The lace wedding dress is set to become the biggest bridal trend of 2026.

In 1840, Queen Victoria of England wore a white Honiton lace wedding dress when she married Prince Albert, starting a trend that would last for centuries. The lace on her dress represented both wealth and purity—an appealing mix for brides hoping for a prosperous marriage. In the past, wedding outfits were often made from silks and velvets in shades of red, pink, blue, brown, and even black. But Queen Victoria’s stylish gown made white lace a symbol of the perfect bride in Western culture.

While those meanings may have faded over time, today’s designers are using lace more than ever. At New York Bridal Fashion Week Fall 2026, collections were filled with beautiful gowns made from this delicate, classic material.

“I definitely see it connecting with brides as they become more individual in their style,” says Monique Lhuillier. “There’s a renewed desire for timeless elegance that feels personal.” When she returned to the New York Bridal Fashion Week runway in fall 2025, her collection featured many lace gowns in a variety of styles. Alongside grand ballgowns fit for a cathedral aisle, Lhuillier also offered sexy, sheer lace dresses with a lingerie-inspired twist—perfect for a late night on the dance floor.

Monique Lhuillier, Bridal Fall 2026, New York City, October 14, 2025
Photo: Courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

“Lace has always been linked to romance, but this season I wanted to reimagine it in a way that feels light, modern, and ethereal,” the designer continues. “Delicate Chantilly laces trace the lines of architectural silhouettes, balancing structure with softness. Corseted bodices and dramatic slits bring a contemporary sensuality to lace’s classic appeal, giving it fresh relevance for today’s bride.”

Other designers also had fun with the fabric this season. Kyha Scott of the brand Kyha debuted her newest bridal collection in Vietnam last October, featuring several fully lace dresses—a first for Scott, who usually leans toward minimalist designs. “I was definitely drawn to it,” she told Vogue after the show. “In the past, I found it hard to translate lace in a way that felt true to our brand’s aesthetic. But with this collection, I really felt we did it well. This time, I felt the need to explore it.”

Photo: Courtesy of Kyha
Photo: Courtesy of Kyha

Bridal brand House of Gilles, from longtime couturier Gilles Mendel and his daughter Chloe Mendel Corgan, also experimented with very fine Chantilly and point d’esprit lace. The results were elegant and whimsical, and became some of our favorite designs of the season. “It’s something new for our house to explore, and it’s been such a pleasure—a softer, more modern way of working with lace that feels quietly romantic, creating pieces that feel like modern heirlooms,” Corgan explains.

Photo: Courtesy of House of Gilles
Photo: Courtesy of House of Gilles

“For me, lace is about the subtleties—the touch, the transparency, the light,” says Mendel. “We wanted to show the handwork, but in a very delicate way. Each layer and appliqué was placed to follow the body softly; never heavy, always refined. It’s in these small details that true couture exists.”

The lace wedding dress trend isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This spring at New York Bridal Fashion Week’s Spring 2027 shows, lace was once again one of the most-used materials across the board. Traditional looks were still on display, but more and more designers are taking unconventional approaches to give this classic fabric a modern twist. Moving forward, you can expect to see lace draped for movement, layered for texture, and even sheer for a touch of allure.A touch of sexiness on the wedding day.