The iconic label celebrates 70 years in the industry with a groundbreaking new collection and a commendable educational support programme.
With a presence in over 2,500 boutiques around the globe, Morilee is undoubtedly an iconic name in the industry. The brand’s legacy spans seven decades, with New York City-based designer Madeline Gardner at the helm for the last 38. So, as her cherished Morilee celebrates its impressive 70th anniversary, Madeline has aptly named the latest Fall line "The Platinum Collection" in honour of this significant milestone. Madeline has designed this special collection specifically to embody the brand’s hallmark of timeless elegance, and has also introduced contemporary details to craft fresh looks for modern brides.
Terri Eagle, President and CEO at Morilee, says: “As the principal designer for the past 38 years, Madeline Gardner has played a significant role in shaping Morilee’s aesthetic and global success. Her talent and creativity have gained her recognition for her exquisite designs, impeccable attention to fit, and the care she places in meeting the needs of brides around the world. Madeline’s designs are best known for their intricate detailing, luxurious fabrications, and flattering silhouettes, catering to a wide range of brides’ preferences and body types.”
Within the collection there is a really captivating array of styles that blend the timeless with the fashion-forward. Think layered fabrics, fluid draping, sculptural necklines, and opulent hand-beading. Each garment is thoughtfully designed to evoke a sense of movement and visual intrigue, ensuring that brides look and feel their best on their special day. The collection plays homage to the brand’s rich history, and also embraces the future of bridal fashion – in fact, for the latest looks, Madeline was inspired by the brand’s most iconic designs from over the past seven decades. This rich heritage has been embraced, while there are plenty of contemporary touches and design features to reflect the evolving desires of today’s brides.
The designer says: “As Morilee celebrates its Platinum 70th Anniversary, I’ve infused the magical spirit of the brand’s legacy into each gown, while paving way for the future of bridal fashion, into an iconic new era. A harmonious blend of fresh and airy silhouettes juxtaposed by opulent touches of maximalism. A celebration of the beauty that lies within sharing such a special moment in our brides lives, one we look forward to celebrating for many more years to come. Cheers to 70 years!”
This is a remarkable milestone for any company to achieve, so there is no surprise that Morilee has taken steps to commemorate the milestone. “Reaching our 70th year milestone is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence, our breath-taking designs, and unparalleled customer experience,” says Terri Eagle. “We are incredibly proud of our heritage and the impact we have made on the bridal and special occasion wear industry. Our success is a result of our talented team, the support of our boutiques and trust and support of our valued customers.”
In a momentous move, the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) Foundation Board of Directors has proudly welcomed Madeline Gardner to its 28-member board. Graduating from FIT in 1979, Gardner has been a stalwart member of the FIT community, and her appointment reflects the institution’s commitment to integrating industry expertise with academic leadership.
Madeline, known for her innovative designs and social awareness, expressed her honour at joining the board, highlighting FIT’s emphasis on both technical skill and broader education. Her journey from student to industry visionary aligns seamlessly with FIT’s mission. Dr. Joyce F. Brown, president of the college, emphasised Gardner’s potential impact, recognising her as a valuable asset with a unique combination of career experience and dedication to student success.
In tandem with Madeline’s appointment, the FIT Foundation has established the Madeline Gardner Scholarship, a $30,000 initiative spanning three years to support a Fashion Design student annually. The inaugural recipient, SooYeon Sim, envisions a future in bridal and evening wear that reflects contemporary values of sustainability, diversity, and inclusivity. The scholarship echoes Gardner’s commitment to nurturing individuality within the industry. As Gardner joins the FIT Foundation Board, her influence is poised to shape the next generation of designers, ensuring FIT’s continued legacy of excellence in fashion education.