New York Bridal Fashion Week 2023
Frank Shaver-Burgess adjusting dress during New York Bridal Fashion Week
New York Bridal Fashion Week is a time when the world's top designers in wedding fashion come together to feature their latest work and, in turn, tells brides what the latest trends are in bridal fashion. I was fortunate enough to attend and cover the Spring 2024 season for Love Inc. Magazine this year. While I did not see every designer presenting at market, I got to see some of the brightest stars in bridal couture present their latest works of art. And let me tell you, what a treat!
With a jam-packed schedule, there was a lot to see. Accommodations at the Park Terrace Hotel near Bryant Park were phenomenal! A corner room on the 9th floor provided stunning views of Bryant Park and the New York Public Library. Day one took me to many showings like Enaura Bridal, Jenny Yoo, Justin Alexander, and Berta. Lucky for me, I spent the day with Kim of Kim Trang Photography, who was capturing images for Love Inc. There was a mix-up in times for one of our shows which gave us an hour to kill. With no plans, Kim asked me, “want to do a mini photoshoot?” And, of course, I was like, “Uh, YEAH!” For dinner, I met up with one of my former Grad School professors and now friend who recently moved to New York City for a new career.
Day two got me seeing collections from designers like Sareh Nouri, Wiederhoeft, Mark Ingram, Nardos, and Esé Azénabor. After the Mark Ingram showing, I had some time to kill before the next show and needed to eat lunch. Lucky for me, I was at the historic Plaza Hotel, so I decided to take advantage and get a bite to eat at their Champagne Bar. It was a warm day, and a glass of sparkling rosé sounded like perfection. The very nice server asked if he could pour me a taste of one of his favorites. It was delicious, and I asked for a glass. After the bill came, I knew why it was so good. The one glass of bubbly cost $50! Lesson learned but a memory I will never forget! At the Nardos show, I met up with another talented photographer I have been following for a while. Liesl Henrichse of Liesl NYC has to be one of the nicest people I have met in this industry. After sitting together at the Nardos fashion show, we took a walk across the street to Central Park and got to chat about our businesses and get to know each other. For dinner, I was hosted by Il Tinello for some of the best Italian food ever.
For my final day I attended showings and appointments with House of Matching Colours, Francesca Miranda, Nadia Manjarrez, La Chenille, and Reem Acra. By this last day I got in to the swing of things which made the day feel more relaxed than the others. And thank goodness I went shopping for a short sleeve shirt because it was the hottest day of the week with record breaking temperatures in NYC. To celebrate the end of NYBFW I took myself out to dinner in Hell’s Kitchen where I stumbled upon a jazz bar where live jazz music was spilling out into the streets. After having dinner and listening to some amazing music, I ended the night at my favorite bar in NYC, Flaming Saddles, for one last drink in the city before heading home the next morning.
This trip was phenomenal and feel so fortunate to have been asked to go and cover for Love Inc. Magazine.
