Bridal brand LoveShackFancy’s Rebecca Hessel Cohen on what to wear this wedding season | Canada Voices

Founded in 2013 by former New York fashion editor Rebecca Hessel Cohen, LoveShackFancy is a clothing and lifestyle brand that’s become synonymous with celebration and dressing for life’s big moments.

With 27 boutiques across the U.S. and U.K. and available at Holt Renfrew in Canada, the unapologetically romantic label shows its collections at New York Fashion Week and regularly collaborates with brands such as Crocs, Target and Stanley 1913.

Earlier this month, we caught up with Cohen during her first-ever visit to Toronto for the Suzanne Rogers Presents LoveShackFancy fundraiser. The event, in support of Jays Care Foundation and SickKids Hospital, also showcased the label’s latest collection.

“Fall 2026 was a little bit moodier,” said Cohen, citing a mix of Versailles and Rococo influences in the form of corsetry, knits and faux furs. “Definitely an evolution for us that I think is very much what the Toronto woman is looking for.”

Cohen shared her thoughts on this season’s bridal and prom trends, shopping for a wedding wardrobe and dress code etiquette.

What are some of the bridal trends you’re excited about this season?

We always start with vintage. We love vintage laces, so I’m constantly sourcing in Paris and at different markets and with different dealers. We also love a huge ball gown, tulle and corsetry – really cinched waists and big, voluminous skirts.

Then it’s also about the whole world of bridal – not only the bridal dress but also the after party, the night before. It’s about bringing a little more sexiness, a little more fun and whimsy. Girls are loving big bows, tiny micro dresses, more structured styles, and crystals and beading.

Are more brides opting for multiple wedding dresses?

Yes, I think most brides have at least two dresses. There was one I just spoke to who had four or five. They’re looking at their entire wedding wardrobe as one mini-collection. They have their runway moment – the dress they walk down the aisle in – and then they want to have the versatility to dance, to have some sexiness, sheerness and maybe corsetry.

Do you have any tips for brides looking to build a wedding wardrobe?

Building a wedding wardrobe starts with understanding what type of bride you are – if you’re a romantic bride, a modern bride. We typically work with brides who love vintage, femininity and romance.

What about bridal accessories?

Jimmy Choo does amazing bridal shoes, and Christian Louboutin, of course. You can also get any satin shoe and dye it the exact same colour as your dress. That was a trick that one of my stylist friends taught me – as long as it’s a silk satin, you can dye it any colour.

How strictly do you think wedding dress codes should be followed?

Pretty strictly. Brides want to create and tell a story, so it’s respectful of the bride to fit into that storytelling.

You obviously shouldn’t wear anything that’s too close to a light shade of pink that’s going to be mistaken for white or cream that day, or the entire weekend if it’s a weekend of events.

I think dress codes are fun. I was just at a wedding where there was pool party day, sunset vibes one night, and then the wedding was all different shades of green, which was beautiful.

When it comes to wedding guest dresses, are there any standout silhouettes or colours you’re seeing this year?

I’ve been seeing a lot more late-’90s and early-2000s silhouettes: bias cut dresses, some more form fitting, lots of sequins and embellishment, and mixing silks. Anything that feels special, that’s sexy but feminine at the same time, is what most girls are gravitating toward.

Do you have a formula for putting together a wedding guest outfit?

At LoveShackFancy, we love mixing different types of silks – charmeuse, which is shinier, and chiffon, which is more flowy and drapey.

I love to dance in my dress, so I love a big sweep. If you’re going for something slimmer, it’s nice to have a slit so you can move. We’ve been seeing a little bit less of over-the-top ruffles and more embellishment as the fun factor.

What’s new in special occasion wear this season?

Right now, we’re getting into mermaidcore: aquatic, shimmery, iridescent, pastel colours and shine.

What about for prom?

The girls are going glam – like the Met Gala for prom. I was blown away by my friend’s daughter who’s going to prom. She and her friends have a document where they have photos of what they’re wearing so everyone is co-ordinated but no one is wearing the same colour or style. I saw lots of cutouts, so much sparkle – really just beautiful silhouettes that you would see at the Met Gala or on the Oscars red carpet.

Girls have been loving yellow this season, too. And anything that feels body-con but beautiful and feminine and embellished, I’m seeing as a huge trend.

Should you co-ordinate your prom or wedding guest outfit with your date’s?

Co-ordinating in terms of colour is always a great thing. If you’re wearing pink, then he should have a pink pocket square. Or if he’s wearing a tie, then he should do a pink tie or bow tie. If you’re hemming your dress, you can always take the extra fabric and make it into a little pocket square.

This interview has been condensed and edited.