Bridal chatter is always in the air these days, but even more so this week at Manolo Blahnik’s Madison Avenue boutique. As Bridal Fashion Week buzzed across New York, Markarian, Over The Moon, and Ruchi New York teamed up with the storied footwear house for an elegant cocktail celebration in honor of the season.
“This is the fourth time we’ve collaborated,” said Over the Moon founder and Vogue.com contributor Alexandra Macon, referring to her beloved partnership with Alexandra O’Neill, designer of the New York-based label Markarian. Their history goes back to Macon’s days as an editor immersed in bridal coverage. Since then, the two Alexandras have channeled their shared love of romantic silhouettes and timeless, fairytale-worthy style into a series of capsule collections. The latest—a quartet of exclusive, made-to-order dresses in a pink floral Ikat print—had just launched on Over The Moon as guests toasted with Champagne.
Macon looked the part, dressed in a tiered white lace Markarian gown paired with satin Manolo Blahniks in a delicate shade of ‘something blue,’ complete with crystal embellishment. Her sister, Anna Mack Pardee, also wore Markarian, while their mother, Angela, sported the same Markarian dress she famously wore for Anna’s wedding three years ago—sweet continuity that mirrored the evening’s themes of lasting elegance and family tradition.
As guests admired the newest bridal footwear styles, they also enjoyed a custom scrunchie bar, choosing hair ties made from Markarian fabrics. Many stopped to congratulate O’Neill on her Spring/Summer 2026 bridal collection, which she had shown earlier that day at her Flatiron studio. (In true brand synergy, the lookbook featured models wearing Manolo Blahniks with every ensemble.)
For those unable to resist the pull of a new pair of Manolos, a customization station by Lefty’s Right Mind offered on-site monogramming on shoe soles—ideal for brides looking to personalize their wedding-day heels.
Also stationed in the heart of the boutique was Ruchi Kotahwala, founder of Ruchi New York, whose line of ethically sourced, conflict-free gold and natural diamond pieces had guests slipping on rings and earrings for selfies and impromptu try-ons. “When I dressed Dr. Jill Biden for the Inauguration [in 2021], she was wearing jewelry by Ruchi,” O’Neill remarked. “It’s all connected!”
As the evening wore on, guests—wedding planners, stylists, editors, photographers, and newly engaged influencers—cycled in and out between runway appointments and showroom visits for a much-needed canapé or cocktail. The Blahnik Bar was busy all night, serving up a fitting menu of themed drinks: Manolo Margaritas, Markarian Martinis, Over The Moon Old Fashioneds, and Ruchi Royales. There was even a Biologique Recherche station offering hydrating eye masks as a remedy for bridal fatigue (or just Fashion Week-induced sleeplessness).
Reflecting on how far the industry has come, Macon, who’s based in South Carolina, beamed as she surveyed the packed party. “People used to think I was so basic for being interested in weddings,” she laughed. Turns out, that so-called basic beat has become one of fashion’s most powerful—and joyful—industries.
Read the full article here
