Weddings Winter 2008 > Brides

Bridal Gowns Directory

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Calvin Klein

654 Madison Ave., at 60th St.; 212-292-9000

The famed design house has become a classic choice for brides hooked on runway collections. Recent lines have featured everything from a long silver gown with a stretch-satin bustier ($2,180) to a nickel micro-sequin tulle racer-back dress ($6,085). Alterations not included for gowns on sale.

Carolina Herrera

954 Madison Ave., at 75th St.; 212-249-6552; carolinaherrera.com

Herrera’s diminutive third-floor bridal salon draws women looking for intricate, high-fashion gowns (lots of V-necks!). This year’s collection features strapless gowns, sweetheart bodices, lace detail in abundance, along with chic bridal jackets. Herrera also offers mother-of-the-bride ensembles, veils, and wraps. Alterations ($300 flat fee) not included.

Chanel

15 E. 57th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-355-5050; 139 Spring St., at Wooster St.; 212-334-0055; chanel.com

For those who don’t want to go through six weeks of fittings, Chanel’s well-made, classic clothing is, by far, the best option. Timeless white suits ($7,500) as well as Lagerfeld’s usual ready-to-wear pastels are always appropriate. This season’s Ecru satin dress ($7,600) is divine. Alterations not included.

Clea Colet

960 Madison Ave., nr. 75th St.; 212-396-4608; cleacolet.com

This upscale boutique features Clea Colet’s entire collection of customized-to-fit gowns ($2,500 to $6,500). The designers are “cautious with silhouettes”—they create A-lines, not ball gowns—with small touches such as simple draping and delicate beading to dress up the gowns.

Clifford Michael Design

45 E. 60th St., nr. Madison Ave.; 212-888-7665; cliffordmichael.com

Although they don’t carry bridal gowns, this elegant two-floor salon has a fine selection of dresses—many can be ordered in white—for brides, mothers of the brides, and more (from $500). Those who stop by can expect to see at least a few gowns on sale, up to 70 percent off. Alterations included for in-house designs only.

David's Bridal

3500 48th St., nr. Northern Blvd., Long Island City; 718-784-8200; davidsbridal.com

David’s has outfitted entire bridal parties since 1950, and remains the ultimate destination for affordable dresses (from $299). In addition to the store’s own spring collection, David’s carries sleek Galina gowns, baroque Oleg Cassini dresses, and iterations of Monique Luo’s line. Brides should check in frequently to find out when the store’s “99-Dollar Days” will take place. Alterations not included.

Designer Loft

226 W. 37th St., nr. Seventh Ave., fifteenth fl.; 212-944-9013; designerloftnyc.com

This full-service atelier is the place to go for high-end bridal designers: Adele Wechsler, Jenny Packham, and Manalé Paris. Their selection of styles and sizes suits all body types and includes temple-ready designs for orthodox ceremonies. Silk gowns start at $1,500, and custom-fit gowns at $3,000. Alterations ($300) are not included.

Dominique Daniela Studio

347 W. 36th St., nr. Eighth Ave., Ste. 301 212-760-7291; dominiquedaniela.com

After honing her skills on design teams like Shoshanna and Garfield & Marks, owner Dominique Daniela Pino-Santiago opened her own Victorian-themed salon. She custom-designs gowns (from $1,800) and also sells a ready-to-wear line.

Gabriella New York

400 W 14th St., nr. Ninth Ave., Ste. 2A, 212-206-1915

Gabriella Risatti opened this intimate boutique last June so that brides can forget about the stress of wedding-gown shopping and enjoy the experience of finding the perfect dress. Each of the 50-some styles from seven designers that she stocks (including Matthew Christopher and Renella De Fina) is exclusive to her shop. Gabriella also carries jewelry as well as vintage and custom veils and headpieces. Gowns range from $2,000-$11,000.