High School of Fashion Industries 2026 Bridal Competition
The Bridal Council Annual Scholarship
The Next Generation of Bridal Designers Has Arrived
The future of bridal fashion took center stage as the next generation of designers showcased their creativity, craftsmanship, and vision at the 2026 High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI) Bridal Competition.
Now in its 15th year, the annual competition marks the culmination of HSFI’s junior-level bridal design course — a program dedicated to nurturing emerging talent and giving young designers the opportunity to bring their dream gowns from concept to runway. The competition is spearheaded by Robert di Mauro & Mara Urshel. Di Mauro, is a lifestyle commentator, HSFI Board Member, and founder of The Industry Partnership Program (IPP). The IPP’s objective is to build a significant bridge between the business world and HSFI. The program is presented in partnership with Kleinfeld Bridal. Mara Urshel first started planning the program with di Mauro in 2009.
Teacher Mark Centeno oversees the rigorous academics at HSFI — creating a place where aspiring creatives can turn their passions into professions.
The annual bridal competition provides students with a rare opportunity to experience the full fashion journey: from inspiration and sketching to construction, styling, and presenting their final designs before an expert panel of judges from the bridal industry who recognized the students’ technical skill, creativity, and ability to capture the emotion and individuality behind the modern bride.
This year’s Bridal Council Scholarship was awarded to Gabriella Nunez for her breathtaking gown, “A Petal’s Promise,” honoring her design vision and dedication to the craft of bridal fashion.
A true celebration of fashion’s evolution, the HSFI Bridal Competition — welcoming the next wave of creative talent who will shape the future of the industry!
The Judges of the 2025/2026 Bridal Design Program of the High School of Fashion Industries: from left to right:
Diane Forden, Former Editor In Chief, Bridal Guide, Andrea Pitter of Pantora Bridal, Designer Madeline Gardner, Kayla-Marie Bienwald, Mara Urshel + Dorothy Silver of Kleinfeld Bridal, Designer Sareh Nouri, Retailer Flora Petakas of Flora on Madison. Standing: Robert di Mauro, PPI Founder
Winning Designer:
Gabriella Nunez (Designer & Model Bride) A Petal's Promise
Winning TEAM MEMBERS:
Illia But, Amaya Rincon-Montanez, Madison Ortiz, Nora Moufid
STUDENT PARTICIPANTS & RUNNERS-UP:
Threads of Eternity: Saccia Singh (Designer & Model Bride), Niseiry Elliz-Casildo, Zoe Baidal Nieves, Esther Isabell Briceno Diaz, & Jose Coyotecatl Martinez
Amor Eterno: Kendra Tejeda (Designer & Model Bride), Lucinda Gordo, Skyla Diaz, Nektarios Ketsetzidis, & Lily Rebollar
El Jardin De Nuestra Amor: Arlinne Molina (Designer & Model Bride), Jared Jimenez, Melissa Cortez, Eimy Munoz, & Milena Molina Abreu
Eternal Elegance: Zulimar Villarreal (Designer), Vy Tuong Nguyen, Hunter Kulik (Model Bride), Melina Taveras, & Santiago Delarosa
PPI Founders Mara Urshel & Robert di Mauro. Di Mauro was surprised with a special award at this year’s competition.