Step into the delightful realm of Happy Isles, New York City’s vintage bridal salon and, quite possibly, the happiest place on earth. Nestled in SoHo, this recently opened boutique is a treasure trove adorned with racks of silky John Galliano slip dresses and ethereal Dior gowns, each thread steeped in history. As the wedding landscape veers towards the anti-bride trend and embraces eco-conscious choices, brides-to-be are increasingly drawn to non-traditional looks, seeking the perfect blend of vintage charm and high fashion—a quest fulfilled at Happy Isles.
Lily Kaizer, the visionary behind this enchanting salon, never anticipated its resounding success. Her journey started at Resurrection Vintage, a family-owned store in Los Angeles, where she imbibed the essence of vintage fashion. Despite exploring fashion events, her heart yearned for vintage. Inspired by the demand for bridal wear at Resurrection, Kaizer conceived the idea of elevated vintage with a traditional bridal salon experience.
In 2016, the first Happy Isles store opened south of Hollywood, initially met with skepticism. However, the moment a client said “yes” to a vintage dress during the first appointment, doubts were dispelled, and success was sealed. Seven years later, Happy Isles thrived and expanded to downtown Manhattan, with salon appointments booked months in advance.
Kaizer, the sole curator, sources items through constant exploration—mainly auctions, estate sales, and word of mouth. Her expertise spans from 1930s to early 2000s pieces, with a penchant for designer labels like Dior, Valentino, and YSL. The ever-changing fashion landscape keeps the buying process dynamic and exciting, catering to evolving trends and brides’ desires.
Currently, Y2k styles are in demand, with Vera Wang drop-waist and Reem Acra pieces with bows at the forefront. Kaizer shared glimpses of Happy Isles’ offerings, including a rare 1950s Madame Grès blue piece with a touch of Grace Kelly’s elegance and a John Galliano slip dress featuring a captivating “wet drapery moment” complemented by a beaded silk chiffon scarf.
Happy Isles appointments, like those experienced by brides Emily Mariko and actress Melanie Moore, involve trying on around 10 dresses. Brides, searching for “the dress” and additional outfits for various wedding-related events, often bring reference photos of celebrity and influencer weddings. The rise of sustainability consciousness in fashion further propels the appeal of vintage bridal wear, offering brides the perfect union of smart shopping and sartorial elevation. In the magical realm of Happy Isles, brides find not just something old and borrowed but, with choices like the Madame Grès piece, something delightfully blue.
