During an age when so many fashion houses have moved light years away from their founders’ visions, the bridal industry remains steeped in tradition. It’s a somewhat insular world largely immune to trends, and for some of the industry’s biggest institutions—many of them family-owned—that’s just fine.
Built on strong foundations and infused with love, dedication and craftsmanship, these businesses have played a significant role in shaping the market and aiding countless to-be-weds in the search for their dream dress. That’s not to say they’re unaware of the changing tides. True staying power comes from the ability to evolve, and a new generation is emerging, armed with their forebears’ expertise and an innate love of design. While conscious of the weight of such an inheritance, they’re also keen to build their own legacies.
These trailblazers, though unafraid to challenge the status quo, must strike a balance between modernity and tradition. They have to meet the needs of the next generation of brides, many of whom are bucking tradition both in the designs they choose and how they shop.
