How Danielle Frankel’s pioneering ready-to-wear is changing the future of bridal design

Marrying together the spheres of contemporary fashion and bridal design is certainly no easy pursuit. Notoriously disconnected from one another, it takes spellbinding savoir-faire to bound the both - an awe-inspiring quality demonstrated by Danielle Frankel and her precipitous rise to industry success.

"Existing in a design space which has previously felt the limits of clichéd stereotypes, Danielle Frankel is a trailblazer in the movement of fashion-first bridalwear."

Having already cemented her position within the fashion industry, following appointments at Marchesa and then at the legendary Vera Wang (of course, an emblematic label to the world of bridal design), the Parsons School of Design graduate was even selected by Vogue and the CFDA to be the first bridal designer to participate in their annual Fashion Fund. Needless to say, it would seem that Danielle Hirsch’s (who goes by the alias Danielle Frankel) pioneering mastery had always been written in the stars.

Making her debut during Bridal AW/18, the first three seasonal collections by Danielle Frankel presented a progressive unification of modernity. Boasting long-overdue and premium alternatives to traditional bridalwear, Hirsch showcased a pragmatic selection of tailored suiting, dimensional two-pieces with tactile ruffles, lace trench coats, and sharp tuxedo dresses

At the time, Hirsch described ‘her bride’ as a practical yet cosmopolitan individual: ‘She’s a tastemaker and wants to be a part of the process in designing or putting together a look that nobody else will have.’

However, as with so many others, the pandemic threw Hirsch’s flow into a new realm of revolution. The entire wedding industry froze, with engaged couples halting all future plans due to the extraordinary uncertainty. And only now, as we find our footing down the aisle again, are people beginning to pick those plans up – but in a whole new way.

Reflecting on how her label has evolved, Hirsch previously noted that Danielle Frankel needed to develop in order to accommodate the changing needs of its clientele. With a surge in garden ceremonies and city hall elopements, many brides seem to gravitate towards pieces which can serve a purpose outside of the nuptials, alongside the fairy-tale magic of larger affairs.

Therefore, it was only natural that Hirsch transitioned into the world of ready-to-wear, a new debut which she made with her AW/21 collection. Presenting an authentic amalgamation of both bridal conventions and runway-ready design, the latest installment from Danielle Frankel marked new heights for the bridal-fashion sphere.

"Crafted in New York’s legendary Garment District, Hirsch called upon a multidimensional range of skills to form her union of RTW and bridalwear. In antique shades of cream and pearlescent white, the collection cut an incredible figure of voluminous silhouettes, androgynous suiting (ingeniously juxtaposed with tulle bustles), cocoon style mini dresses in midnight tones of blue and black, and gowns which showcased the incomparable dexterity of Hirsch’s background at Wang."

Available at Danielle Frankel’s atelier and via selected premium stockists, Hirsch’s most recent collection offered a dizzying expedition into the limitless opportunity of the fashion-bridal industry. Marking the definite beginnings of contemporary wedding design, the modern bride is making waves like never before.

VIEW & ADD COMMENTS +