That voluminous textured ball gown with a corseted bodice is most likely a Vera Wang creation, and your dear friend’s silk faille A-line gown adorned with hand-cut lace, or another’s perfectly-tailored, sculptural mermaid is most likely an Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera. These vertitable new kids on the block have ushered in a more competitive, dynamic, and diverse bridal fashion scene for those looking to stand top bridesmaid brands from the Chantilly-clad pack. Danielle Frankel doesn’t want ‘bridal’ to be considered a curse word in the fashion industry.

I’m looking to bring all of the fashion-forward elements of ready-to-wear to the bridal experience,” she says. Sleek, chic, and cosmopolitan, Carly Cushnie is bringing her signature sexy silhouettes to the aisle. Cushnie brings an unadorned, no-frills take on bridal that the city hall, downtown and minimalist bride will undoubtedly be attracted to. With draped slip dresses for the modernist and Victorian-inspired necklines and skirts for the romantic, this New York-based brand has options for the minimalist and the avant-garde bride looking to make a statement. Husband-and-wife design duo Anthony Cucculelli and Anna Rose Shaheen met while they were designing at Diane Von Furstenburg in 2005, and then took their talents to Italy, where they designed for Roberto Cavalli and Pucci.

Downtown NYC-based designer Meredith Stoecklein is all about keeping things simple, easy-to-wear and versatile. The designer consistently references her grandmother and her five sisters, whose elegance and singular personalities inspired her first collection. It’s always nice to see a familiar face. The designer that Lady Gaga turned to for years as a stylist and creative collaborator is now a designer in his own right, known for his sleek, sophisticated, sharp, and minimal silhouettes. Imagine everything you love about wedding gowns: gossamer tulles, delicate laces, innovative silhouettes, delicate beading. Now imagine it all on offer in one line, with a level of cohesion that’s become a rarity in bridal, with even the top labels aiming to design something for every bride.