“We’re gonna shut it down,” declared Fletcher Kasell, aka the Fletcher in Tanner Fletcher.
He was at the gender-fluid fashion brand’s Chelsea studio with his partner in business and life Tanner Richie giving WWD a preview of their spring 2026 bridal collection, which they’ve decided to bring to the runway for the first time.
“We launched bridal a year ago and we didn’t expect it to go over so well,” Kasell later admitted. “It really popped off, so we were, like this season, it’s worth it to make a big scene.”
A collage of inspiration for Tanner Fletcher’s Spring 2026 bridal fashion show during NYBFW.
Courtesy of Tanner Fletcher
True to his word, the show will quite literally close down NYBFW by overtaking the aisles of an Evangelical Lutheran Church — a rather traditional setting for Tanner Fletcher’s nontraditional message.
“With everything going on in the world right now, we wanted to show up in a queer way,” explained Richie, alluding to the Trump administration’s executive orders impeding LGBTQIA+ protection. “It’s about reclaiming tradition,” added Kasell, “and being like, ‘I can do [marriage] my own way.’”
The pews of the Evangelical Lutheran Church venue in Manhattan.
Courtesy of Tanner Fletcher
Gay, lesbian and gender-queer couples will model, representing the majority of Tanner Fletcher’s bridal clientele. Although, the pair have been surprised to see traction lately among straight men who may be warming to their signature bows and ruffles after seeing them on male celebrities like Chris Peretti and Shaboozey.
Keeping with the spirit of equality, the spring collection caters to them too. “It’s weird that it’s still called Bridal Fashion Week as if it’s just women who are shopping,” Fletcher joked. “Like, it doesn’t make sense to me that there’s nothing for the men.”
Tailoring comprises half with tuxedos in blue toile de jouy or brocade overlaid in lace. The other half are dresses, which are mostly slim in silk and satin and embellished with cutesy details like quilting and rosettes. “It’s something different than what’s on the market right now for bridal,” Richie said, noting the absence of restrictive boning and cage skirts.
A preview of Tanner Fletcher’s spring 2026 bridal collection.
Courtesy of Tanner Fletcher
True to Tanner Fletcher’s ethos, everything can be worn by any gender, and true to its retro spirit, inspiration was sourced from sepia-toned wedding photos, mixing Edwardian collars with 1930s waistlines and big ‘80s puff-sleeves for a “Princess Diana vibe.”
While Kasell and Richie stayed mum on show details, they did reveal that live music will accompany the aisle processional. “It’s gonna be moving,” Kasell said. “We’re hoping there’s happy tears and celebrating at the end.”
