Lara New York has been building formalwear since 1982, and the house is still run by family today. Herman and Jasmine took over the label in 2012, modernized the collection and brought it online, but the fundamentals never moved: patterns cut to flatter, hand beadwork worked dense across the bodice or skirt, and a fit philosophy the house states plainly as its first luxury. Mae Bridal carries Lara New York's beaded gowns, capelets and mini dresses, the kind of pieces that move easily between the ceremony, the reception and whatever comes after.
Below is our pick of the gowns, capelets and minis now available to order through Mae Bridal, our Santa Monica bridal boutique.
What makes a Lara New York beaded gown different
Fit comes first. Lara New York cuts across sizes 00 to 26 using patterns developed specifically for each size rather than one pattern scaled up or down, which is part of why the gowns sit the way they do through the waist and hip. Beadwork is worked by hand across the bodice, a skirt panel or a full cape, dense rather than scattered, so it reads as texture up close and catches real light on camera.
The capelets and tulle capes are where the house gets playful. They turn a simpler gown or dress into a full ceremony moment, then come off cleanly for dancing, which is why we like keeping a few in rotation alongside the gowns themselves.
The pieces
Lara beaded spaghetti strap sheath gown
This sheath gown keeps the silhouette narrow through the body, with spaghetti straps and beadwork carried the full length of the dress rather than stopping at the bodice. It is the gown to pick if you want structure without a full ball gown skirt underneath it. Shop the Lara beaded spaghetti strap sheath gown, $800.
Lara beaded bridal gown with godets
Godets built into the skirt give this gown movement the moment you walk, while the beading stays close to the body through the bodice. It is a quieter gown than some of the others here, built for a bride who wants shimmer without full coverage sparkle. Shop the Lara beaded bridal gown with godets, $605.
Lara lattice-beaded halter neck sheath wedding gown
The lattice beading across the bodice is the detail that sets this one apart, a woven pattern rather than a straight line of stones, paired with a halter neckline that keeps the shoulders bare. The sheath skirt stays close through the hip for a cleaner line. Shop the Lara lattice-beaded halter neck sheath wedding gown, $598.
Lara Gertie asymmetrical tulle beaded capelet
Gertie drapes asymmetrically across one shoulder, beaded tulle over a plain gown underneath, so it reads as a whole second layer rather than a small shrug. It is the easiest way to add ceremony drama to a simpler dress without buying a second gown. Shop the Lara Gertie asymmetrical tulle beaded capelet, $158.
Lara Gracie full length beaded tulle cape
Gracie goes the full length of the gown underneath it, beaded tulle from the shoulders to the floor, for a bride who wants the cape to be the first thing people see walking in. It unclasps easily for the reception. Shop the Lara Gracie full length beaded tulle cape, $358.
Lara Candie v-neck beaded mini dress with fringe
Candie cuts to a true mini with a v-neck and fringe that moves on the dance floor, beaded dense through the bodice so it still reads as a bridal piece rather than a party dress. It is a strong choice for a second look or a rehearsal dinner. Shop the Lara Candie v-neck beaded mini dress with fringe, $298.
Lara Dakota beaded fringe short wedding dress
Dakota is beaded top to bottom with fringe layered through the skirt instead of a plain hem, so it has motion built in before you even move. Between Candie and Dakota, it is worth trying both side by side since the fringe placement reads very differently on each. Shop the Lara Dakota beaded fringe short wedding dress, $298.
Shop Lara New York at our Los Angeles bridal boutique
Lara New York is available to order through Mae Bridal in sizes 00 to 26, cut from patterns the house develops specifically for each size rather than one pattern scaled across the range. We are the stockist, not the maker, and because Lara New York's shipping and return terms are still being confirmed with us directly, email team@maebridal.com before you order if you want current timing on a specific piece. We are happy to walk you through it.
Shop the full collection
See every Lara New York gown, capelet and mini dress in our Lara New York collection. If you are building a second look for the reception, our guide to mini wedding dresses for elopements and courthouse weddings is a good next stop, and our bridal capes guide covers how to style a capelet or cape with a gown you already own.
Lara New York gowns and capelets, answered
What size range does Lara New York carry?
Lara New York cuts across sizes 00 to 26, with patterns developed for each size rather than a single pattern scaled up or down.
What is the difference between a capelet and a full cape?
A capelet like Gertie covers the shoulders and upper arms and is meant to be noticed, then removed. A full cape like Gracie runs the length of the gown underneath it, so it reads as a second layer for the ceremony before it comes off for the reception.
Can I wear a Lara New York mini dress for something other than the ceremony?
Yes. Candie and Dakota are both built as short, beaded bridal dresses, which makes them a natural fit for a rehearsal dinner, an engagement party or a second look after the ceremony gown comes off.
Where can I try on Lara New York in Los Angeles?
Lara New York pieces are available to try on by appointment at Mae Bridal, our bridal boutique at 145 Bay St in Santa Monica, or over a live virtual shopping session if you are not local yet.
Ready to see them in person? Book an in-person fitting at our Santa Monica showroom, or book a live virtual shopping session from wherever you are.
Book your appointment
Searching for wedding dresses near you? Come find us in Santa Monica. Our showroom is minutes from LA but a world away from the typical bridal salon, come see why Mae Bridal is where modern, non-traditional brides find their dress in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. Book appointment