Designer Loft Bridal will make you a star
Shopping for your wedding dress should be one of the most enjoyable parts of planning a wedding. That’s the philosophy at Designer Loft Bridal, an appointment-only bridal boutique in Manhattan.
“We have fun with brides,” says owner Liz Sellassie. “We don’t want it to be like in “Pretty Woman” when Julia Roberts goes shopping and it’s all about snobbery and intimidation. We’re relaxed and casual.” Unlike many other bridal boutiques, Designer Loft allows photos when you’re trying on gowns.
Designer Loft has dresses in all sizes and shapes, says Sellassie, and in many different colors, from traditional bright white, to delicate blushes and ecrus. The boutique stocks a wide variety of dresses with sleeves and without, with plunging necklines or backs, and dresses designed with more modest brides in mind. Sellassie noted that she often meets brides who have been traumatized by shopping for gowns and finding nothing available in their size, style or color of choice. “We say, ‘relax, breathe, we’re going to find you something beautiful that fulfills all your needs,’” she explains.
In working with designers and seeking out dresses to stock, Sellassie says that she is always looking for gowns that flatter real women’s bodies. “I look for gowns that will compliment a variety of brides, not just the supermodel bride,” she says.
An initial appointment at Designer Loft will take several hours. Sellassie recommends looking at photos of dresses online or in magazines and coming in with several styles that really speak to you, and what you think will make you feel amazing on your wedding day. Your consultant will ask about the venue and your plan for the wedding, how formal it will be, what time of day, and what your vision is. You’ll talk to her about your budget and what you want to spend. Then, taking all of those factors into account, you’ll try on dresses that match what you have in mind, whether that’s something floaty and easy for a beach wedding or something ornate and formal for an evening event.
The biggest piece of advice she can offer, says Sellassie, is to keep an open mind. “Sometimes brides come in with a very specific style or even a specific dress they love, and it just doesn’t make them a star,” she says. “I tell them, it’s not about the dress, it’s about what the dress does for you.”
Sellassie recommends starting your dress shopping as early as possible. Once you have the venue picked out and understand what kind of a wedding you’re planning, it’s time to make an appointment at Designer Loft. While some dresses are available with quick turnarounds, others are custom-made for each bride and need a minimum of six months lead time.
“Sometimes brides tell me that they’re waiting to lose weight before choosing a dress,” says Sellassie. “I say don’t wait until you’re in ideal shape, let the gown do the work for you.”
Designer Loft has in-house full service tailoring, and can make any alterations you need. They also stock and make jackets and shrugs and other bridal accessories. “It’s very useful to have a seamstress on site,” Sellassie says. “We really take care of our brides.”
To book an appointment, visit www.designerloftnyc.com where you can book directly or check out their weekly trunk shows featuring top designers, or call (212) 944-9013.