Galia Lahav’s NYBFW Fall 26’ Celebration of Legacy, Love, and the Magic of Memory
Written By Lisa Chorna
New York Bridal Fashion Week has always been a stage for imagination - but this season, Galia Lahav transformed it into a living memory. Over two unforgettable days, the boutique welcomed press, wedding planners, content creators, bridal industry vendors, and top retailers from around the world to experience the Fall/Winter 2026 Couture and GALA collections, Keepsake and Charmed.
Guests stepped into a dreamscape that blurred the lines between past and present. Carousel horses surrounded the space, evoking the wonder and playfulness of childhood, while the delightful @thecandiecart brought the collections’ themes to life through color, sweetness, and joyful indulgence. The atmosphere was set by @simon_benali, whose curated playlist reflected the spirit of the collections - nostalgic, modern, and effortlessly chic. Every detail was designed to awaken the senses: an homage to the memories we keep close, and the beauty of rediscovering them.
“We wanted to design gowns that feel deeply personal - pieces that hold emotion, memory, and love.”
The $1 Million Moment
The highlight of the season, and the talk of Bridal Fashion Week, was the unveiling of the $1 million couture gown, created in collaboration with @leibishjewelry.
As the lights dimmed, guests watched a short film revealing the story behind the extraordinary creation - a union of couture and high jewelry, where timeless craftsmanship met rare beauty. The film chronicled the making of the gown’s breathtaking centerpiece: a 30-carat natural ruby, set within a diamond-encrusted brooch that can be detached and worn as heirloom jewelry after the wedding.
Moments later, the gown itself appeared: Astor, which is the centerpiece of the Keepsake Couture Collection. Crafted from the finest ivory silk taffeta and trimmed with antique lace and medallion appliqués, it embodies everything Galia Lahav stands for: legacy, artistry, and transformation. Displayed in a glass case, the ruby shimmered at the heart of the room - a symbol of permanence, craftsmanship, and love passed down through generations.
KEEPSAKE: A Couture Celebration of Legacy and Modern Desire
Following the cinematic reveal, the Keepsake Collection took center stage - a tribute to the romance and grandeur of the Gilded Age, reimagined for today’s bride. Exquisite corsetry, luxurious silks, and delicate lacework telling stories of timeless beauty, while modern cuts and detachable details reflected the individuality of the modern woman.
Each gown is designed not only to be worn but to be kept - cherished as a modern heirloom, carrying the love stories of generations past and those yet to come. It is a collection rooted in craftsmanship, legacy, and the art of remembrance.
CHARMED: A GALA Collection of Dreams, Memories, and Magic
Charmed is inspired by fleeting moments and the quiet magic that lingers long after they’ve passed. Models moved gracefully through the boutique, bringing each gown to life in an intimate, cinematic way.
The gowns celebrated the beauty of contrast - soft yet strong, whimsical yet refined. Lace fluttered like petals in motion, pearls shimmered with gentle brilliance, and silhouettes echoed the feeling of a dream made real. Each gown blended the sweetness of childhood memories with the timeless romance of love, capturing the collection’s essence: dreams, memories, and moments that linger forever.
The Finishing Touches
Every look was elevated with handcrafted accessories by @mariaelenaheadpieces and @jenniferbehr, whose crowns, jewelry, and headbands added a touch of grace and individuality to each ensemble. Their artistry mirrored the collections’ core philosophy - that every detail matters, and that beauty lies in both the grand and the intimate.
At this year’s NYBFW, we didn’t just unveil two new collections.
We invited the world to remember what it feels like to believe in magic.
Photography Credits:
@catherinerose.photography
@chipxhazard
@alanablythephoto
@alessandraparksphoto
@stacibrucksphoto