After presenting her Fall/Winter 2026 collection at New York Bridal Fashion Week, the designer caught up with L'OFFICIEL to break down how exactly she creates the perfect wedding dress.&nbsp;

Whether you're a bride-to-be, a romantic (and wedding lover) at heart, or simply an appreciator of fine couture, there's no doubt you're familiar with Danielle Frankel's work. From sophisticated, sculptural creations to vintage-inspired fringed frocks, Frankel's explorations in bridal couture haven't just put her on the map as one of the industry's most revered designers&mdash;they've defined the entire landscape of bridal fashion over the course of the past decade.&nbsp;
This season at New York Bridal Fashion Week, Frankel presented Collection XI, her Fall/Winter 2026 line. Intimate, romantic, and undeniably chic, the collection represents her continued devotion to masterful technique and the exploration of what modern bridalwear can be. Lace, dip-dyed ombr&eacute;s, and printed silks emerge as prominent presences within the collection, with each design component lending a unique flair to Frankel's silhouettes.&nbsp;
Below, see our full conversation with the designer, who talked her design signatures, the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, and more.&nbsp;

Danielle Frankel Fall/Winter 2026 collection. Courtesy of Danielle Frankel.

L&rsquo;O: You started your label back in 2017. Since then, how has your vision for bridalwear evolved or changed since then?
DF: I believe that in the beginning, I was not as interested in the tradition and sanctity of a wedding, and trying to deviate from the path of traditional bridal. I now look at it differently and try to celebrate and balance the design with traditions meant for a wedding.
L&rsquo;O:&nbsp;At the core of your bridal designs, there&rsquo;s both a sense of nostalgia and a desire for modernity&mdash;how do you reconcile the two? In your work, how do long-held traditions play a role in design?
DF: A perfect garment has a bit of both; it references the past but pushes forward. The gown or style has to feel current but with notes of traditional dressmaking and a foundational construction.

L&rsquo;O: With your latest collection, fluid, elongated silhouettes and ethereal, sheer fabrics are at the forefront. How do these components, coupled with the addition of vibrant dyes, speak to what modern bridal attire means to you?
DF: The truth is, when we create a collection, I am just looking to create something that is extremely beautiful and visually interesting. However, it ends up unfolding through the development of the collection, which is where it lands. I would say there is a process of testing fabrics, manipulation, draping, etc. that guide the work along, and subtle changes, and those are because of the elements we design into.
L&rsquo;O: Sculptural silhouettes, delicate/romantic drapery, and bold, eye-catching textiles have become go-to design components. Are there any other details or silhouettes that you would define as a Danielle Frankel signature?
DF: Every season we try to find something new that hasn&rsquo;t been born yet and make it fit the Danielle Frankel world, making it feel like it will be a brand identifier. This season I love the concept of the lace collar. It&rsquo;s a simple concept but I do think it could become a house signature.
L&rsquo;O: For many brides, a Danielle Frankel gown is the ultimate goal. If you had to choose one quality (either visual or conceptual) about your work, what do you think keeps drawing women in?
DF: I think our goal and one job is to make women feel beautiful and the more women we work with the more they discuss it with their friends and their families and their halo of women want that same feeling.

L&rsquo;O: With each bridal collection, you lean on techniques and designs rooted in couture tradition. What about experimental, constantly evolving styles speaks to you, and why does it feel right for bridal?
DF: The perfect bustier foundation and crinoline construction are at the core of what makes a garment well made and is essential to our dressmaking process. The proportions and fabrics that go into those elements are just as important as the outside of the gown.
L&rsquo;O: Are there any wedding dresses from film or pop culture that you think are particularly culturally important? What makes a truly iconic wedding dress?
DF: The gown we designed for Charli XCX was wonderful to create because it was so fitting to Charli and her vision and personal style yet with the Danielle Frankel hand and I think it really showcased our range.

Danielle Frankel Unveils the Design Ethos Behind Her Coveted Bridal Couture Collections

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Danielle Frankel Unveils the Design Ethos Behind Her Coveted Bridal Couture Collections