Danielle Frankel recently opened her first flagship store in Los Angeles, and her latest collection reflects that bold new chapter with striking, sculptural designs. A micro-pleated dress moves fluidly around the body, mimicking the motion of water—but it’s not just clever styling. The pleats are actually hundreds of tiny boning strips that hold the shape. “When you walk, it walks with you,” Frankel said.

The collection includes a sleek silk column gown with hand-painted floral details and a dramatic draped collar that cascades over the shoulders, leaving the back bare. There’s also a playful mini dress with a fitted corset and a dropped waist that flares into the puffiest bubble skirt, all crafted from the same micro-boning technique. Yet, despite the structure, everything feels light and effortless.

Highlights include a hand-painted silk chiffon gown created in collaboration with a French artist who stayed in Frankel’s atelier for weeks, resulting in a bold, impressionistic dark green floral design. Another standout is the whisper-soft floral ombrés and the hand-painted organza cocoon dress worn by Kristen McMenamy—undoubtedly the collection’s showstopper.

For those not shopping for a wedding dress but still wanting to make a statement, there are striking options like a slip dress in “lightning organza” that shimmers like sunlight on water, and a pearl-embroidered mesh gown with off-the-shoulder sleeves—both fresh, youthful, and full of energy.

Every piece is made in Manhattan’s Garment District by Frankel’s skilled atelier team, whose craftsmanship rivals haute couture houses. This is especially evident in gowns crafted from hand-cut silk “petals,” their raw edges giving them an organic, almost natural feel. The finale piece, also modeled by McMenamy, features 100,000 individually sewn petals—a labor of love that took four months to complete.

In just eight years, Frankel has built a thriving brand, and her success now allows her to push boundaries in exciting ways. The fact that she does this within bridal design shouldn’t make her work any less worthy of attention.