Melis Bridal wins Best Bridal Collection in New York

Melis Bridal by Omani designer Sahar Al Aufi won Best Bridal Collection at the inaugural Runway 7 Fashion Awards on Sept. 14 at Sony Hall in New York City. The honor puts the Muscat-based house back in front of U.S. bridal buyers as it builds its presence ahead of New York Bridal Fashion Week.

Why it matters: - The award gives Melis Bridal a profile boost in the U.S. bridal market. - The recognition comes as Sahar Al Aufi expands relationships with bridal boutiques, buyers and fashion professionals in the United States. - The win also reconnects the brand with a New York Fashion Week platform that has already featured Melis.

What happened: - Melis Bridal was named Best Bridal Collection at the inaugural Runway 7 Fashion Awards on Sept. 14 at Sony Hall in New York City. - Sahar Al Aufi, founder and creative director of Melis, accepted the bridal honor in New York. - The award followed Runway 7's 11th season of shows during New York Fashion Week, held Sept. 8-13. - The awards program recognized designers and industry professionals across more than 30 categories, including bridal, haute couture, eveningwear, sustainable fashion and global heritage. - International couturier Michael Cinco was named Designer of the Year. - Malan Breton received the Excellence in Design Award. - The Sept. 14 program also included live performance.

The details: - Al Aufi presented Melis' Spring/Summer 2024 collection with Runway 7 at Sony Hall during New York Fashion Week in September 2023. - That earlier presentation was documented by Getty Images and fashion media. - Al Aufi is based in Muscat, Oman, and founded the fashion house in 1998. - The designer now works through ateliers in Oman and Italy. - Melis combines Omani craftsmanship with Italian tailoring. - The house uses handcrafted details, made-to-measure construction and custom-developed fabrics. - Al Aufi also develops hand-embroidered fabrics for collections and private clients. - Melis Bridal is building its U.S. presence through bridal boutiques, buyers and other fashion-industry professionals. - The brand's approach centers on personal relationships and bespoke design rather than conventional collection distribution. - Al Aufi will appear Oct. 13-15 at Mélange de Blanc during New York Bridal Fashion Week. - She will meet bridal retailers, buyers, stylists and media at Floor 3, Showroom 21. - Appointment requests can be made through Sahar Al Aufi Atelier.

Between the lines: - The award signals that Melis Bridal is using New York as both a showcase and a business-development market. - The brand's pitch is built around customization, craftsmanship and direct client relationships, which sets it apart from mass-market bridal lines. - Returning to Sony Hall gives Al Aufi a continuity story that can help reinforce credibility with U.S. buyers and press.

What's next: - Melis Bridal will use New York Bridal Fashion Week to present its work directly to the U.S. bridal trade. - Al Aufi is seeking meetings with retailers, buyers and media as the brand expands its U.S. footprint. - The company continues to develop relationships with bridal boutiques, fashion professionals and private clients while keeping its made-to-order model at the center of the business.