The Sectional Asks: Francesca Miranda About Her FLORESTA Bridal Collection
From Colombian flowers to a handmade garden installation, the designer explains how FLORESTA came together.
Models swirled in an intricate dance of lace, feathers, and beads inside a Chelsea showroom adorned with oversized, crochet florals. The result of their continuous movement was something of a bridal garden.
Francesca Miranda presented her FLORESTA collection during New York Bridal Fashion Week to a sea of spectators gathered around the whirl of models, taking it all in.
Photo credit: Francesca Miranda
The Sectional was among the crowd that ooh-ed and ahh-ed at the show and can confirm the Fall 2027 collection is feminine, elevated, and awe-inducing.
In conversation with The Sectional, Miranda shared more about the botanical-inspired collection, including the use of florals, the design process, the creation process, and more.
The Sectional: How would you characterize this collection?
Francesca Miranda: FLORESTA is a celebration of femininity and craftsmanship. It’s romantic but with a contemporary sensibility, where delicate textures meet strong silhouettes. The collection explores different expressions of bridal fashion, from more traditional ceremony gowns to lighter, more playful second looks and pieces for the bridal wardrobe. Every design has its own personality, but they’re all connected by a common appreciation for detail and the beauty of things made by hand.
Photo credit: Francesca Miranda
TS: Can you tell us what inspired your Fall 2027 collection?
FM: The collection was inspired by the botanical world, particularly the richness and diversity of flowers found in Colombia. I have always been fascinated by the shapes, textures, and movement of nature; also for me the fabrics itself and how I use them, are always inspiration.
There was also a desire to celebrate our Colombian heritage and the artisans whose work is such an important part of our identity. This became especially meaningful through our collaboration with Artesanías del Atlántico, who created the large-scale handcrafted floral installation for our presentation in New York.
Photo credit: Francesca Miranda
TS: Can you expand on the idea of flowers as a "central language" in this collection?
FM: Flowers are present throughout FLORESTA, but not always in a literal way. Sometimes they appear through lace patterns, embroidery, and dimensional appliqués. Other times, their influence is more subtle, expressed through the volume of a skirt, the movement of a fabric, or the construction of a silhouette.
I wanted each flower to inspire a different expression of femininity. Some designs feel delicate and understated, while others are more sculptural and dramatic. Just as no two flowers are exactly alike, I believe every bride should have the freedom to express her own individuality.
TS: Can you tell us more about your design process?
FM: My design process often begins with a fabric or a texture. I am very tactile in the way I approach design. Sometimes a beautiful lace or an unexpected material will inspire an entire silhouette.
For FLORESTA, we explored the relationship between botanical forms and the female body, looking at how volume, transparency, and texture could create different expressions of movement.
I also think about the different moments of a wedding and how a bride wants to feel throughout the celebration. That’s why the collection includes both ceremony gowns and second looks, offering different silhouettes while maintaining a cohesive design language.
Photo credit: Francesca Miranda
TS: And the creation process?
FM: Everything comes to life in our atelier in Barranquilla, Colombia, where craftsmanship is at the heart of what we do. Our team works closely on every piece, from developing patterns and constructing corsets to placing lace, creating textures, and completing the finishing details by hand.
What makes the process special is the relationship between the designer and the artisans. There is a constant exchange of ideas, and often a design evolves as we work with the materials.
This season, our collaboration with Artesanías del Atlántico brought that philosophy beyond the garments themselves. The flowers created for our presentation were also made by hand, by women artisans, including mothers who are heads of their households. I loved the idea of bringing these two worlds together, showing how different artisanal techniques can share the same dedication, skill, and emotion.
TS: How does the botanical world tie into the world of weddings?
FM: Flowers have always been connected to weddings because they represent beauty, transformation, and new beginnings. But beyond their symbolism, I find the botanical world fascinating because of its diversity.
Every flower has its own shape, texture, and character, much like every woman. That is what I wanted to celebrate with FLORESTA.
For me, there is also a beautiful parallel between the process of creating a flower by hand and creating a couture gown. Both require patience, precision, and an appreciation for the smallest details. In the end, both are expressions of beauty created with intention.
TS: What do you hope a bride feels while wearing a piece from this collection?
FM: Above all, I want her to feel like herself. Beautiful, confident, comfortable, and free to express her personality.
I believe a wedding dress should never overpower the woman wearing it. It should complement who she is and become part of her story. It should transmit a joyful emotion to wear it.
Photo credit: Francesca Miranda
TS: Do you have a certain gown that has become your favorite for Fall 2027? If so, why?
FM: It is always difficult to choose just one, because each gown represents a different part of the collection. But I have a particular affection for Dalia.
I love the balance between its romantic character and its more contemporary silhouette. The lace, the proportions, and the way it can be styled with additional pieces allow the look to take on different personalities.
That versatility is something I really wanted to explore this season: the idea that a bride can transform her look while maintaining the same sense of identity and elegance.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
