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Bridal gown designer Anne Barge recently sat down with Sara Mack at Destiny's Bride to discuss her lengthy design career and what offers inspiration to her as she fashions some of the most lovely and romantic gowns in the bridal market.
How did you start your bridal business and what drew you to designing wedding gowns in the first place?
“I always wanted to be a bridal designer! My mother started taking me to weddings at about the age of three. She was an accomplished organist and pianist, so this was something she did often. I met the real Priscilla of Boston in 1969 and worked for her for about one year as Jim Hjelm’s assistant. In 1981, I started my own bridal shop, sold it in 1994, managed bridal salons in four Saks Fifth Avenue stores, was managing director of Virgin Bride in London and started this line in 1999.”
How have brides' tastes changed over the years, and how have you responded to these changes?
“Tastes have changed over the years from the 1980’s Princess Diana’s full blown sleeves, Caroline Kennedy’s square shoulder jewel neckline look to the much more bare looks of today like strapless necklines, fitted mermaid shapes and lighter weight gowns. Brides today are very fashion forward and so their bridal gowns must be too.”
What inspired you to create the La Fleur collection, offering brides gowns at a lower price point?
“I visited stores which did not have great looking gowns in the $2500-$3500 range which could hang next to a $10,000 gown and hold their own. I saw them losing that couture customer who wanted a fine gown at a great price, so La Fleur was born a couple of years before the country faced the economic crisis.”
Where do you find inspiration for your collections?
“Historic costumes and embroideries, old films from the 40’s and 50’s, historic royal weddings, museum collections, styles to remember growing up . . . are all ways to find inspiration. But travel and meeting real brides might inspire me most!”
What fabrics and styles do you find most appropriate for Arizona brides?
“I think the lighter fabrics such as tulle, silk organza and net are great for this climate. Also, lace gowns which are fitted look wonderful in the resort settings.”
What are your favorite trends or gown elements for 2011 brides?
“My favorite trends are natural waistlines- a return to the 1950’s ballgown look which I love. Soft romantic fabrications like tulle, organza and beautiful laces are elements I foresee for 2011 brides. It’s all about romance, so lace and other soft fabrications will take us to the future.”
Do you believe that brides really will pass their gowns down to their daughters? How relevant is this "tradition"? If not, how do you feel as a designer about the “Trash the Dress” trend?
“Every bride would like to pass their gown down to their daughter, but sizing is always the unknown. If a mother’s gown cannot be restyled or resized, we many times use elements of it on a new gown or veil. I think the ‘Trash the Dress’ trend is horrible! So disrespectable of the ‘dress of your life.’”
Photography:
Bridgette Marie |
