Watters celebrated 40 years of designing for brides with a milestone presentation during New York Bridal Fashion Week at Hotel Chelsea's Bard Room October 13, marking the occasion with the debut of its Spring 2027 collection.
Founded in Dallas in 1986 by Vatana Watters, the company began as a bridesmaids brand before expanding into a portfolio that includes Watters, Willowby, Locket, and By Watters.
Over the last four decades, the bridal industry has changed dramatically. Brides are celebrating differently and looking for fashion that reflects their own personal style. Throughout that evolution, Watters has remained family-led by founder Vatana Watters and Style Director Sydney Watters, bringing together two generations of experience while staying true to the foundation the brand was built on.
As Sydney joined her mother in leading the creative direction of the brand and experienced her own wedding journey, she brought a fresh perspective to the business, helping shape the next chapter of Watters and the way the brand serves today's brides.
"Being family-founded has shaped Watters in every way," says Sydney. "There's the history, instinct, and entrepreneurial vision that my mom built the company with, paired with my experience growing up around the brand and seeing it through the eyes of a new generation of brides. That combination keeps us grounded, but never still."
The anniversary is also a celebration of the people who have helped shape Watters over the past 40 years. Many employees and retail partners have been with the brand for decades, building lasting relationships and introducing generations of brides to Watters. Those connections remain a defining part of the company and continue to influence how the brand approaches both design and the bridal experience.
Throughout the anniversary year, Watters will celebrate the milestone through international bridal markets, retailer events, and special brand activations, including New York Bridal Fashion Week, Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week, and London Bridal Week.
