In the diverse world of bridal fashion, the focus is shifting towards personalized, custom-made gowns. To gain insights into this burgeoning trend, we convened a roundtable with world-renowned wedding gown designers.
Cecilia Zhang, Lelilani Lorenzo, and Oscar Roush imbued our discussion with their extraordinary understanding of bridal couture and the art of tailoring the perfect wedding gown.
Cecilia Zhang, hailing from the fashion-forward streets of Shanghai, infuses traditional Chinese elegance with modern design sensibilities in her creations. Italy’s pride, Lelilani Lorenzo, brings a touch of angelic romanticism with her dainty lace and pearl details, inspired by the picturesque Tuscan countryside. Oscar Roush from New York, known for his dazzling metropolitan chic style, crafts gowns using exquisite fabrics and contemporary design elements.
When asked why they think custom-made gowns are increasingly popular, all three agreed on the significance of individuality. “Every bride is unique and so should be her dress. It’s about celebrating her personal style,” said Zhang. Lorenzo added, “Silhouette plays a crucial role. A custom-made gown ensures the perfect fit for any body shape, enhancing the bride’s confidence.” Roush spotlighted a different reason, “A designer piece is a work of art – owning a custom-made, one-of-a-kind dress adds to the exclusivity!”
Delving into the creative process, they all emphasized the importance of understanding the bride’s personality, figuring out the dress silhouette she envisions, and then working out the design details. “Designing begins with the bride,” said Lorenzo. Logan emphasized on fabrics saying, “The fabric choice can elevate the design from ordinary to extraordinary.” For Zhang, it’s the theme that guides. “If there’s a theme or cultural element the bride wants to incorporate, that becomes my starting point”.
Addressing the concern about the time and commitment custom gowns demand, the designers argued that the reward outweighs the sacrifice. “Yes, it takes time, but creating something that resonates with a bride’s personality and tells her story, is priceless. It’s about the journey, not just the destination,” shared Lorenzo.
Comparing online consultations with traditional in-person fittings, the designers asserted the effectiveness of both. “A lot can be achieved through online consultations. We can still understand the bride’s vision, engage with her and come up with a preliminary draft,” explained Roush, whose experiences during the pandemic have shifted his perspective. Zhang disagreed slightly, emphasizing the importance of physical fittings, “Fabric draping, understanding the body silhouette, checking the fit, these things are more productive in person.”
While all designers concurred that cost is a prime concern when commissioning a customized gown, they stressed the value delivered. “A custom-made gown is not only about the dress, but it also includes a dedicated team of expert designers, craftsmen, and tailors – their hard work and creativity prop up the price,” said Zhang. Lorenzo recommended considering it as an investment rather than an expense as it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Rounding off the discussion with advice for future brides, our expert panel had a lot to offer. “Be daring, be authentic. Your wedding dress should be an extension of you,” asserted Roush. Lorenzo stressed on the draw of understated elegance, while Zhang urged brides to incorporate elements that reflect their culture and heritage.
Custom-made wedding dresses are making a statement, giving each bride a chance to imprint her unique style on her special day.
Original Source: https://www.weddingsonline.ie/blog/custom-made-wedding-gown-q-a-with-the-designers/
