But knowing where to start can feel overwhelming, especially when the best gems are scattered across boutiques, online marketplaces and carefully curated vintage studios. This guide rounds up some of the most trusted places to shop for vintage wedding dresses across Australia, New Zealand and beyond – focusing on authenticity, condition, size range, price transparency and overall shopping experience.

Whether you’re after designer, pre-loved or truly one-of-a-kind, these destinations have the magic.

Australia and New Zealand

1. Vestiaire Collective

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One of the most accessible options for brides-to-be is a vintage dress from Vestiaire Collective. The reselling site as thousands of unique, sustainable gowns that are authenticated by experts, with secure buyer-seller messaging and transparent condition details so you knows exactly wha you’re getting. Plus, with options like Direct Shipping, items that qualify for returns, and worldwide delivery, you can shop confidently and conveniently for the perfect pre-loved dress.

2. Fruitful Bridal

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Fruitful are a Sydney-based label offering a curated collection of vintage bridalwear – including vintage veils – from the 20s through till the 90s. They have a wide range of sizing available (from XXS to XXL), and the boutique’s owner, Lulu, is a one-woman show ready to guide you through the racks of their brand-new, bigger boutique in Balgowlah (available to view by appointment only).

3. Art Garments Bridal

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Owner Grace Corby has been offering vintage online for nearly two decades, sourcing singular pieces from around the world that she then styles, photographs, measures, describes, wraps and posts herself. Brands at this Australian-based boutique include Prada, Gucci by Tom Ford, Chloe by Phoebe Philo, Sonia Rykiel, Vera Wang and more.

4. Little Bird Bridal

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This by-appointment-only wedding gown studio in Perth Hills specialises in pre-loved bridal from sizes 4 to 24+. Appointments are one-on-one only, to ensure the highest level of service, and are $50 for an hour (redeemable with purchase), and complimentary glasses of sparkling wine are included for up to five people.

5. Still White

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Stillwhite is the largest online reseller of vintage and pre-loved wedding dresses in Australia and carries a plethora of brands for reduced prices. Think of it like Depop for bridalwear – you can chat with sellers about the dress listing, exchange photos, confirm measurements and negotiate the price (you’ll find gowns for up to 50% off their retail value here). You can filter by location to find something locally and organise to meet and try it on, or you can purchase items securely online too.

6. Call Me The Breeze

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Vintage collector Tara Rowe drops new vintage every week on her site Call Me The Breeze – think unique, rare and reworked pieces from the 40s through till the 2000s. Full priced items are eligible for returns and they offer free standard shipping on all orders within Australia over $300. Rowe is great at giving measurements and an indicative fit size in each listing too.

7. The RealReal

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If you didn’t already know – The RealReal is also a marketplace for luxury pre-loved bridalwear too. It’s already the world’s #1 luxury consignment online marketplace, and each piece is authenticated by experts and sold for prices that end up being up to 90% off original retail pricing. You’ll find Versace, Herve Leger, Prada and more.

8. Love James

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Love James’s salon in Auckland, New Zealand hosts an ever-changing selection of vintage and designer wedding dresses in a fun, relaxed, and intimate showroom. Hand-picked from around the world, the collection spans styles from the 40s onward, with the majority of the collection falling between a 6-12 size range, and limited pieces in sizes 14-16. While they don’t currently have an online shop, they do offer both in-person and virtual appointments.

Note: The salon is on the first floor, accessed via a staircase. There is no elevator access, so the location is not accessible for those with mobility issues.

9. Etsy

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The original go-to for vintage pieces, Etsy does in fact carry vintage wedding dresses and bridalwear. It’s your best bet for unique or custom, handmade pieces from a variety of sellers. You’ll find Antique Edwardian gowns and 90s Cathedral-length wedding gowns, Old Hollywood 1940s veils and Y2K beaded bodices. Most have detailed measurement information, delivery costs, dispatch locations and exchange periods.

10. Love Me Twice

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This Melbourne-based destination for preloved and upcycled wedding dresses. There are vintage relics as well as past-season bridal pieces refreshed for the modern, fashion-forward bride. Founded in 2008, Love Me Twice is centred on the ethos of inspiring brides to rethink how to tread gently in their wedding planning process.

International

12. Happy Isles (New York and Los Angeles)

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Offering bespoke luxury salon spaces on each coast of the US, Happy Isles has been in business for a decade now. Be mindful that most pieces will require tailoring for a perfect fit, and that those around a size 10/12 might find more limited options. If you can’t make it into one of their salons, they do offer purchases via Instagram DMs. Weekly, Happy Isles offers a selection of featured items in their Instagram Stories. You can inquire about these items and purchase them via DM. Things get snapped up pretty quick so we recommend turning your Story notifications on so you don’t miss out.

13. Curios (Tokyo)

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This Shibuya-based boutique specialises in curated rare vintage and antique clothing, including wedding dresses. Their boutique is open from 1pm-7pm everyday, or you can check out their Instagram, and DM for information and purchasing. Sizing is more limited and measurements are not presented on Instagram posts. They focus on romantic, doll-like dresses, lace ruffles and puffed sleeves.

14. Tab Vintage (Los Angeles)

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Tab has an LA-based studio that’s open by appointment, but which you can also shop online. They stock premium preloved from luxury brands like Thierry Mugler, Elie Saab, Céline, Vivienne Westwood and Gianni Versace. They provide general measurements online, but exchanges and returns are not available with certain rare items. Tab Vintage also does pop-up bridal events, which you can find out about via their Instagram.

15. Transplant Vintage (Los Angeles)

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Specialised in 60s, 70s and 80s vintage, their LA showroom on Sunset Blvd (available by appointment only) contains a rare and ever-changing selection of gowns, separates, outerwear and accessories. If you can’t make it to their boutique you can also shop their collection online, where they offer measurement, delivery, style and condition information.

16. Retold (London)

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Vintage and preowned bridal for the minimalist, non traditional bride is what you’ll find at London’s Retold. They host quarterly bridal open days (you’ll need to subscribe via their website to join their invite list), and do monthly drops of new hand-selected garments. You can shop online or you’ll need to get in touch to arrange a visit to their studio in Hackney, and their unable to conduct virtual appointments. However, if you missed out on a piece you had your eye on, you can take advantage of a waitlist feature so that if the item gets returned, you will be automatically get notified via email when it is back in stock.

17. Jane Bourvis (London)

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Jane Bourvis’ vintage lace wedding dresses and antique lace wedding veils are the epitome of old-world glamour. While they aren’t second-hand per say, they do utilise vintage and antique lace in their designs. Each dress is hand worked, but this does mean that you can order in your custom size. You’ll need to book into their salon to view the gowns IRL, and are asked to bring no more than two guests with them. Otherwise you can purchase via their website, with shipping inside and outside of the UK available.

18. Mon Vintage (Paris and New York)

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Founded by Marie Blanchet in 2020, this Paris-based high fashion archive includes one-of-a-kind Alexander McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, Madame Grès, Balenciaga, Chanel, Maison Martin Margiela and more. A lookbook is available upon request and their showrooms are available to visit by appointment only.

19. One of a Kind Archive (London)

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For thirty years, this collection has served as a premier resource for collectors, museums, stylists, and fashion houses alike. One of Portobello Road’s best, One of a Kind Archive is also available via 1stDibs for a unique selection of authentic pieces. If you’re in London, you can make a private showroom booking too. Their collection exceeds 5,000 pieces and is added to weekly.

20. Estelle Amore (Birmingham, Alabama)

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This vintage bridal studio restores vintage gowns and is located in Birmingham, Alabama and has nearly 200 vintage gowns to choose from. They do in-house alterations and for added measure – they donate 15% of profits to the Emmanuel Home of Protection.

21. Gossamer (Atlanta)

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Specialising in vintage and bridalwear in Atlanta, Georgia, though they do pop-up in others cities like NYC and LA too (you’ll find details of these pop-ups by following their Instagram). If you’re not in the US, they ship globally. New pieces drop regularly online, with exactly information about upcoming drops listed on their website. They carry vintage Vera Wang, Monique Llhuilier, Bianchi and Kleinfelds as well as a 1950s slips and vintage silk and organzas.

22. Vionnette (Atlanta)

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Vionnette is a couture vintage bridal shop in Atlanta that stocks over 200 dresses for you to try from Christian Dior, Givenchy, Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang and more. Their Instagram is also a lovely little history book, detailing famous dresses and weddings from the past few centuries. An homage to loving in all its forms.

23. Miranda’s Vintage Bridal (Cleveland)

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Miranda’s sells vintage wedding gowns and party dresses in Cleveland, Ohio, and provides services inclusive of restorations, redesigns and alterations. They carry a thoughtfully curated collection of hand-picked vintage wedding gowns that span the early 1900s-1980s. While most gowns are in their original design and have been professionally cleaned and/or repaired, a selection have also been fully redesigned and restored to modernise them. You’ll need an appointment for both gown showings and bridal alterations, or you can purchase gowns online and have them shipped.

24. When We Were Young (Atlanta)

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A a collection of one-of-a kind pieces and specialty custom bridal alterations service that can reimagine just about any heirloom wedding piece.

Feature images: one, two, three.

The post Something old: your guide for where to buy vintage wedding dresses appeared first on RUSSH.

But finding alternative bridalwear can be difficult if you don’t know the landscape, and even more difficult if you’re not sure exactly what you’re looking for yet (you just know what you’re not looking for, you know?). With so many brands now offering a bridal branch of their ready-to-wear, as well as boutique wedding studios around the globe offering more bespoke wedding dresses and suits, there’s a lot to navigate.

Whether you’re looking for something non-traditional or unique, these are our pick of the unconventional wedding dress designers for the alternative bride.

1. Mirror Palais

Where to buy: At Desordre stores in Australia, or online via Mirror Palais’ website and their range of online stockists.

Price point: Approximately $1,000 – $3,000

Fashion forward New Yorkers will tell you that Mirorr Palais is one of the hottest bridal offerings in the city, with plenty of youthful alternatives to the traditional white gown donned by brides on their big day. Founded by designer Marcelo Gaia, the brand is renowned for its unique blend of vintage-inspired elegance and modern sensibilities, making each bridal piece a true statement of individuality. The brand’s attention to detail and use of luxurious fabrics create gowns that exude both romantic nostalgia and contemporary sophistication. With its distinct aesthetic and dedication to craftsmanship, Mirror Palais has carved a niche in the bridal fashion world, offering brides a chance to embrace their unique style on their special day.

2. Reformation

Where to buy: In stores and online at Reformation’s website, and via their range of online stockists. (Sadly, David Jones doesn’t carry their bridalwear, but it’s a great opportunity for you to try on similar dress styles for size.)

Price point: Approximately $600 – $1,600

Reformation stands out in the bridalwear industry for its commitment to sustainability and effortlessly chic designs, offering brides eco-friendly options without sacrificing style. The brand’s use of recycled materials and ethical production practices ensures each gown is not only beautiful but also environmentally conscious, with its modern silhouettes and trend-forward details, Reformation provides brides with contemporary, elegant choices that reflect both personal style and a commitment to sustainability.

3. RIXO

Where to buy: In stores and online at RIXO’s website, or via their online stockists. (Sadly, David Jones doesn’t carry their bridalwear, but it’s a great opportunity for you to try on similar dress styles for size.)

Price point: Approximately $750 – $1,600

RIXO’s vintage-inspired designs bring a fresh and distinctive approach to bridalwear, blending bohemian charm with timeless elegance. Each piece is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring hand-painted patterns and luxurious fabrics that create a unique, personalised touch for brides. Designed in sizes UK 6-26, British brides-to-be can visit their bridal suites in person at King’s Road, Carnaby Street, Marylebone High Street and Selfridges.

4. Sandy Liang

Where to buy: Online via Sandy Liang’s website, and at select stockists.

Price point: Approximately $100 – $1,000

Sandy Liang redefines bridalwear with her playful and unconventional designs, infusing traditional elements with the preppy, coquette-ish twists she’s become synonymous with. Known for her innovative use of textures and quirky details, each bridal piece stands out as a statement of individuality and modernity – and she does much more than just gowns, she also does an array of pearl-embellished accessories and silky white footwear to boot.

5. Chopova Lowena

Where to buy: Online exclusive via SSENSE.

Price point: Approximately $350 – $3,400

In the brand’s exclusive bridal capsule collection for SSENSE, Chopova Lowena revolutionises bridalwear with its eclectic fusion of traditional Bulgarian craftsmanship and punk-inspired aesthetics, creating wedding pieces that are truly one-of-a-kind. Each piece features vibrant, handwoven textiles and bold, unconventional designs, making a striking statement for brides who dare to be different.

6. Staud

Where to buy: Online via the Staud website (you can ship direct to Australia).

Price point: Approximately $330 – $2,250

Their sweet little beaded bags may have gone viral, but that’s not all that Staud do well – and their new Staud Bride branch is a testament to their timeless versatility. The brand’s attention to clean lines, innovative silhouettes, and subtle, chic details creates effortlessly stylish gowns that stand out for their understated elegance. You can even order a custom embroidered veil with your initials for a truly unique accent.

7. Cecile Bahnsen

Where to buy: Online via the Cecile Bahnsen website. (You can also opt to book a private appointment virtually or visit their showroom in Copenhagen.)

Price point: Approximately $1,200 – $6,300

Scandi girls can rejoice knowing that they’ve got their bridal fit sorted ever since earlier this year, when Copenhagen-based Cecile Bahnsen released their first bridal edit. Known for their diaphanous, voluminous dresses with all the Scandi hallmarks (pockets, frills and puffed bows ofc), they’re the perfect dress for an effortless and uncomplicated bride who wants to get through their special day with ease.

8. Molly Goddard

Where to buy: Online via Molly Goddard’s website.

Price point: Approximately $2,750 – $7,800

Molly Goddard Bridal captivates with its distinctive approach, blending whimsical volume and playful textures to create gowns that are both bold and enchanting. Known for her signature tulle and ruffled designs, each piece embodies a sense of drama and fantasy, perfect for brides looking to make a memorable statement. With a focus on craftsmanship and imaginative detailing, Molly Goddard offers a unique bridalwear experience that transforms traditional bridal fashion into artful, exuberant creations.

9. WED Studio

Where to buy: Online via WED Studio’s website.

Price point: Approximately $4,500 – $12,000

Paris-based WED Studio distinguishes itself in the bridalwear landscape with its blend of contemporary elegance and artisanal craftsmanship, offering bespoke gowns that are tailored to each bride’s unique vision. The brand’s commitment to luxurious fabrics, intricate detailing, and personalised design ensures that every dress is a true reflection of individual style and sophistication.

10. Silk Laundry

Where to buy: Online via WED Studio’s website.

Price point: Pricing upon purchase.

For the minimalist brides among us who can’t go past a sleek and simple 90s slip dress moment, we’d suggest making an appointment with Silk Laundry. Not only is the brand super accessible – with stores in most Australian major cities – each piece of their made-to-order Bridal Collection is created with 100%, 40 momme silk. And if dresses aren’t your thing, they also have silk suits to don.

11.L’IDÉE WOMAN

Where to buy: Online via L’IDEE WOMAN’s website.

Price point: $299 – $550

L’IDÉE WOMAN stands out in the bridalwear scene with its elegant pleated designs, offering a modern twist on classic silhouettes that exude sophistication and grace. The brand’s meticulous attention to detail and use of luxurious, flowing fabrics create gowns that are both timeless and uniquely contemporary. With its emphasis on sleek, minimalist aesthetics and exquisite craftsmanship, L’IDÉE WOMAN provides brides with a distinctive and memorable look for their special day.

12. Christopher Esber

Where to buy: Online via Christopher Esber, Net-A-Porter, and SSENSE.

Price point: $900 – $6,500

Christopher Esber has long-been a staple in the wardrobes of Australia’s cool girls. Now, it’s an option for your wedding day, too, with the brand’s official foray into bridal wear. From mini dresses finished in the crispest white lace for those who prefer something a little more limb-baring, to strapless, floor-skimming styles in cascades of silk, there’s something for every special day in Esber’s bridal capsule.

13. ESSE

Where to buy: Online (or at their Sydney showroom) via ESSE.

Price point: $790 – $1,500

While not strictly a bridal brand, ESSE stands out as a leader in sleek, minimal styles that defy trends. For the bride who favours understatement over spectacle, ESSE offers a considered alternative to traditional bridalwear — think sculptural silhouettes, clean lines, and timeless pieces you’ll actually wear again. 

Feature images via SSENSE and Sandy Liang.

The post Non-traditional and unique wedding dress designers for the modern bride appeared first on RUSSH.

Drop-waist silhouettes

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There’s no doubt that the drop-waist dress trend is in full force in the world of everyday fashion, but when it comes to wedding dresses, the silhouette has been a little slower to take. In 2025, that’s all set to change with elongated bodices set to reign supreme. There are a multitude of ways to dip your toes into this trend, from a body-hugging fit with exaggerated volume at the hips, to softer, whimsical shapes and fabrications that drape gently below the waist.

Nothing but neck (scarves)

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Fashion loves a redux, and wedding dresses certainly aren’t immune. Channel old Hollywood glamour at your ceremony with the addition of a scarf or cape to your bridal ensemble. Keep things understated with delicate, super skinny iterations crafted from delicate silk and lace. Or if a head-turning moment is more your style, stiffer crepe material in oversized proportions is the new-age alternative to a sweeping veil or train.

Something old

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Vintage wedding inspiration is nothing new, but next year, those seeking something ‘old’ won’t necessarily have to hunt through second-hand stores to find it. In 2025, designers like Cinq, Jaclyn White, and Danielle Frankel will nod to eras gone by with the use of vintage-inspired lace, off-white silk, and retro silhouettes in their latest designs. Whether you’re channelling the ’20s with ornate beading and a looser silhouette, or the more recent history of the ’80s in a voluminous skirt of epic proportions, what’s old is definitely new again when it comes to wedding dresses.

Party-ready second (or third, or fourth) looks

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The concept of a second look has long been favoured by brides looking to celebrate their reception without fear of damaging or being restricted by their ceremony gown. If you fall into that camp, there’s more options than ever for your outfit change — and in 2025, they’re just as intricate and impressive as the main event. Collections by Kyha, Enaura, Bronx and Banco, and Francesca Miranda are brimming with mini dresses, two-pieces, and even trousers, each one appropriately embellished with details like feathers and sequins for those looking to celebrate well into the night.

All tied up

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If you thought the coquette trend was going anywhere, think again. Fashion’s obsession with all things girly continues, this time via the presence of bows in every iteration on new-season wedding dresses. For some designers, like Viktor and Rolf, bows took centre stage, forming the focal point of gowns in the form of large, waist-cinching styles. For others, the presence of bows were more subtle; a delicate accent on the rear or side of the dress, or perhaps acting as a fastening for a veil.

Feature image: one, two, three.

The post 2025 brides, these are the wedding dress trends to take note of appeared first on RUSSH.

She’s got a very specific and recognisable style, one that’s pioneering the resurgence of 90s Goth-girl aesthetics has made her an “it” girl so bonafide that Charli XCX even name-dropped her in 365 (“Call me Gabbriette, you’re so inspired” – talk about influence).

Of course, we expect Gabbriette’s bridal wardrobe to be a slightly grungier take on the classic wedding whites – or at least some understated edge that keeps its distance from the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic of slicked-back buns and no-makeup makeup. And while we are, in fact, not Gabbriette’s stylists, we have some thoughts on which new and archival runway pieces we’d love to see her team pull for her engagement, ceremony and reception – perhaps even some looks for the honeymoon? And of course, we just simply had to share …

The engagement party

Gabbriette isn’t afraid of a statement piece, of sparkles or a little skin, so we think something slinky, a little sultry and archival would be perfect for her engagement party. This John Galliano Autumn Winter 1997 collection silver dress (donned by Milla Jovovich at the 1997 Cannes Film Festival) is of course a front-runner in our minds – as is this Calvin Klein slip from their Spring Summer 1995 collection.

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The ceremony

We have a few ideas in mind for Gabbriette’s ceremony dress – and is there any dress more Pinterest-ed than this Fanny Liautard 2012 Bridal and Evening Collection gown? It’s the ethereal, traditional route we could potentially see her taking – otherwise we see the pendulum swinging toward something a little more 90s grunge, like this Kate Moss-donned Versace 1995 mini and veil.

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The reception

While many brides opt to remain in their ceremony attire for the reception, many are now taking the chance to do one final outfit change into something a little more dance-floor friendly. We see Gabbriette taking this opportunity too – and again we’d love to see her take it up a notch in archival Katharine Hamnett Spring Summer 1991. Or perhaps something a little more contemporary and sleek, returning to her Marc Jacobs roots with this Fall 2020 top skirt (and gloves, perhaps?).

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Feature images via Instagram.

The post Gabbriette and The 1975’s Matty Healy are engaged – and these are the bridal fits we’d style her in appeared first on RUSSH.