Toss out your outdated idea of eco-friendly, hemp-ridden garments. Seriously. Forget everything that ever came before these rock star wedding dress designers, who are saving the world one gorgeous, handmade wedding dress at a time. Organic, handcrafted and less waste? Yes, these things are all doable, without sacrificing style or comfort. Showing Mother Nature some love has never looked so spectacular.
Handcrafted in New York by uber talented designers and dressmakers, these wedding dresses are made from 100% natural materials, like cotton, linen and silk. Each dress is breathable, easy to move in and gives an air of simplicity and grace. Sizes range from 2-28, so they have a dress to fit almost anyone.
1. Valerie (price available on request): This beautiful white dress is made with “floating blossoms” cotton lace. Oh, and that adorably petite train and 100% cotton lining make it easy to get around AND dance in.
2. Vivian (price available on request): 100% silk chiffon under-layer. 100% cotton lining. 100% eco-friendly perfection.
3. Makayla (price available on request): Ostrich feather skirt meets a cotton “coral reef lace” bodice for this cute, uniquely short dress.
Amy Kuschel
Our California dreams definitely include stopping by this San Francisco-based studio. Each dress is made by a team of designers, pattern makers, cutters and seamstresses who use the finest fabrics, but with the focus on “producing less waste and building better fitting gowns.”
4. Luna (price available on request): Luxurious silk is accented with beautiful Spanish Guipure lace, making this gown the perfect mix of classic and vintage.
5. London (price available on request): This dress blends textures in a way that is both feminine and rocker chic. It’s also customizable — you can adjust the sleeve length and neckline. The best part? $50 of every dress goes to the San Francisco Food Bank as part of Amy Kuschel’s “Gowns that Give” program.
6. Kitten (price available on request): For the cute, vintage bride, this dress not only flatters your waistline, but also gives you a place (pockets!) to store your phone for all those necessary bridal party selfies.
Daughters of Simone
Named after the philosopher Simon De Beauvois (a rebel of her time), Daughters of Simone has bohemian gals everywhere falling in love with their lacy, handcrafted wedding gowns. Owner Brit Castanos began by reconstructing vintage gowns from the ’60s and ’70s out of her San Francisco-based studio and is now on her second collection.
7. Tessa ($1842): Easily customizable, the Tessa is a floor-length dress with a surprisingly dramatic plunging back. For- fitting and accented with ivory eyelash lace, this gown has a modern cut with a vintage, boho feel.
8. Warwick ($2010): Though modest in the front, turn around and this crochet lace dress is dramatically backless with a full train. We think it would go perfectly with a flower crown at your outdoor wedding.
9. Barlow ($2455): This ivory gown is made of crochet lace with a deep front and full cascading train. Now this is relaxed, boho-bride perfection.
Deborah Lindquist
Based out of Los Angeles, Deborah Lindquist makes dresses using a unique blend of upcycled and organic sustainable fabrics. All dresses are then effortlessly embellished with dazzling semi-precious and vintage stones.
10. Cinderella ($2000): With upcycled beaded wool, organic linen and cotton lace trim (not to mention those little fabric roses around the skirt), this flirty dress totally fits its name.
11. Rita ($1000): Though it’s made to order, we can’t see wanting to adjust too much on this jewel of a dress. Our favorite part? The vintage wool bodice, which is hand beaded with crystals and pearls.
12. Marilyn ($2000): Here, silk organza and a vintage beaded bodice come together for a quaint “English countryside” look that’s topped off in the back with a gorgeous bow.
Minna
They may be based out of Europe, but Minna still believes in doing things local. As in, local manufacturing and zero-waste pattern cutting. Plus, each wedding dress is hand embellished and made from sustainable, organic, recycled and locally produced textiles.
13. Claire ($1505): Cinched at the waist with a loose v-neck, this dress is free-flowing, but in a way that still accentuates all your best features.
14. Alexa ($1305): For the laid-back, bohemian bride: This dress may not hug your curves, but it’s still a showstopper, with handmade silk georgette and one-of-a-kind vintage and UK-made lace trimmings.
Pure Magnolia Couture
Based out of North Vancouver, Pure Magnolia is a thoughtful Etsy shop that crafts sustainable wedding dresses from organic, natural and recycled fibers. Their gowns are completely unique, with a range of sizes, lengths and gorgeous materials. Plus, if you’re looking for something that’s totally you, they also take on custom design projects.
15. ’50s Short Dress ($850): A sweetheart neckline under a sheer tulle overlay, a flirty, knee-length ivory tool skirt and lace trimmings? What more could a glamorous, vintage-loving bride ask for?
16. Lace Ballgown – Plus Size ($1625): Though many dresses can be adjusted to fit your size, this dress was designed specifically for the fabulous plus-size lady. Made from an organic cotton lining, with layers of silk and lace, this gown has princess-like volume, but can also be made lighter by shortening the length.
17. Sequin Mini ($475): This short dress may have a very modern look, but it definitely has hints of Old Hollywood with a glitzy-glam sequined bodice and fairy-like tulle tutu.
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