Including the ultimate collection of bridal heels and dip-dyed dresses
Fluid Forms From Danielle Frankel
L.A. native DANIELLE FRANKEL’s evolving approach to bridal design and eveningwear takes her latest work, Collection XI, in a bold new direction. Grounded in couture techniques, her sculptural draping leads to elongated forms, from the silhouette of her Lucienne gown cut from woven silk with metal embroidery and a high-neck design paired with a plunging back — all framed with bias-cut ribbon layered with hand-frayed organza — to her Valerie column with fans of stripped crinkle organza dip-dyed in ombré shades from lilac to oxblood. A mini dress, Virginie, includes layered silk organza and Chantilly lace cut into strips to create a pattern, paired with whisper-soft fringe at the neckline and hem. In all, Frankel’s Fall 2026 collection, shot by Italian lensman Paolo Roversi, known for his intimate portraiture, has a romantic feel that also captures the precision of each line and the sculptural qualities that define the work emerging from her New York atelier. She’s dressed Julia Garner, Zoë Kravitz, and Alexandra Daddario for portions of their weddings, as well as Charli XCX, Cynthia Erivo, and Meg Ryan for red-carpet appearances — in singular looks that speak to the individuality of each creative. Here, she introduces new dimension and variation while doubling down on some sharper lines and blurring others with elegant cascading textile effects. 8475 Melrose Pl., L.A., 323-533-7241; daniellefrankelstudio.com. E.V.
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Susie Cave’s Gothic Revival
Designer SUSIE CAVE has returned to her roots, launching a new label, Susie Cave Weddings and Funerals, of 25 silhouettes in black or white meant to be custom tailored through her London atelier. The demi-couture line of ethereal, embellished creations is a particularly joyful discovery for brides who reveled in Cave’s former brand, The Vampire’s Wife. The new designs range from monotone minidresses to elaborate floor-length romantic gowns, all of which can be personalized with various additions or subtractions, like capes, trains, and veils. Cave’s signature elongated sleeves, ruffled hems, and bows are here, dreamed up in silk, silk-velvet, and organdy fabrics meant to feel all the feelings in. susiecave.com. E.V.
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Cult Gaia Has a Playful New Take
This season, designer Jasmin Hekmat of L.A.-based label CULT GAIA has expanded her bridal offerings with a lineup that takes a deeper dive into texture with looks that honor tradition yet feel anchored in her playful sensibility. Brides will find everything from a strapless two-piece crepe skirt set and a layered high-neck gown to a structured mini-bubble dress with delicate floral trim around the bodice — all versatile enough to wear across engagement parties, rehearsal dinners, and after-parties, as well as the big day. cultgaia.com. C.C.
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Manolo Blahnik Opts for a Clean Slate
White leather and raffia rendered as classic slingbacks, sophisticated mules, and strappy sandals by MANOLO BLAHNIK strike the perfect balance for alfresco weddings taking place shoreside, among the vines, in a garden or a redwood grove. The collection, a capsule of four styles created to celebrate Nordstrom’s 125th anniversary, just happens to include all the best footwear for summer brides. There are towering styles for the rehearsal dinner, elegant options for the ceremony, and flats to dance through the reception and after-party. A season spent in the Mediterranean inspired Blahnik to create shoes that seem tailor made for ceremonies up and down the California coast, or further afield. From $925. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Westfield Century City, L.A., 424-204-1177; 2400 Forest Ave., San Jose, Westfield Valley Fair, 408-248-2180; nordstrom.com. E.V.
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Kelly Gray’s Freshly Picked Sweets
Master sugar artist KELLY GRAY has dreamt up some of the most hyperrealist confections in the industry, propelling her into an exclusive class of artisans. This season, Gray, who splits her time between L.A. and Telluride, Colorado, has been drawn to incorporating fruit (hand-sculpted from sugar), which she explains can add rich tonal dimension as well as a rustic feel. Popular flavors include a buttermilk almond base filled with peach purée and wrapped in meringue buttercream. “Fruit introduces an organic, grounded element that brings warmth and depth to a piece,” Gray says, adding that playful elements such as crab apples and blackberries create a seasonal tie-in to your big day: “It’s a subtle way to anchor the cake within the moment, making it feel thoughtfully in tune with its surroundings.” kellygraycakes.com. C.C.
This story originally appeared in the Summer Weddings 2026 issue of C Magazine.
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