Weddings Winter 2009 > Brides

Jana Starr Antiques and Bridal

Starr’s vintage lace gowns are instant heirlooms. They evoke the Victorian and Edwardian eras with yards upon yards of 100-year-old handmade Belgian lace, Irish lace, and embroidered English net. Starr also offers nineteenth-century handmade veils. From $2,000. By appointment only.

Jane Wilson-Marquis

This boutique carries a variety of styles and specializes in elegant custom-made gowns ($3,000 to $6,000). The Simply Jane line lets brides choose from a series of five basic dress designs (from $550) that can be embellished with couture details like lace, flowers, ruffles, beading, and gathered chiffon. Alterations are $175.

Janet Nelson Kumar

Recurring themes in Janet Nelson Kumar’s line of romantic dresses—available at Designer Loft—include French lace, sweetheart necklines, and trumpet skirts. Brides seeking custom creations consult with Kumar in her uptown studio. From $2,000.

J.Crew

J.Crew’s online-only gown collection (from $225) has many beautiful options for both low-key weddings and black-tie affairs. The designs come in standard materials like satin and silk tricotine and all boast a half-inch seam allowance. Brides worried about sizing can also order extra yardage at no charge. Alterations not included.

Junko Yoshioka

Junko Yoshioka’s streamlined gowns are designed, created, and sold all in this Soho atelier, where brides can choose from the couture-quality collection (with elegant spaghetti-strapped sheaths and dramatic one-shoulder mermaid gowns) or have a gown custom designed. Dresses from the collection start at $2,750; custom prices upon request. By appointment only.

Jussara Lee

Brides-to-be flock to Lee for her unparalleled fitting abilities. Her understated designs, like plain silk halter-neck gowns and chic organza strapless dresses (from $3,000), run the gamut; she can also custom design white tuxedos. By appointment only.

Kathryn Conover Bridal

Kathryn Conover spent a decade designing high-end evening gowns, and now she’s moved on to bridalwear with a talented network of seamsters, pattern-cutters, and beaders who can create virtually anything a bride can dream up—ditto for bridesmaids (from $1,200). Off-the-rack alteration fees are $30 per hour. By appointment only.

Kleinfeld

This famously plush salon has more than 1,000 different styles, ranging from modern to bohemian to vintage-inspired—perfect for a bride who doesn’t have a specific vision in mind. Designers include big names like Melissa Sweet and Monique Lhuillier, plus more affordable attire. By appointment only.

LeBus Vêture

Brides seeking slimming silhouettes flock to LeBus Vêture for custom-made gowns. Designer Emily Darj fashions one-of-a-kind gowns to order, often embellished with lace, embroidery, and beading. From $3,000. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

Lela Rose

Lela Rose’s gowns are known for their modern shapes and slender silhouettes in muslin and laundered duchesse satin, and recent seasons were heavy on florals. Fine embroidery and attention to detail make these gowns very fine but not too flashy. Customized dresses are available ($3,995 to $10,500). Rose’s gowns can also be found at Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier.

Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier

This well-curated space offers the opportunity to test-drive some of the most notable labels in bridal couture: Monique Lhuillier, Alberta Ferretti, Angel Sanchez, Oscar de la Renta, Elizabeth Fillmore, and more (from $3,200). The newest location, Mark Ingram Atelier2 (108 W. 39th St., nr. Sixth Ave., Ste. 903; 212-221-8223), is specifically for mothers of the bride, with formal offerings from designers like Monique Lhuillier and Liancarlo. Alterations not included. By appointment only.

From the Winter 2009 New York Wedding Guide