Our Favorite Female-Founded Bridal Brands

Choosing which wedding dress to wear down the aisle is almost as nerve-racking as picking the person you'll meet at the other end. With endless wedding gown styles, designers, fabrics, and shopping experiences to choose from, brides-to-be can craft a truly one-of-a-kind gown that fits them and their weddings to a tee. At TALEA, we're especially excited about the female designers pushing the industry forward and embracing creativity in a field built by tradition. Check out some of our favorite female-founded wedding dress designers and shops for your impending nuptials. Whatever you choose, it'll look great in our taprooms on your special day. 

Sarah Seven
Initially launched on Etsy to huge success, Sarah Seven has grown her brand into one of the most popular options for brides-to-be. Known for her trendy yet timeless pieces, Sarah's self-proclaimed aesthetic is minimalist design with a maximalist frame of mind. Each dress is stunningly beautiful and feels fresh yet classic, often utilizing her signature crepe fabric. In 2023, Seven launched SEPT, a continuation of the Sarah Seven brand that approaches bridal with a made-to-measure approach. Each gown is handmade in New York, and as a reflection of Sarah's modern but classic design aesthetic, "SEPT utilized texture and shape to make the modern bride feel new and at her best. New York City is a place for reinvention, and SEPT took classic bridal staples and made them anew". Try on some styles at their NYC showroom, a quick 20-minute walk from our West Village taproom! 

IIkyaz Ozel
Stunning, sheer, and sexy Turkish-based designer Ilkayaz Ozel designs dresses for women who want to make a statement. Ozel launched her ready-to-wear line, New Arrivals, in 2020, with the brand's bridal collection following shortly after in 2022. Her most recent collection is inspired by a "hedonistic Mediterranean spirit," which blends glamour and resort wear with ruching and sequins details. The wedding dresses feature feathers, plunging necklines, and sheer lace gowns that will turn heads at any ceremony, reception, or after-party. 

Danielle Frankel
It’s all in the details when considering a Danielle Frankel design. Studying under bridal heavyweights Vera Wang and Marchesa before launching her self-titled brand in 2017, Frankel is known for minimalist and traditionally leaning silhouettes with glamorous details, such as embellishments, lace appliques, and elaborate custom draping. Known for dressing celebrities like Zoe Kravitz and AnnaSophia Robb, her modernist designs have been fan favorites since she stepped onto the scene.  

Elly Sofocli
In a sea of modern and trendy gowns, Elly Sofocli does traditional gowns really, really well. Inspired by brides who wanted elevated editorial styling, Australia-based Sofocli designs dresses for modern women characterized by clean cuts, fine fabrics, and textured embellishments. Book an online consultation with the Sofocli team if you're looking for something chic and ballgown-inspired. If it's good enough for Lady Gaga, it's good enough for us. 

Where to Buy Wedding Dresses in NYC

If you’ve passed the Pinterest board stage and have a few styles and designers in mind, it's time to find a bridal boutique. While a showroom or brand store is always an option, we recommend a bridal shop where you can try on multiple dresses from the best bridal designers around. Here are some of our favorite New York City and Brooklyn wedding dress shops. 

• Grace Loves Lace: A unique bridal shop with several locations worldwide, Grace Loves Lace makes made-to-order gowns for each bride who shops with them. At their SoHo location, you can choose from several base selections and then customize it to make it your own. 

• Bridal Reflections: Beginning as a family-owned business in Long Island, Bridal Reflections has grown exponentially over the last 50 years. With an excellent reputation for stellar customer service, Bridal Reflections offers a wide range of gowns for brides, bridesmaids, and everyone in between. 

• Lovely Bride NYC: Visit this beautiful showroom in Tribeca, where you'll find bohemian, classic, and romantic gowns for a variety of weddings and brides. 

• The One Dress Shop: This Brooklyn-based bridal shop focuses on brides who embrace modern romantic styles. It sources custom and unique gowns from a meticulously crafted roster of designers for the effortlessly stylish bride who wants something special. 

• Wedding Atelier: This is a private, appointment-only bridal shop specializing in couture gowns. Located in NOMAD, Wedding Atelier offers a wide selection of designers, over 10 full-length mirrors, and a practice aisle for the full bridal experience. 

• Klienfeld: We can't make a list of NY wedding dress shops without mentioning Klienfield of Say Yes to the Dress fame! One of the largest wedding dress shops, Kleinfeld, will have options for every bride. 

Interested in hosting your rehearsal dinner, welcome drinks, or wedding at one of TALEA'S five bright and airy taprooms? Our experienced team makes planning a breeze. Inquire here.