Danielle Frankel

Bridal fashion is grand, and depending on the consumer’s budget, can be lavish. The wedding industry thrives on beautiful gowns that arrive every season. Hand-stitched embroidery, luxurious materials, and custom pieces continually amaze. Danielle Frankel, a New York bridal label, is making waves within the industry. Since 2017, the label has produced chic, and sometimes, otherworldly designs. 

Danielle Frankel’s Fall 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection builds on the label’s signature tension between structure and fluidity, featuring pearl latticework, sheer layered silks, resin-coated florals, and exaggerated volumes that reference both bridal tradition and contemporary sculpture. The collection highlights surface manipulation, textile innovation, and a sculptural silhouette that situates the pieces between occasionwear and collectible design. Images courtesy of Danielle Frankel Studio. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

The founder, Danielle Frankel Hirsch, studied at Parsons School of Design. With her formal education completed, Hirsch learned more about bridal design by working under Marchesa and Vera Wang. These fashion labels are giants within the industry and likely influenced Hirsch’s design process. With these credentials, it’s easy to understand why, in 2019, she was the first bridal designer to participate in the CFDA’s annual fashion fund. 

Hirsch’s most recent collections are timeless yet elaborate. Including her debut fall 2018 collection, each of her pieces seemingly align with current bridal obsessions. The intricacy and level of detail within a Danielle Frankel design is incredible. For eight years, consumers have marveled over these pieces of art. 

Models wearing bridal gowns from the Danielle Frankel “VIII” collection. Photos made available via Danielle Frankel Studio. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

The Danielle Frankel Fall 2023 collection, otherwise known as “VIII,” embraces soft and romantic fabrics. The “Alora” gown encapsulates a moodier side of spring with its tinted floral print. The cooler hues lightly splatter across the fabric, painting the wearer's body. Its bustier constricts the torso but the skirt blooms out at the bottom. “Alora,” with its silk taffeta, moves like a fairy tale, graceful yet with purpose. 

For a reception, the “Bernie” mini dress is sophisticated and modern. The soft tulle glides over the bustier of the piece, which is constructed with organza. This mini dress pops out around the hips, maintaining its curved shape. Sticking with the romantic fabrics, Hirsch created the “Suki Velvet” gown. Its paneled fabric shines in the light, emanating a deep glow. The off-the-shoulder sleeves curve around the torso with ease. 

The Fall 2023 collection expanded on bridal trends like florals and classic designs. Instead of focusing on one of these elements, and designing the collection accordingly, Hirsch created these looks in favor of elegance and romanticism. Though timely, these pieces transcend normal bridal wear and encompass the wearer’s personality. 

Models wearing bridal wear from the Danielle Frankel “IX” collection. Photos made available via Danielle Frankel Studio. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

To reflect a variety of styles, the Danielle Frankel Fall 2024 collection, known as “IX,” embraced more peculiar design elements. Take the “Annabelle” bustier, for instance. The florals, clay chrysanthemums and leaves, cover the chest as a bouquet. The silk taffeta clings tightly in the front and falls to the ground at the back. No matter what the occasion is, this statement piece demands attention.

Additionally, Hirsch elevated simple bridal wear themes in this collection. Though organza is well-known in the bridal industry, it comes revamped in the “Alexandra” gown. The fabric, slightly see-through, is covered in florals and pearls. To mimic the image of stems, organza strands flourish across the body of the gown. Simply put, organza never looked so good. 

As with Hirsch’s other designs, the same artistry can be found in the “Quincy” skirt. This piece follows a heated color palette that deepens from the coral waist to the lower, umber layer. In terms of shape, “Quincy” is incredible. The silk organza strands fall to the ground in a chandelier pattern, trickling like thin diamonds. Clearly, the “IX” collection blurs the lines between couture and ready-to-wear. The level of detail and intricacy speaks to the label’s clear image and why Danielle Frankel is so acclaimed. 

Models wearing bridal wear from the Danielle Frankel “X” collection. Photos made available via Danielle Frankel Studio. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

The Danielle Frankel Fall 2025 collection, known as “X,” proves that bridal wear can be art. While the other collections made the same statement, “X” clearly closes the bridge between bridal elements and modern design/architecture. For example, the “Cynthia” mini dress transcends the traditional gown. Its soft tulle doubles as a veil and floats from the head to the knee. The draping of the fabric mirrors that of a cloud, where the layers intertwine and come together as one. 

The idea of florals in bridal wear is nothing new. However, when Hirsch does it, the whole industry notices. The “Samara” bodice showcases this theme best. Made with resin and real flowers, the top reveals a scene made for spring. In addition, Hirsch collaborated with Marcin Rusak studio to create this design. The shape of the bodice curves rather naturally accentuating the wearer’s shape. “Samara” clearly trumps the “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking.” cliché. 

A writer simply cannot mention the “X” collection without discussing the “Raphaella” ball gown. This almost too-good-to-be-true piece is constructed with tissue taffeta and micro boning rows. These elements combine to give the ball gown its wave-like structure. Shaped like a rapid, the fabric cascades down and curls up at the bottom edges. As bridal wear becomes more modern and sculptural, pieces like the “Raphaella” will become more popular in the industry. 

Danielle Frankel is one of the most acclaimed bridal labels to arrive during the late 2010s. As the label heads towards its 10-year mark, it continues to surprise the industry. The founder, Danielle Frankel Hirsch, is just beginning her designing career. This writer is sure her next collection will bewilder and amaze consumers.