These Are the Top Vintage-Wedding-Dress Brands in 2026, According to Experts
In 2026, brides are overwhelmed. They have to decide when to tie the knot, where to do it, how many guests each party can invite, which font to have on their invitations, what type of napkins to use for the reception, and how much to budget for flowers. Perhaps most importantly—or, at least, it feels that way in the moment—they must choose what to wear. This decision often leads to a crucial question. Where do I start? While this is a complex question, the straightforward answer lies in selecting one of three paths: custom creations, off-the-rack selections, or vintage treasures.
For those seeking individuality, timelessness, sustainability, and storytelling, vintage bridal attire has emerged as the choice. This shift toward archival pieces is largely driven by a desire for uniqueness in an increasingly digital and visible wedding environment. As modern ceremonies are shared and saved across platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, brides are choosing vintage styles to ensure their looks feels personal and distinct from the seasonal sameness found in contemporary bridal offerings.
Ironically, many brides today are gravitating to the same types of vintage bridal looks. Lily Kaizer—the founder of Happy Isles, a luxury-vintage bridal salon in NYC and L.A.—notes that brides currently seeking vintage options are drawn to aesthetics that blend romanticism with a contemporary edge. These sought-after silhouettes are often formfitting yet designed to allow for fluid movement. Echoing this sentiment, Lizzie Wheeler, founder of the New York City–based vintage and archival bridal studio Studio Dorothy, agrees that "sleek shapes with some structure and a little sex appeal" are particularly popular, especially when made of lace.
But it's not just the styles that are similar; the designers favored by brides are too. Whether they are coming into boutiques with specific requests or browsing without direction until they find a piece they love, those getting married right now are looking to the same designers.
If you're getting married or simply curious, keep reading. Ahead, we're rounding up the top five vintage wedding brands, according to Kaizer, Wheeler, and Alexis Novak, founder of Tab Vintage, a Los Angeles–based archival vintage studio. Hint: One is John Galliano.
The Top 5 Vintage-Wedding-Dress Brands of 2026
John Galliano
Ana Escalante wears vintage John Galliano from Studio Dorothy.
Vintage designs by Galliano for Dior remain some of the most coveted pieces in fashion, particularly for bridal and occasionwear. His influence is enduring, and he famously designed Kate Moss's wedding gown in 2011.
"Dior for Galliano is always sought-after," says Kaizer. Novak agrees, noticing that Galliano's vintage slip dresses are especially coveted for their timeless appeal.
While many fashion brides actively seek out Galliano pieces, others, even those who are in the know, discover them unexpectedly. One example is Who What Wear features editor Ana Escalante, who found a vintage Christian Dior by John Galliano ivory skirt suit while searching for her courthouse wedding look. "My friend Lizzie Wheeler, who's the mastermind behind Studio Dorothy, was hearing me lament about not finding many chic vintage options that came above a size US 8, much less ones from brands I covet," Escalante says. "She sent me this white Christian Dior by John Galliano suit set in my size, and without thinking, my hands were flying over my phone buttons and buying the suit set practically sight unseen." The vintage two-piece look consisted of a jacket and pencil skirt complete with sweet, delicate lace embroidery on the skirt and jacket sleeves.
Ralph Lauren
A Ralph Lauren S/S 09 look
Whether it's a sleek slip dress for the rehearsal dinner, a runway gown for the reception, or a minidress for the after-party, brides are looking for ways to incorporate archival Ralph Lauren into any wedding moment. Wheeler notes that it's one of the main brands that often come up when brides visit Studio Dorothy with requests, and it makes sense. The appeal lies in Ralph Lauren's timeless American glamour and sophisticated silhouettes. Because many of these vintage designs are instantly recognizable yet still pared back and low-key, they offer an insider appeal that resonates with modern brides.
Bob Mackie
A Bob Mackie S/S 99 look
Archival Bob Mackie designs offer a one-of-a-kind presence with a distinctive nature that feels luxurious and deeply personal, which is why he's among the most popular vintage-wedding-dress designers. Novak and Kaizer have both observed a significant surge in demand for Mackie's work. Novak notes an increasing affinity for his "exquisite beaded dresses," particularly for bridal after-party looks, and Kaizer highlights that his beaded designs and those featuring corsetry are in high demand at her boutique right now.
Valentino
Millie Bobby Brown wears Valentino F/W 93 from Happy Isles.
"We're seeing a lot of love for '90s and '00s Valentino at the moment," Kaizer shares. To a true fashion person, that makes sense in today's climate. In the '90s, Valentino was known for its high glamour and romance, featuring design elements like flowing evening gowns, couture-level embellishments, fitted waists, elegant draping, and full skirts. In the early 2000s, the brand maintained this glamour while incorporating streamlined shapes, appealing to those who yearn for nostalgia but still want to embrace modern sensibilities. While not the most recent purchase, one of the most notable archival Valentino purchases for a bride from Happy Isles was a F/W 93 Valentino high-neck, short-sleeve gown worn by Millie Bobby Brown on her wedding day.
Monique Lhuillier
A Monique Lhuillier S/S 06 look
This list wouldn't be complete without mentioning one quintessential bridal designer. One of the most popular ones for vintage wedding dresses right now is Monique Lhuillier. Her signature style of classic bridalwear—think fitted bodices, layered skirts, lace, and light and floating fabrics—has transcended trends while setting the standard for luxury wedding gowns.
"Monique Lhuillier has always been my number one or number two brand," Wheeler says. "I've been noticing an increased demand for her early '00s pieces." Compared to other bridal designers in the aughts, Lhuillier focused less on heavy ruching, shiny fabrics, and dramatic embellishments and more on soft details such as intricate floral and pearl embroidery, layers of soft tulle, and satin and mikado silk.
