New York-based fashion designer Alexandra Grecco launched her namesake bridal line in 2014. Her focus is on sophisticated gowns that pair a refined design aesthetic with luxurious fabrics and intricate hand-embroidered details.

Grecco is well-known for using 100% silk crepe, in both a matte and satin finish, as the core fabric for most of her line. She also often adds her signature embroidery style and 3D florals to bridal gowns.

Grecco’s pieces are designed and produced in New York City’s Garment District.

Just over a week ago, the designer unveiled her latest collection, called Birdie. This line is inspired and named after her grandmother Roberta, who was affectionally called Birdie by people close to her.

“My grandmother sparked my interest in fashion from a young age,” says Grecco. “Some of my favourite afternoons were spent together in her attic, sorting through what I considered to be ‘wearable art’ and trying on shoes that I refused to accept were too big or high for my seven-year-old feet. As I modeled each look, she would describe what detail she loved most, what fabulous department store she found it in, or what classy party she wore it to.”

“For me, it was a magical mix of story-telling and dress-up that still inspires me to this day,” adds Grecco. “Her style was classic and very chic, always with a hint of unexpected detail or whimsical flair. She often wore a brooch, usually a blossoming organza peony in whatever colour felt just right for the day. Even though she was likely the most fashionable woman most of us around her knew, she was always modest, kind and full of grace. Birdie often expressed the importance of buying less but spending more on a few key wardrobe pieces, ones that were produced locally, well-made and would last a lifetime. She didn’t always buy less, and sometimes spent more, but her message resonated with me and is likely what inspired my commitment to producing beautifully-constructed, heirloom-quality pieces in New York City’s Garment District.”

For this collection, the designer opted for details that felt nostalgic yet fresh, and balanced structure with romantic draping and ethereal textures. Many pieces were constructed pieces in luminous sheer organza, delicate chantilly lace and wispy tulle.

The embroidery placement is playful, yet refined and sculptural to reflect her grandmother’s love for floral arranging. Grecco worked with her team to re-create the fabric flower brooch her grandmother would often wear, so her brides could add their own whimsical touch to their wedding gown or wedding ensemble.

“Today, I live not too far from where my grandmother grew up and often pass her old street when visiting Prospect Park, a place she treasured and where we shot our editorial for this collection,” says Grecco. “It was so special spending the day at the boathouse along the lake and styling the lookbook with some of her favourite accessories: a dainty straw hat with lace applique and an assortment of rings and earrings embellished with pearls. Though Birdie passed away this past February, my memories of her and our days spent in her attic will live on through this collection.”

All photos courtesy of Alexandra Grecco.