Weddings Winter 2008 > Brides

Bridal Gowns Directory

Alteration fees included and tailoring done on premises, except where otherwise noted.

Adriennes

156 Orchard St., nr. Rivington St.; 212-228-9618; adriennesny.com

Downtown brides come to Gina deSilva’s adorable salon for one-on-one couture service; they specialize in custom designs, like a lacy sheath gown based on a vintage design ($3,000 to $5,000). By appointment only. Alterations are additional.

Amsale

625 Madison Ave., nr. 58th St., second fl.; 212-583-1700; amsale.com

Amsale Aberra’s elegant gowns are favorites of society-page regulars, who like clean lines and sophisticated shapes. This season’s standouts: The “Tatiana,” a draped one-shoulder ball gown, and the “Aurora,” a strapless taffeta frock with a shirred bodice and a high-low bubble skirt. Made-to-order and couture gowns range from $3,000 to $16,000. Alterations ($400 flat fee) not included.

Angelo Lambrou

96 E. 7th St., nr. First Ave.; 212-460-9870; angelolambrou.com

Citizens-of-the-world types will love Angelo Lambrou’s gowns, which reflect the designer’s own travels and his exposure to Mediterranean and African culture. Silk chiffon and charmeuse fabrics, elaborate beading, and perfect bias cuts make the dresses formal but not froufrou. Prices start at $1,700.

Anna Maier-Ulla-Maija Couture

32 W. 39th St., nr. Fifth Ave., eleventh fl.; 212-768-0707; ulla-maija.com

Known for dramatic draping, Anna Maier~Ulla–Maija Couture makes a new pattern for each bride ($4,000 to $9,000). They don’t have a freestanding boutique—39th Street address is their showroom—so brides should call to find out the nearest department store that stocks their styles (Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman). Alterations and tailoring options vary from store to store.

Ann Hamilton Bridal Studio

212-625-8622; ann.hamilton.home.att.net

She no longer makes custom-designed gowns from scratch, but for brides who love Mom’s sixties-era sleeves (but are less fond of her dress), Ann Hamilton restores, resizes, and restyles vintage and heirloom gowns ($600 to $2,000). Alterations start at $250.

Annique Couture Bridal

1375 Broadway, at 37th St.; 212-840-9535; annique-bridal.com

Annique custom-designs gowns for discerning women. She uses her artist’s eye to turn each bride’s vision into reality and places special emphasis on the fit. All-silk dresses start at $1,500. Most of her stock is slightly discounted on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., so schedule an appointment for then.

Atelier Aimée

475 Park Ave., nr. 58th St.; 212-421-6100; aimeeusa.com

These veteran bridal designers found success in Italy (Gianni Versace was a fan) before setting up a glitzy salon in New York two years ago. Their styles are meticulously shaped and very romantic—the newest collection is full of ivory gowns with black accents, decorated with the handmade and hand painted silk flowers they’re known for. A two-piece gown with a taffeta skirt and beaded top runs about $6,000.

Birnbaum & Bullock

151 W. 25th St., nr. Seventh Ave., Ste. 2A; 212-242-2914; birnbaumandbullock.com

Classic, silk-lined wedding dresses come in 30 feminine styles. A sleek, modified mermaid gown of lace with abstract beading is ideal for the kind of sophisticated bride who visits the salon. Every gown is made to fit the client’s measurements and proportions, rather than ordered in a general size and then altered. Because of this, Birnbaum & Bullock can successfully outfit any body type.

Blue

137 Ave. A, nr. 9th St.; 212-228-7744

In her tiny shop, designer Christina Kara creates modern, edgy custom-made wares, mostly in silk varieties, for hip brides. With so many cuts (off-the-shoulder, mermaid, A-line) and styles (tea-length to long trains), Kara makes sure brides leave happy. Prices from $1,000 to $3,000.

The Bridal Garden/Sheltering Arms

54 W. 21st St., nr. Fifth Ave., Ste. 907; 212-252-0061; bridalgarden.org

This nonprofit boutique offers designer gowns at greatly reduced prices. Their collection showcases samples, “once-worn” couture, and gowns from big names like Amsale and Vera Wang ($295 to $2,995). Proceeds go to Sheltering Arms Children’s Services. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

Bridal Reflections

286 Fifth Ave., at 30th St.; 212-764-3040 ; bridalreflections.com

Family owned and operated for over thirty five years, this full-service boutique offers one-on-one appointments—usually lasting two hours—where brides can try on gowns by designers such as Ines Di Santo, Romona Keveza, St. Pucchi, and Stephen Yearick (starting around $2,000). Alterations not included. Brides who want personalized attention from the designers themselves should check out one of the many trunk shows this store hosts.