If you’re a Say Yes to the Dress stan, you know how fabulous bridal designer Pnina Tornai is. Nobody does sparkle and statement wedding dressing better than Tornai, whose design aesthetic is best described as fairy-tale-meets-red-carpet glamour. Tornai’s wedding dresses are available exclusively at Kleinfeld stores in New York and Toronto.
In a new-for-2022 brand extension, Tornai just dropped her first bridesmaids collection, a collab with online retailer Azazie. With its velvet column gowns and slinky slip dresses, it’s a feast for fashion fans. Also amazing: Every style is available up to size 30. Also: Dresses are under $300.
I recently had the chance to chat with the ever-charming Tornai about her new collab. “In my couture bridal collections, I make sure to design a dress for every woman out there, from the traditional to the bold and daring,” she says. “I did the same with this bridesmaid’s collection. While bridesmaids are there to support the bride, they also deserve to feel just as fantastic in their dresses. My goal with the collection was to honour the individuality of every woman in the bridal party, while still creating a unified look that fits the bride’s vision.”
“Bridesmaids deserve to feel fantastic in their dresses,” says designer Pnina Tornai (right). Photo: Azazie
You’ve said that you want this collection to disrupt the bridesmaid fashion space—how are you doing that?
“I feel that most of what’s available for bridesmaids is more of the same and not terribly interesting or exciting. I wanted to create styles that feel fresh and luxurious, infused with the essence and spirit of my couture brand. Most of all, I wanted my bridesmaids to get to wear something they truly love, want to own, and wear again.”
What signature Pnina Tornai details have you included in your Azazie bridesmaid collection?
“Alongside my Pnina Signature Lace—a style of lace I’ve been using in my bridal collections for years—I also made sure to include lots of my favourite design hallmarks, like sheer illusion panels, puff sleeves and, of course, my famous Pnina bows! There’s even a draped bodice inspired by one of my couture bridal gowns. You can choose two ways to wear it—a sleek satin jumpsuit design or a full-length Mikado gown. Mikado [a thick silk] is one of my favourite fabrics to work with. I was one of the first to introduce it to the bridal wear world many years ago, and I’m thrilled to bring it to bridesmaid dresses too.”
Micro sequins and lace star in the designer’s new bridesmaid collection. Photo: Azazie
What is your favourite style from the new bridesmaid collection?
“All of my creations are like my children, but I particularly love my lace styles. There is one design that features a corded alençon lace with an asymmetric gown and a cropped, off-the-shoulder top that can be paired with a fit-and-flare skirt or a wide-leg pant. The lace styles create a beautiful backdrop for the bride, but they also stand on their own.”
“I particularly love my lace styles,” says Pnina Tornai. Photo: Azazie
What are your current favourite colours for bridesmaid dresses?
“Right now, I’d say beautiful burgundy, navy and, of course, classic black. Dusty blue and rose are great traditional options as well. I must make a special note of the custom shade created by the team at Azazie for this collection. It’s a modern neutral that flatters—and beautifully complements—the bride.”
Shop the new bridesmaid collection now
Pnina Tornai told us she loves these six styles from her new Azazie collab. Which would you choose?
Pnina Tornai for Azazie Dress, $219, azazie.ca. Photo: Azazie
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This halter neck chiffon dress features a pretty bow detail, a Tornai design signature.
Pnina Tornai for Azazie Dress, $242, azazie.ca. Photo: Azazie
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A structured Mikado gown with an A-line skirt and draped bodice is the perfect pick for a formal evening wedding—even better, if it’s in this deep crimson hue.
Pnina Tornai for Azazie Dress, $299, azazie.ca. Photo: Azazie
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Velvet is very on trend for bridesmaid dresses. This column gown has great structured shoulders and elegant draping.
Pnina Tornai for Azazie top, $242, and skirt $242, azazie.ca. Photo: Azazie
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This alluring two-piece—in a warm cappuccino shade—can be mixed and matched, post-wedding.
Pnina Tornai for Azazie Dress, $219, azazie.ca. Photo: Azazie
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Black is always an elegant choice for a bridesmaid dress. This micro-sequin slip dress is anything but traditional.
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