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Morilee designer Madeline Gardner

Wedding Designer Feature: Morilee

There’s something magical about finding your wedding dress, and for bridal design company Morilee, the goal is to make your dreams come true. From stunning ball gowns to sexy mermaid silhouettes, there’s a Morilee gown for every type of bride.

How it All Began for Morilee

The company started as a small family business in 1953. The owners were making wedding dresses for select shops in New York City but as their popularity grew, they knew they needed a lead designer.

Enter Madeline Gardner, now the company’s head of design for more than 25 years. Gardner dreamed of being a designer and graduated from the Fashion Institute of New York before coming to Morilee. The New-York based design studio currently houses all of Gardner’s incredible creations.

Morilee’s Journey into the Bridal Industry

The mission behind the Morilee brand has always been to create beautiful dresses for all women—no matter their size or budget. Gardner says her dream is to highlight the bride’s natural beauty through the perfect fit.

She takes inspiration from the surrounding NYC streets and from real brides that wear her gowns. Using delicate lace, intricate embroidery, and hand-beaded crystals, Gardner designs timeless yet contemporary dresses that allow the bride to feel comfortable and confident on her wedding day.

Morilee designer Madeline Gardner working on a bridal gownCourtesy: weddingshoppeinc.com.

The Morilee Empire Today

Remember how we said Morilee started as a small business? Not anymore! Today, brides can find Morilee gowns in more than 3,000 shops in over 85 countries. The gowns are only sold new through authorized retailers and range from $900-$5000. Gowns cannot be customized, but some styles allow you to choose from three length options at no additional cost.

Brides will also love Morilee’s inclusive sizing. Sizes range from 0-28 in all six of their collections. The Julietta collection, created in 2008, is a dedicated plus size collection with sizes 16W-32W.

Need more than just a dress for the bride? Morilee sells bridal accessories like veils, belts, sleeves, and headpieces. The company also sells dresses for bridesmaids, mothers of brides, and proms. It’s a one-stop shop for the entire bridal party!

Our Fave Morilee Looks

 

Cecilia dress by Morilee Carmelina dress by Morilee Camellia dress by Morilee

Courtesy: uk.morilee.com.

The Morilee signature collection features timeless styles for the romantic, modern bride.

The strapless Camellia gown has a sparkly sequin underskirt and a floral embroidered top. The Carmelina dress is ready to party with a soft V-neckline, open scoop back, and flouncy skirt with a front slit. The Cecilia dress makes our heart swoon—it’s chic, sophisticated, and elegant. We love the lace appliques on the illusion bodice, and the sequined fit-and-flare skirt is heavenly.

 

Constantina dress by Madeline Gardner Antoinette dress by Madeline Gardner Cinderella dress by Madeline Gardner

Courtesy: uk.morilee.com.

The Madeline Gardner signature collection embodies the true spirit of New York City: timeless silhouettes merged with uptown sophistication. Constantina is oh-so pretty with frosted, metallic embroidery, sheer long sleeves, and a classic V-neckline. Antoinette provides an ultra-feminine fit and the Chantilly lace is dreamy. Detachable pouf sleeves complete the chic look.

Want to look and feel like a princess? The Cinderella gown is your glamour girl. Shimmery pearls and crystal beading cover the off-the-shoulder bodice and cascade down to the fit-and-flare skirt. For an extra-bold look, keep the detachable tulle overskirt on for the ceremony, and remove it for the reception!