Bridal Buyer interview with Cynthia Dessy 2026

By My Store Admin /31 August 2026

Bridal parties want
to feel fashionable,
NOT JUST APPROPRIATE.

We talk to Cynthia Dessy about how The Dessy Group continues to shape bridal party fashion nearly 90 years after it was founded

If there is a name that feels synonymous with bridesmaid fashion, it’s Dessy. Founded in 1939 as a bridal headpiece business, The Dessy Group has played a pivotal role in defining how bridal parties look, feel and celebrate. The New York-based company started life making bridal headpieces, and has now grown into one of the most recognized names in wedding party fashion.

At the heart of that evolution is Cynthia Dessy, Chief Creative Officer and designer. She has a philosophy of ‘chic simplicity’ that has helped guide the company through changing trends and shifting consumer expectations. She tells us that the legacy of the generations that came before remains an important part of the company’s identity. “It’s something I think about often,” she says. “When the company started as A & M Rosenthal Enterprises, the focus was entirely on the finishing touches; the veils, the headpieces, the details that completed a bride’s look. That DNA is still at the core of everything we do. We’ve always understood that bridal fashion isn’t just about a single garment; it’s about the complete picture, about how every person in the wedding party feels when they step into the room.”

Over the decades, the business continued to expand. One of its most significant milestones came with the acquisition of the After Six trademark in 2011, bringing menswear into the fold and allowing the company to dress the entire wedding party. “The evolution has been remarkable. We went from those beautiful accessories to becoming a full-spectrum bridal party resource,” says Cynthia. “The After Six trademark gave us a brand with its own incredible legacy, dating back to 1903, and that pioneered the tuxedo rental industry. That gave us a foothold in menswear and allowed us to outfit the entire wedding party under one roof.”

Three models wearing Dessy Group bridesmaid gowns in green and gold
Trends

TRENDS

Modern Maids
Two models in navy blue Dessy Group gowns

Today, The Dessy Group oversees four distinct brands, each serving a different customer. Despite its growth, the company remains firmly rooted in its values. “From our namesake Dessy Collection to Thread Bridesmaid, Alfred Sung, and After Six, each serves a different aesthetic and price point,” explains Cynthia. “But the common thread is always that same attention to detail, that same understanding that every piece has to make someone feel extraordinary. It’s a third-generation family business, with my husband and business partner Alan as CEO, and there’s a real sense of stewardship, honouring what came before us, while pushing forward to what’s next.”

The New Rules

While heritage remains important, Dessy’s continued success comes from its ability to evolve. Cynthia tells us that the traditional image of identical bridesmaids, standing in matching dresses, has been steadily replaced by something far more personal. In fact, she muses that today’s bridal parties are embracing individuality (just like brides are), and designers are responding with collections that prioritise flexibility, self-expression and fashion credibility.

“Spring 2026 is about elevated individuality,” she says. “The story we’re telling is one of cohesion through intention, not through sameness. The details are bolder and more fashion-forward than anything we’ve done: oversized bows that feel sculptural, dramatic puff sleeves with gorgeous volume, and draped wrap designs that are incredibly flattering. One of my favourites is our new structural U-wire neckline, a modern, almost architectural detail that gives the bodice a beautiful, clean frame.”

That sense of individuality extends beyond silhouette into colour, texture and print, too. And while bridesmaid palettes were once dominated by a handful of shades, today’s brides are taking a far more curated approach. “Colour is one of the most exciting conversations in bridesmaid fashion right now,” says Cynthia. “For years the palette was quite predictable — blush, dusty rose, navy. While those are beautiful and will always have a place, what we’re seeing in 2026 is a real appetite for range and personality.”

The growing popularity of individual dressing has played a significant role in that evolution, giving bridal parties more freedom than ever before. “That connects directly to the mix-and-match movement, which is one of the most exciting shifts in bridal party fashion in a generation. A bride might choose espresso and cloudy blue as her anchoring tones and then let each bridesmaid select the silhouette, fabric, and shade she feels best in.”

Alongside colour, texture has emerged as another major trend. Prints, jacquards and statement details are helping bridesmaids embrace fashion in a way that feels intentional, not just functional. “It’s a wonderful evolution, and I think it reflects something larger happening in wedding culture; bridal parties want to feel fashionable, not just appropriate.”

Looking Ahead

As bridal fashion continues to evolve, Cynthia believes the definition of bridal party dressing is set to become even broader. Increasingly, the focus is shifting beyond bridesmaids to encompass every important person attending the wedding, from mothers of the couple through to guests. This approach reflects changing consumer expectations and creates exciting opportunities for occasionwear brands. “The conversation is no longer just about bridesmaids. It’s about the entire wedding wardrobe; every person who matters to the couple on that day.”

One area experiencing particularly strong growth is mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom fashion, categories that Cynthia believes have been overlooked for too long. “That’s a big part of why we’ve been growing so significantly in mother-of-the-bride and mother-of-the-groom dressing. It’s a category we’re deeply passionate about, and frankly, it’s been underserved for too long.”

Model in light blue floral Dessy Group gown

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