ceremony and a sassy mini for the after party. Whyte carries the gene for creating hip yet classically beautiful wedding and evening dresses.
Israeli-based Mira Zwillinger is no doubt thinking deeply about life and the reality of war in Gaza that has enveloped her country. It’s put a spotlight on the dichotomy of beautiful white wedding dresses and people dying, starving, and suffering in that region. As the show began, the audio ran out, and a reading of the poem Desiderata. The first dress encapsulated the words of the poem on a sheer organza fabric. The mother and daughter design team moved forward with her usual dose of airy dresses with appliques of flowers and other botanicals that ensconce the body and fit them like a glove.
Several bridal designers hail from that part of the world. Lihi Hod is also from Israel, who powered through the challenges of war and spoke poignantly before the show. “ I cannot believe I am here, she stated right before the show.
Lebanese-born designer Reem Acra opened New York Bridal Week with a presentation that transformed a cold and empty boardroom on Park Avenue into a romantic sunset soiree created by the acclaimed event designer, Preston Bailey. He’s known for creating theatrical environments, and this was no exception. The room felt warm and festive, complete with hundreds of lit candles and candelabras as the models circled the room wearing the dramatic gowns in lace, tulle, and embroidery. Acra was at the event and circulated with one of her beauties in tow. She usually opts for a more intimate presentation, but chose to rev up the occasion for the launch of Roses by Reem Acra collection—her secondary line with a more democratic price point. It’s difficult to see the difference between her Made-To-Order and this grouping—both are exquisitely executed. With deep experience in bridal and eveningwear, it’s a natural progression and the right time for the launch. The collection will be available for brides with April 2026 wedding dates. The Roses by Reem Acra collection’s top price point is $5000.
Classical designer Sareh Nouri presented some of her best-selling silhouettes in a room at the Lotte, doubling down on best sellers.
Idan Cohen was inspired by his favorite queen, Elizabeth the first. With many of his models decorated with fringy pearls and roses on top of the head, it seemed more Spanish than Elizabethan, but Idan is a master of corsetry, and the satin back lacing did bring in the 16th-century vibe. His dresses were lighter than usual, and as with many designers this season, they seemed to have a focus on airy fabrics and ease of wearing for their brides.
Katie Yeung, the designer from Hera Couture, traveled from New Zealand with her family to the “One Fine Day” bridal shows on the West side of 31st Street. The energetic designer introduced herself to the audience at the informal show and spoke and demonstrated as the models went through their routine. Hera is the Greek goddess of love, she told me—the perfect name for a brand purveying love. The collection strives to create gowns that are light and easy so as not to weigh down the bride, and are easy to carry on the plane for a destination wedding. The fabrics swish as the models walk freely, so it’s easy to imagine a bride dancing the night away on her big day.
Mark Ingram showed his new collection at his salon on Madison Avenue, which has become a destination for many brides looking for his designs and also other brands, since he stocks a variety of designers besides his collection. He is inspired by the 1940’s and he doubled down on simplicity and allowing the beauty of the fabric and draping to shine. He did this successfully as his gowns look exquisitely crafted and stunningly sculptural.
Also on the roster was Joseph Abboud, the well-known name in menswear from Men’s Wearhouse, who made a first-time appearance on the bridal week calendar. He presented 5 tuxedo looks at the Lamb’s club among the 1940s banquettes and a wall of celebrity photos from the restaurant’s heyday. The models portrayed an effortless but sharp look as they sauntered out wearing double-breasted velvet suiting, and mixed and matched white and black dinner jackets and trousers, which are all made-to-order. Grooms can book a personalized appointment to get the labor-intensive process started. It may take some time, but a bespoke suit is worth the wait to be perfectly suited.
Amsale is back at bridal week after a several-year hiatus with their classically beautiful gowns.
The over 50-year-old bridal and quinceañera company, Morilee, has a new Chief Design Officer, Jiup Kim. With expeience at Vera Wang, Marchesa, Jason Wu and Zac Posen, she certanly knows her way around designing an evening gown. The Goddess Collection is her latest iteration of bridal with a focus on timeless elegance. She is propelling the company into the future with dreams of opening brand shops. For now, she’s creating gowns that make her brides look snatched but also light and airy for ease of movement and for brides traveling to far-off locations for their wedding.
