Studio News: New York Bridal Market
In a sun-filled gallery in Chelsea, my first bridal hair accessories debuted at New York Bridal Market. The market is part of New York Bridal Fashion Week, where runway shows dot the city, but behind the curtains is where the magic happens. Designers, myself included, have the unique opportunity to meet with bridal boutique owners and buyers from around the globe. This was my first trade show in New York – an event of firsts!
It was a great time to be in the city, even the walk from the train station was anything but dull as Comic-Con was taking place just a few blocks away. The streets were full of costumed comic characters, along with the usual great people watching.
Along with other designers, I stayed in the historical Algonquin Hotel. Upon arrival, much to my surprise, I saw Hamlet, the Algonquin cat. He’s free to roam the hotel and has been the subject of many children’s books – something I’d forgotten about until I saw a cat at the front desk.
I exhibited in the Wed Altered Showroom, along with other independent designers of handmade wedding gowns and bridal accessories. It was a true showing of talent that included opportunities to meet wedding industry professionals and learn the latest bridal trends. We’ll definitely be seeing more deep plunging necklines, bridal gown separates and hints of lavender added to the trend of non-traditional colors.
With models in gorgeous gowns and a professional photo shoot, I took the opportunity to style some of the bridal hair accessories and pearl jewelry in all that beautiful light. The pearls paired so well with the timeless gowns from another exhibitor, Renee Grace Bridal.
It was a pleasure meeting with bridal buyers, like Tami from Great Lakes Wedding Gown Specialists, a gown preservation and restoration shop. Her shop is the first to be carrying the bridal hair accessories, along with a lovely selection of pearl jewelry, including the IVY detachable backdrop, an item that was new for market.
We also had time to schedule a trunk show for the spring, which will bring a large selection of my wedding hair accessories and jewelry to brides in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The New York Bridal Market, while a short ride from home, felt like a world away. Full of lace, sparkle and all things wedding fashion, it’s an experience I will not soon forget. It marks the beginning of my bridal hair accessories being sold in stores; an exciting new chapter in my design journey and a market event I soon hope to repeat!
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