The Tamesis
Danielle Frankel’s studio is a quiet and peaceful retreat as you step off the streets of New York City. It’s a welcoming atmosphere for brides-to-be looking for a wedding dress that’s both fun and well-made. Known for her whimsical yet architectural approach to wedding dress design, Frankel’s work has matured recently, which is a natural progression for any designer of this decade. This season, she asked herself how she could push her ideas further, likening the series to a “rebirth.” (The brand also deleted its social media, confirming this view.)
The collection’s attention to detail reflects sophistication. A backless mini dress is composed entirely of braided and fringed ribbons handcrafted from layered lace, hand-frayed organza and pony hair, whose natural rigidity adds elasticity and structure to the silhouette. For a court bride planning to drink martinis with friends in Tribeca, this might be a higher choice. Horsehair also brought subtle structure to other pieces, including a hand-dyed red gown that recalled the dried rose petals Frankel wanted to see on the red carpet.
The woman who favors the high-collared ruffled jackets and column skirts of the ’90s-meets-Victorian era may be different from the woman who opts for a wide-hip sculptural piece with scalloped pleats inspired by sartorial master Mariano Fortuny. What they may have in common is confidence in their discerning tastes. “They can be friends,” Frankel said.
