Stepping into Danielle Frankel’s atelier from the bustling streets of New York City offers a tranquil escape. This serene environment is ideal for brides-to-be and admirers in search of a wedding dress that combines intriguing design with exceptional craftsmanship. Known for her whimsical yet architectural bridal creations, Frankel’s work has evolved significantly in recent years—a natural development for a designer with nearly a decade of experience. This season, she sought to further refine her ideas, describing this collection as a “rebirth.” This concept was underscored by the brand’s decision to clear its social media presence.
The collection’s maturity is evident in its meticulous attention to detail. One standout piece is a backless mini dress, crafted entirely from woven and fringed ribbons made of layered lace, hand-frayed organza, and horsehair. The rigidity of the horsehair adds both bounce and structure to the silhouette, making it an elegant option for a courthouse bride planning to celebrate with martinis in Tribeca. Horsehair also contributes structural elements to other designs, such as a hand-dyed red gown reminiscent of dried rose petals, which Frankel envisions gracing a red carpet.
Women who are drawn to a ’90s-meets-Victorian high-collared peplum jacket with a column skirt may differ from those who prefer a wide-hipped sculptural piece with pleated scallops, inspired by the master dressmaker Mariano Fortuny. However, these women likely share a confidence in their refined tastes. As Frankel noted, “They can be friends.”
