House of Gilles also looked to the Old Hollywood era to inspire their collection—particularly the aesthetic of Marlene Dietrich. “There’s something so powerful in her publicity images—the gowns, the feathers, the way she’s adorned,” say designers Gilles Mendel and Chloé Mendel Corgan. This ethos translated into the glamorous birdcage veils, tall feather hair accessories, and a hand-crafted floral piece that appears as if the petals are floating in the wind. “For us, bridal is not just about the dress—it’s about creating a complete moment, a feeling,” they explain. “The headpieces allow brides to step into something more expressive, more personal, more fantastical. It’s very exciting to see women embrace that and make it their own.”
One of the most fashion-forward headwear pieces from this season came from New York-based bridal brand Honor. “The collection was inspired by the bride’s swan song—the end of the party when things begin to unravel a bit, but in a lovely way,” says designer Giovanna Randall. Inspired by a surreal Gérard Dubois illustration, this bold take on a bridal accessory is a laser-cut plexiglass swan that can alight atop a to-be-wed’s head. Honor crafted the piece in collaboration with milliner Moar Zabar.
“I can imagine it as part of a transformation moment, introduced later in the evening, when the energy shifts and the celebration becomes more uninhibited,” adds Randall. “It’s less about tradition, and more about individuality and giving the bride an opportunity to step into something a bit more playful and unexpected.” She adds, “Yet again, I am never one to tell a person what’s appropriate, especially on their wedding day.”
Photo: Yelena Yemchuck for Honor
This emphasis on self-expression and craftsmanship is why Tanner Fletcher designer Fletcher Kassel thinks headpieces are on the rise. “People are moving away from things that feel overly mass-produced and instead gravitating toward pieces that are thoughtful and unique. Headpieces embody that because they require time, skill, and attention to detail,” Kassel says. “In a world where so much is instant, they offer something slower and more meaningful.” The engaged designers sourced vintage headwear pieces and designed bows and veils with Etsy for their bridal week runway show.
