This year, Galia Lahav marks 40 years — a rare milestone that traces the evolution of a brand from a small Tel Aviv atelier in the 1980s to one of the most recognized names in global bridal and couture fashion today.
What began as an intimate, local studio has grown into an international luxury house with five flagship boutiques worldwide: Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, London, and Tel Aviv – welcoming brides from across the globe. Along the way, the brand has had the honor of dressing thousands of women for their most meaningful moments, from brides walking down the aisle to global icons.
“Through clothing you can demonstrate your ability to break through barriers, as in any other aspect of life,” says Galia about her motto and customer base. “I have always been a confident woman who leads by example. I’ve always had that audacity and unwavering belief in myself and my actions. And if I want something, I won’t give up on it. Nothing can stand in your way if the dream, the desire, and the charisma exist within you.” Galia’s story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance—a reminder that even the boldest dreams can become reality.
Today, Galia Lahav continues to expand its global presence while staying deeply rooted in its community-driven values. The house remains dedicated to creating meaningful, highly personalized luxury bridal experiences, all while pushing the boundaries of modern couture through innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, and a strong creative vision.
From the bottom of our hearts, we congratulate the entire Galia Lahav team. Four decades in, the brand continues to shape the language of modern bridal. To celebrate this milestone, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Galia to reflect on this journey, inviting her to share some of her favorite milestones and personal highlights along the way.
Photo: Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Iconic Celebrity Looks
For the Los Angeles premiere of The Housemaid, Sydney Sweeney graced the red carpet in a fully custom Galia Lahav gown, inspired by the timeless allure of Marilyn Monroe. Head Designer Sharon Sever, stylist Molly Dickson, and Sydney herself envisioned a look that channeled old-Hollywood romance while embracing Sydney’s signature bold femininity. Sharon brought the vision to life with his signature attention to structure, sensuality, and intricate detailing. Delicate feathers along the hem added texture and movement, creating a dramatic flourish with every step.
It was Sydney’s second time wearing a custom Galia Lahav creation. Previously, the brand designed a show-stopping black gown for her appearance at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s Dolce Notte celebration in Venice. That couture piece captured the moody, decadent elegance of a Venetian summer night, featuring a sheer black French lace silhouette with sculpted corsetry, exposed boning, and a romantic scalloped neckline. Hand-gathered tulle peplum details added volume and flair at the hips.
Photo: Sarah Krick, Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Beyoncé wore the Thelma gown for her vow renewal with her husband, Jay-Z. The dress is from Galia Lahav’s “Victorian Affinity” collection, inspired by Queen Victoria’s iconic wedding attire. The off-the-shoulder design is embellished with Swarovski crystals and pearls, exemplifying the collection’s intricate craftsmanship and romantic elegance.
At the 2023 Christmas party, Khloé Kardashian stole the spotlight in a dazzling, crystal-embellished creation by Galia Lahav. Her custom mermaid gown, designed with a sculpted strapless corset and shimmering with hundreds of hand-placed crystals, created an ethereal glow that lit up Christmas night and captured the essence of the holiday season.
“Galia used to always say, ‘ahh, I want to design a dress for Jennifer Lopez to wear,” says Galia Lahav’s Head Designer, Sharon Sever, recalling how back in the day, people would ask him and the house’s founder to share their “dream celebrity” client. In a real-life Hollywood moment, that dream became a reality: for the 2023 film Shotgun Wedding, Galia Lahav, together with costume designer Mitchell Travers, created 28 custom wedding dresses for Lopez.
The project came with extraordinary challenges: early pandemic restrictions meant the team had just one month to bring the vision to life. Sharon Sever drew on his love for blush and nude tones, incorporating them into the gown. “The effect of the lavish tulle and the layering was very important to me, because our work [at Galia Lahav] is always known for that. The personal touch that’s in every dress,” he says.
Photo: Courtesy of Galia Lahav
For her ceremony, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown chose a custom Galia Lahav gown, designed by Sharon Sever in close collaboration with the actress and her stylist, Ryan Young. The story began at the Spring 2025 New York Bridal Fashion Week presentation, where Ryan first noticed the Anais dress and instantly shared a photo with Millie, who responded within seconds, saying she MUST try it. Just days later, she visited the brand’s SoHo flagship, where the gown quickly became the one.
Working hand in hand with Millie, the design team refined the look to reflect her personal vision. Every detail, from the intricate lacework to the precise fit, was carefully considered. She opted to transform the original open back into a fully enclosed lace design, finished with a row of silk-covered buttons tracing the zipper. Additional changes kept the look timeless and understated: the crystal appliqué at the neckline was removed, and the overskirt was softened to allow for ease of movement as she walked down the aisle with both of her parents. For the occasion, the brand also created custom looks for her mother, Kelly Brown, and for Dorothea Hurley, wife of Jon Bon Jovi and mother of the groom.
Photo: Divine Day Photography
First Runway Show
Galia Lahav made her New York Bridal Fashion Week debut in October 2015, and it marked a defining moment for the brand’s expansion into the international bridal scene. Their runway show was held in the iconic New York Public Library. The show was especially important because it introduced two distinct lines: GALA – the brand’s first ready-to-wear bridal collection and “Ivory Tower” – a haute couture bridal collection. This dual presentation showcased the full spectrum of the brand—from more accessible fashion-forward gowns to intricate couture pieces. It set the tone for the brand’s now-recognizable identity – bold, sensual, couture-driven bridal wear, but also presented Galia Lahav as part of the wave of Israeli designers reshaping bridal fashion in New York.
Memorable Collaborations
Studio Lesage & First Haute Couture Fashion Week
“After diligent preparations — sourcing rare materials, significant stitching work, and drawing great inspiration—we presented our first haute couture collection in 2017. At the end, we burst into tears of excitement,” Galia Lahav recalls. The brand collaborated with the renowned Parisian studio Lesage, famous for exquisite haute couture embroidery, for their Paris Haute Couture debut. Galia adds, “This partnership was a dream collaboration. Merging our signature silhouettes with their legendary embroidery was pure magic. It really made me think about where I started and how far I had come.” The brand would present four more times at the prestigious Haute Couture Week in Paris. “This is the pinnacle every designer dreams of reaching, and together with Sharon Sever, who joined as Head Designer in 1998, we realized that dream.”
Our brand caters to powerful women. I believe clothing is a key part of female empowerment. How you dress is an expression of who you are. In that sense, I allow women to express their inner strength and outwardly celebrate life, without limits, glamorously and powerfully.
Drawing inspiration from Victorian England and the French Belle Époque, Galia Lahav’s Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 collection evokes a world of poetic nostalgia: boudoirs, literary heroines, and a certain kind of refined femininity that feels both distant and deeply alluring. The palette alone tells a story—antique pinks, smoky purples, burnished golds, and inky blacks—reminiscent of painted canvases rather than fabric.
What makes this collection particularly compelling is its balance between sensuality and restraint. Rather than overt exposure, Lahav plays with suggestion—sheer layers, soft transparency, and intricate textures that reveal just enough. It’s a quieter, more nuanced take on femininity. Silhouettes range from sculpted mermaids to fluid column gowns and delicate tea dresses, all enriched with corsetry, high collars, veils, and hand-finished embroidery that echo historical craftsmanship while feeling unmistakably modern.
Photo: Giovanni Giannoni
Leibish & $1 Million Wedding Gown
As part of the Galia Lahav Fall/Winter 2026 Couture Collection, “Keepsake,” Galia Lahav collaborated with Leibish, renowned for rare-colored diamonds and fine jewelry, for the Astor’s crown jewel adornment — the perfect heirloom to bestow upon loved ones for generations to come. At its heart lies a 30-carat natural ruby brooch, an extraordinary jewel of remarkable rarity and value. Designed to be detachable, the ruby transforms after the wedding into a bespoke fine jewelry piece. This dress makes history — and marks a Galia Lahav milestone — as the most expensive wedding dress in the world.
Global Expansion: Galia Lahav Flagship Stores
Stepping into a Galia Lahav boutique feels like entering a beautifully curated atelier where luxury, craftsmanship, and personal attention come together. The atmosphere is refined yet welcoming, and the experience itself feels special—thoughtfully designed to make every bride feel seen. Having visited ourselves, we can say it’s both inspiring and genuinely enjoyable.
Originally based in Tel Aviv, the brand has grown into an international presence with a series of flagship boutiques. It first expanded to Los Angeles in 2016, opening on La Brea Avenue, followed by Miami in 2020, New York in 2022, and London in 2024.
New York City Flagship
I couldn't have imagined a more magical experience finding my dress. The entire team at Galia Lahav are absolute gems with the most contagious personalities. I still get chills thinking about it. Could not recommend this experience enough!
Los Angeles Flagship
Right when I walked in, I was greeted and so warmly welcomed. Picking a bridal dress was so nerve-wracking, and Anthony made me feel so comfortable. I loved this experience and said yes to the dress!
Galia Lahav is a bride's dream come true when it comes to finding the perfect wedding dress! The atmosphere, energy, and kindness of everyone made me feel like such a princess. The designs stood out like no other!
London Flagship
I had the most amazing experience at Galia Lahav! From the moment I walked in, the team made me feel so special. The detail in their gowns are unmatched. I couldn’t be happier with my choice, and I’m so grateful for the team's kindness and expertise.
I've had the most amazing experience at Galia Lahav and the dresses and the showroom are truly stunning. Not to mention I also got to meet Galia Lahav herself, which was a dream come true!
Miami Flagship
From our first atelier to flagships in LA, London, Miami & NYC - It’s been an incredible journey! Having a home in the world's fashion capitals allows us to bring the full Galia Lahav experience directly to our brides.
Photo: Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Galia’s Favorite Design from the Past 40 Years
The iconic Lady G is a satin ballgown defined by an S-shaped neckline and a structured peplum corset. Its full, gathered skirt cascades into a pointed train, creating fluid movement and a striking, regal silhouette. The look is further elevated with detachable puff sleeves, adding a touch of modern drama. “The ‘Lady G’ is one of my favorite Galia Lahav gowns,” shares Galia. “It’s an icon to me and just feels so couture! This dress perfectly captures the bold, feminine spirit we’ve spent forty years celebrating.” Throughout the seasons, we’ve seen this extraordinary gown on striking brides, each of whom has stayed in our memory.
Photo: Erin Leydon, Ruby Olivia
Galia’s Favorite Design from the Current Collection
Cut from exquisite French lace, the Chelsea is a mermaid gown featuring a sculpted corset bodice with a dramatic basque waist and daring sheer side cutouts, creating a striking interplay of strength and sensuality. The neckline, a graceful cat-eye curve, frames the décolletage with a touch of vintage allure. “From our KEEPSAKE collection, ‘Chelsea’ is my current favorite,” says Galia. “It’s the perfect mix of modern romance, the perfect amount of sex appeal, and high-fashion edge – exactly how a 2026 bride should feel.”
Photo: Courtesy of Galia Lahav
Galia and Sharon’s Favorite Trends for 2026
“I love the return of the sculpted basque waist. It creates such a sophisticated, snatched and sexy silhouette that feels both elegant and incredibly fresh for a bride,” shares Galia Lahav. “I always say that the most important trend is comfort,” Head Designer Sharon Sever adds. “When you feel good in a garment, it allows you to be yourself. So despite the drama and the volume and everything, the dress still had to be light and airy and comfortable.”
Photo: Courtesy of WedVibes
