In a world where you can order made-to-measure eyewear, suits, and basically your entire closet without ever looking up from your smartphone, why wouldn't you take the same easy route with your wedding? Tech-savvy SoCal brides who want the best of both digital and IRL worlds when it comes to the whole dress shopping experience can swing by online atelier Lace & Liberty's first Los Angeles showroom, which opened in late January on Melrose Avenue.
Lace & Liberty was born from founder Danielle Wen's own wedding gown scavenger hunt. The MIT graduated launched the company in 2016 to help other brides enjoy the traditional offline shopping process while giving them the convenience of the direct-to-consumer experience that she wasn't seeing in the wedding industry. "By leading brides through a digital process first, we're able to effectively translate their dress visions into exciting design possibilities," says Wen in a release. "That process builds trust and takes the pressure off what's usually a high-stakes retail environment."
The San Francisco-based brand's 850-square-foot West Hollywood space showcases its full collection of mix-and-match bridal separates and customizable wedding gowns ($450 to $3,500) in a variety of styles, fabrics, and sizes, including its plus-size collection with A Practical Wedding. Expect to find classic silhouettes like full-skirted V-neck dresses and elegant frocks with beaded and sequined detailing alongside Victorian-inspired lace long-sleeved tops that can be worn with a made-for-comfort satin corset underneath and classic A-line skirts that can be matched with a bohemian sweetheart top, to name just a few. Also on the racks are veils, rhinestone sashes, floral-inspired headpieces, and more bridal accessories.
Appointments run for about an hour and fifteen minutes, and bridal stylists can help you create a dress from Lace & Liberty's range of separates or dream up a completely personalized gown. (You can even share your Pinterest inspiration board with your stylist ahead of time to give them an idea of what you love.) As far as timing, standard orders take about six months to turn around, while custom designs take seven to eight months. There are also rush options from $350 to $450 for eight weeks, $200 to $300 for 12 weeks, and $100 to $50 for 16 weeks.
So how's L&L different from your usual wedding dress shop? Brides can chat and text with their dedicated stylist throughout the process (whether it's before, during, or after their appointment) and even listen to a curated Spotify playlist during their fitting session. The company also offers at-home try-on boxes for those who can't swing by its locations in L.A. or S.F.
Scroll through the gallery above to see more inside Lace & Liberty's stylish bridal haven and see below for the hours, then book your appointment online here.
Lace & Liberty, 8012 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood, 90046; (323) 601-0181; Monday through Friday by appointment only, Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
LOS ANGELES (Mar. 26, 2019) – Lace & Liberty,
