Our Interview with Jenny Yoo

From strikingly beautiful bridal gowns to a fresh modern take on bridesmaid dresses, Jenny Yoo’s designs are adored by brides and their maids. Jenny’s amazing ability to create dresses that flawlessly combine traditional elegance with modern appeal has made the Jenny Yoo Collection wonderfully unique. In her new 2012 Collection, Jenny brought us two new innovative styles, Keira and Aidan. These two fabulous dresses have convertible panels that allow you to alter the dress, giving you multiple neckline and skirt options… absolute perfection for the bride trying to accommodate all her maids! These are just some of the many reasons we are smitten by Jenny’s lovely creations. Jenny was able to chat with us more about her inspirations for her collection and how she has been able to keep up with the growing success of her company…

Jenny and her team

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

JY: Hands down, my amazing team here at Jenny Yoo Collection. We are the successful company we are today because of their hard work, loyalty and commitment to our brand and to our clients. I’ve also been fortunate to have my own sister and brother as a part of my company. My brother, David literally spends countless hours making sure that production runs smoothly and my sister Ellen, who runs our LA Showroom has been the wonderful support system that I can always count on. I can truly say that this is a family affair.






BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

JY: Lots of things inspire me…latest runway looks, people, colors, images, emotions…once my creative juices start flowing, I can stay up all night designing and expanding on the small idea that sparked that inspiration. It’s really important for me to create and design something that will flatter the woman’s body.









BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

JY: I happened to be designing for Ann Taylor when I was also asked to be a bridesmaid in my best friend’s wedding. I recall going from one bridesmaids shop to another and finding myself being disappointed with the selection that was out there. We ended up ordering dresses for her wedding but it was such a horrible experience from the colors, silhouettes to the customer service. I knew that there was a huge need for stylish bridesmaid’s dresses-and that is how Jenny Yoo Collection was born. I left my designer job at Ann Taylor and took a huge gamble starting my own business working in my tiny 400 square foot apartment in New York. After 10 years, I’ve been so blessed and fortunate to have the success I have today.

Image via Jillian Michaels

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would she be and how would you style her?

JY: This is a tough one but I would have to say Jillian Michaels from "The Biggest Loser.” She has an athletic build and is always shown in athletic wear. I would love to see her in a softer, more feminine look. When she's not wearing athletic gear, she's usually seen in very tight fitted dress styles. I would love to see her soften her look by wearing more looser, flowy chiffon styles in bold colors like yellow, corals, and emerald green paired with fun and fabulous accessories that make a statement.

Images via ValCityGal / Like Totally 80s

BB: What high school trends are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

JY: Oh goodness! If you can imagine…Belted oversized pastel colored 'Au Coton" Sweat Shirt ensemble and bright white scrunched socks…finished off with my perfectly teased hair and big hoop earrings. Oh and there was also the acid washed fringed jean jacket, Z Cavarichi's, and Frosted zinc pink lipstick. I hope that these trends never return, how embarrassing!







BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

JY: I’m not sure if I could pursue any other career path. I love designing and have a passion for creating pretty dresses. However, I also love the business side of my job. So, if I were to choose another career path, it will definitely be starting another entrepreneurial business. I’m not quite sure what area of interest it would be, but I can certainly say I love taking a simple idea whether it be a product or service and branding it with it’s special niche. I love being involved in all aspects of my business from sketching, development, pr/marketing, sales, accounting, to production. I find that the challenges in owning my business make my job really interesting and enjoyable.

BB: What is your favorite dress in your collection?

JY: I would have to say that our Aidan and Keira convertible dresses are definitely my favorite styles. I love how versatile and flattering they are on ANY body type. I’m all about providing options for our clients and I absolutely LOVE the fact that the dresses are beautiful on its own as a strapless dress but then can be transformed over 10 new necklines. This is one bridesmaid’s dress that I truly believe can be worn again and again.

Aidan dress

BB: Any advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

JY: Sweetheart strapless gowns are definitely the trend these days. They create a soft feminine neckline for girls, but for many busty girls they tend to shy away from them. But I find it amazing how just the right tack placement can make all the difference in the world. A-line silhouettes are also the go to cut for most bridal parties if you are trying to accommodate different body types. If one prefers a more fitted silhouette, one can always have a tailor take in the side seams to create a more flattering fit. You can’t do the same the other way around.







BB: What are you carrying in your purse?

JY: I have to say that I am rarely seen carrying around a purse. With 2 young children, 1 & 4, you’re more likely to see me carrying around an oversized tote. Today I have my iPad, random magazine tears for inspiration, pencils & sketch pad, cellphone, hair ties of all colors, chewing gum…oh and of course a stash of diapers and wipes. What a glamorous life!

                                                                                                        Thank you Jenny!

Our Interview with Annie Sokoloff of Anna Elyse

Creating a dress that suits a bride’s special day is no easy task, but Annie Sokoloff seems to have found a way to appease every bride’s wedding wishes. Anna Elyse Collections, which include bridal, bridesmaid and flower girls, has the option of custom color matching, along with various skirt and bodice options to outfit all your bridesmaids. Annie has been constantly inspired since beginning her flower girl collection by everything from color to high-end designers, such as Chanel. We adore Anna Elyse dresses here at Bella, so we were excited to sit down to ask Annie a few question and get to know her a little more!

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

A: Without a doubt the most important factor has been that it never occurred to me that I would fail. While there are ups and downs in every business, particularly with a start-up, to have that constant and consistent goal and belief that success will occur has been the defining factor.

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

A: Usually, it’s color and a color palette. Sometimes it’s a particular designer’s collection. I am often inspired by Oscar de la Renta’s designs. It’s obvious he loves dressing women. Our Spring 2012 Collection was inspired by a recent trip to Paris with my husband and the styles I saw there in small boutiques… and of course, Chanel!





BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

A: Funnily enough, it was not something I intended to do. I started out with a Flower Girl Collection. We were so often asked to match the color of the bridesmaids dresses and make a flower girl dress or sash in a similar color, that I decided not to compete and just do our own line.

Image by Getty Images
via Wall Street Journal

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would she be and how would you style her?

A: Hillary Rodham Clinton. She is a very attractive and intelligent woman who is (no offense to Hillary) hiding in the same pantsuit design in different colors. I think she’d look great in suits or dresses with jackets but more in the Jackie Kennedy era style - classic but with a European flair. Not a lot of detail, but enough to highlight her best features. Then she should pick a color that looks great on her and use that as her primary color palette. Personally, I think jewel tones would look great. Finally, shorter hair similar to what she wore as First Lady or, if she’d like to keep it long, swept up in a chignon, which she has done a bit lately.







BB: What high school trends are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

A: Probably the little teeny bows on clips… those were so popular in the 60’s, particularly when worn above the bangs with the hair poofed up behind it. Oh my goodness, what was I thinking?




BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

A: One of two things: I would have either completed my original path toward a law degree, (Constitutional Law was my favorite) moved to Washington, D.C. and become more involved in politics… hmm – a woman President? Or I would have become a kindergarten teacher. Such fun! Either would have been great options.

Cap Sleeve with Pencil skirt

BB: What is your favorite dress in your collection?

A: In our bridesmaid collection, I love the Cap Sleeve with the Pencil skirt and the dual colored Obi sash... very classic, very stylish and just so very 60’s Mad Men. In our new “Bridal Chic” Collection, the Savannah and the Juliet… both just classic and elegant.

BB: Advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

A: One of the things we cater to here at Anna Elyse is the variety of body types possible in a bridal party. Our Sweetheart neckline looks good on just about everyone. If the gal is hippy, stay away from the Slender and the Pencil. Good choices for everyone are the Audrey skirt – a classic A-line and the new Casey, lightly pleated but not poofy. For the more well-endowed of the group, the Deep V is a fabulous choice for those wanting straps or the Surplice for a more full figure. The Cap Sleeve does not really look good on a slight figure on top, but does look just fabulous on a nicely proportioned figure.

BB: What are you carrying in your purse?

A: Ha, too much! Let’s see – it’s a Louis Vuitton Neverfull so that should tell you something. Wallet, cell phone, too many pens, paperclips (somehow I always end up with a handful), breath mints, cosmetic bag, coupons for the dry cleaners, small notepad for my constant “notes to self”, keys, sunglasses, protein bar and business cards. How’s that?



                                     Thank you Annie!

Our Interview with Amsale

Amsale, a name synonymous with the wedding world and held in the highest of regards. Designer Amsale Aberra has given young girls and women alike reason to dream of their wedding day. Celebrated for her creations as being nothing less than beautiful, classic, glamorous, and overall breathtaking… we Bella’s are her biggest fans. We were honored to have Amsale be our designer interview this week, giving us a little more insight into the incredible designer that has graced our fashion world…




BB: Tell us a little about your background and how you got into the bridal world.

A: As a child in Ethiopia I loved to make my own clothes but didn't see fashion as a career. I came to the United States to study commercial art. Soon after, a revolution in my native country made it impossible for me to return. As a student, I started to design and sew my own clothing. It became clear that my true passion was fashion design, so I enrolled in New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology and then started my career as a design assistant for Harve Bernard.

While planning my own wedding, I searched to find a simple, refined wedding dress, but found little in the way of clean, sophisticated gowns. I was convinced I had discovered an untapped niche in the bridal market; elegant and understated dresses. I placed an ad for custom-made gowns for other brides who shared my taste and started my business out of my New York City loft apartment.

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

A: One thing I always emphasize is how important it is to be passionate about what you do. There will be many uphill challenges you will have to overcome, and if you do not love what you do, you will be tempted to quit. My continued passion has definitely been one of the most important factors in the success of my business.

G674J in Poppy

BB: When did you add bridesmaids to your collection and why?

A: The bridesmaid collection was added in 2001 because brides-to-be were looking for something classic and sophisticated not only for themselves, but also for their bridesmaids.


BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

A: The bridesmaid dresses are made to compliment the bride, so I apply the same principles to the bridesmaid’s collection that I use to design the bridal collection.

G629C in Slate

BB: What is your favorite bridesmaid dress in the collection and how would you style it to wear again after the wedding?

A: My favorite bridesmaids dress in the collection right now is a strapless chiffon dress with a criss cross bodice. It has a classic silhouette and a beautiful fit. You can wear it casually with minimal jewelry, or dress it up with a statement piece or bold accessories.

BB: Any advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

A: I have created a very diverse line of silhouettes, including dresses with straps for women with a fuller bust or a natural waist to show off your figure. I am very conscious of the fact that women have different body types, and I design our bridesmaids dresses to ensure there is something for everyone.

G696C in Opal

BB: What does the future hold for Amsale?

A: I am committed to designing bridesmaid dresses that are beautiful and fashionable. I plan to expand the collection to include new styles, colors and fabrics.




Thank you Amsale, we look forward to many more beautiful designs!

Joey Brooks of Elle & Jae Accessories

Joey Brooks

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize! Joey Brooks, owner and designer of Elle & Jae Wedding Accessories, knows exactly how to add that extra special something to your fabulous wedding party. Her sashes, headpieces, and combs come in an array of fabrics and colors bringing endless options and versatility to your bridal party. Not only are these accessories beautiful and unique but are also, all handmade in Los Angeles. As fans of this amazing line of accessories, we wanted to chat with Joey and see where she gets her inspiration for her lovely and one of a kind collection…


BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

JB: I think it’s due to a creative instinct and filling a gap in the bridal market. I believe it’s also a great attention to detail… a high quality and craftsmanship. There are so many great designers out there, and I’m designing new, unique pieces that I love and think other modern women would love too.

BB: When designing your gorgeous accessories, what are your inspirations?

JB: I take inspiration from so many things – new and vintage apparel, photographs, discovering unique resources and lots of color… choosing and adding colors is the best part! And if you have ever been to the Rose Bowl flea market, you know just wandering the aisles is inspiring. I’m always shopping vintage designer markets in Los Angeles and looking at great design blogs.

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing?

JB: When I was young my grandmother had a collection of thimbles on her wall and was an expert sewer. Even from an early age, she taught me to make clothes for my Barbie’s using t-shirts and socks… she even knit them sweaters! My grandmother always inspired me to be creative – she could paint, draw, sew, knit and needlepoint.

Julia Child via Vanity Fair

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would she be and how would you style her?

JB: Julia Child, she is truly one of my heroes but I am not a fan of those high collar button-up blouses. (Although, it probably made changing clothes after cooking very easy!) I would love to see her in a circle skirt and ¾ sleeve sweater… or maybe since she likes prints, I’d put her in a classic DVF wrap – she would rock that look!





BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

JB: Bike shorts with boxers over them and scrunch socks in shoe boots. Man, middle school was rough!

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

JB: I would love to work with animals; training therapy dogs would be so rewarding.

Champagne Flower Belt

BB: What's your favorite accessory in your collection?


JB: I think my favorite piece from the bridesmaid collection is the champagne flower wide belt with rhinestone centers. It’s just so pretty for any dress. And I love the black ostrich and velvet sash from the bridal line.

Grecian headband

BB: Do you have any accessory rules to live by?

JB: I think if you can put a belt on something and give yourself a great waistline, then do it! And staying away from anything really hard and crunchy – I like soft fabrics.

BB: What's in your purse?

JB: Oh, I travel a lot so it can be messy in there. Currently, there are lots of receipts from trips, a moleskin notebook, ribbon swatches, safety pins, Aquafor, Mac face powder, a few pens, a balance bar, and my iphone.

Our Interview with Lauren Leonard of Leona Bridesmaids

Our beloved southern sweetheart, Lauren Leonard of Leona Bridesmaids, has won us over with her modern and impressive bridesmaid collection. Fitting for any bride looking to dress her lovely maids in stylish, flattering and adorable frocks, Leona dresses are just the ticket! Combining her Nashville roots with her knowledge of fashion, which she developed after working in the Big Apple, Lauren’s designs are perfect for the modern gal. Taking a break from the bustling holiday season, Lauren shared some of the inspirations and secrets to her fab collection…

Leona office in Nashville, TN

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

LL: Never forgetting the customer. I strive to blend special appeal; versatility and functionality into something the Leona girl will feel striking and comfortable in... no detail is forgotten!

Lauren and her fabulous team!

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?


LL: I initially try to take the word bridesmaid out of the picture, thinking more of designs that this girl would wear to an elegant party. I take that idea and form it into something that is both appropriate and phenomenal for a wedding party to wear. There are so many factors to consider like photographs, body types, and functionality. If the design meets those criteria and is still stunning and special then we have a winner!



BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

LL: When I started the Leona ready to wear label, I was immediately approached to do bridesmaid dresses. I have now been designing for weddings for three years. It was time to officially launch the new label and Bella Bridesmaid was the perfect partnership for us because of its focus on luxurious, modern dresses.

Image via Victorian Wedding

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?

LL: I would love to see modern day makeovers on some of the women from the Victorian era. They looked so uncomfortable. Wouldn't it be fun to see Queen Victoria in a Leona dress?!

BB: What high school trends are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

LL: It was the age of Britney Spears, distressed jeans, and tube tops...not exactly a shining moment in fashion history. I tried a little bit of everything.






BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

Serena dress

LL: A photographer! Although I have no current skills in this area, I love being a creative director at our seasonal Leona photo-shoots.

BB: What is your favorite dress in your collection?

LL: The Serena! So versatile, effortless and chic.

BB: Any advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

LL: A V-neck or halter looks nice if you have a larger chest. I love a sweetheart neckline to add definition for more boyish figures. A skirt that is slightly A-line with some added fullness at the hem looks great on all shapes and sizes and a sash is the easiest way to define the waistline!

BB: What are you carrying in your purse?

LL: iphone, Chapstick, business cards, RayBan Cats, bobby pins!


Thanks Lauren!

Our Interview with Jessica Brown of Ivy & Aster

When we daydream of fairytale weddings and maids outfitted in only the most romantic of dresses it makes us think of our beloved Ivy & Aster. In 2010 Jessica Brown, the owner and designer of Ivy & Aster, began her beautiful creations. The fanciful draping, chiffon flowers and gorgeous color palette makes us want to wear these beauties every day! We wanted to hear more about Jessica’s beginnings and inspirations for these sweet dresses…

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

J: I'm really proud that we've been so successful from the start of the business. I think we really understand our customer and what she wants as well as how to market to that customer. I am also thankful for the great stores that picked up the line the first season including many of the Bella stores!

Jessica in her design space

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

J: As we all know women and bridesmaids come in all shapes and sizes, so we try to offer styles that will be flattering on a variety of girls. Our look is youthful and fun and our dresses are made so you could wear them to other social events, they don't scream bridesmaid when you first see them.

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

J: I've been in bridal for a while and really wanted to try to branch into maids just for a change of pace and color! It is similar to ready to wear in a bridal environment so I thought it would be fun. Also I was hearing there was a need for an under $300 silk look so that is where we landed.



BB: Could you tell us a little more about your bridal background?

J: I started working in a bridal store in Atlanta when I was in high school. I just fell in love with the whole experience. Bridal gowns are the closest thing to couture that most people will ever wear as they are usually made to order. I went on to study fashion design and also worked for Saks bridal in college. Upon graduation I was hired by Anne Barge and was there for almost 11 years where I also got to work with Badgley Mischka on their bridal collection.

Olivia Thirlby
 Image by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images via Style Bistro

BB: If you could give any famous woman a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?

J: That's a hard one! I'd love to dress an up and coming actress like Olivia Thirlby or Elle Fanning that could really take our dresses and make them their own. I'd love to see how they would style them! That is what I think is great about I&A is that you can really let your own personality show!


BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

J: I'm actually not too embarrassed by my style in high school- I guess I found my style then. Middle school is another story- I guess the "multiples" trend with socks in matching colors was pretty dreadful! Also the way-high bangs were pretty bad.


BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

J: I would be a painter/artist if I thought I could survive off doing it for a living- I still love to paint in my free time

BB: What's your favorite dress in your collection?

J: I love our new prints- they are so fun and flirty! I'm dying for a bridal party to use them or at least one for the maid of honor.

BB: Any hints to what is in store for this Fall?

J: We are introducing some great new colors that our 'fans' have requested along with some different necklines and sleeve options, which are also in demand. We are also continuing with our prints to further the idea that our dresses can be for other social occasions.

Ivy & Aster, Coming Up Roses

BB: Advice for certain styles for different body shapes?

J: We've sold all shapes and sizes- I think interest or draping/rouching on the bodice can both enhance and minimize depending on what is needed. Our gently gathered skirts are fun and forgiving on the hips! An empire waist is always good on a larger size or if you have an expectant attendant. Most girls look good in strapless since it shows off the shoulders.

BB: What's in your purse?

J: It is a little scary right now- I have the usual wallet, lots of receipts from travel and purchases, my favorite Laura Mercier lip gloss, a Jo Malone cologne, my Banana Republic sunglasses, a Clif bar and a diaper- I have a 16 month old and don't always like to carry a diaper bag!


Thank you Jessica!

Our Interview with Amy of Swoon

It is not difficult to fall for Amy Wong Micucci’s gorgeous line of bridesmaid dresses. We here at Bella have been under a Swoon love spell since being introduced to Amy’s creation of modern dresses. Her visions of fabulous destinations in mind… the Hamptons, beautiful Barbados and Florence are just some places that have inspired her flawless and flattering frocks. We got the opportunity chat with Amy and get to know her a little more...

BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

A: I've learned throughout my career that you're only as good as the people you surround yourself with, so I would say that the most important factor in the success of my business has been the partnerships I've formed - in retail (LOVE those Bella ladies!), in production, product development, marketing, etc…

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

A: As you can tell by the names of the dresses in my line, a lot of my inspiration from the places I've traveled to (or hope to travel to!). The idea of "vacation" also inspires me quite a bit - everyone feels a little more relaxed & beautiful when they're away on holiday and that's how I want women to feel when they wear my dresses. I hate the idea of anything constricting or overly fussy.



BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

A: Yes - I was over at my best friend's house and she showed me a closet that literally looked like Katherine Heigl’s in the movie “27 Dresses” with dozens of bridesmaids dresses that she only wore once… but felt too guilty to get rid of. We started talking about creating a bridesmaid line that was influenced by contemporary fashion with dresses that girls would actually want to wear post-wedding and Swoon was born!

BB: If you could give any famous woman (current or historical) a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?

A: Not sure about a make-over, but there are plenty of famous women that I'd love to make-under & I'd start with the "Real Housewives" on Bravo!

BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

A: Pegged jeans, scrunchies, floral print baby doll dresses with bike shorts underneath! Anything you see on a Beverly Hills 90210 re-runs, I probably wore it!

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

A: If I wasn't designing, I would definitely still be doing something else in the fashion world... most likely continuing my former career in merchandising & buying. I honestly can't imagine being in any other industry.

BB: What would you change about your wedding, whether that is the dress, the decor, the venue, etc...?

A: I loved absolutely everything about my wedding,  so the only thing I would have done differently would have been to convince the owners of the property where my wedding was held to let us extend the celebration a few hours longer!

Thank you Amy!

Our Interview with Katherine of LulaKate

Elle, Pearl, Chandler, Zoe.....
What comes to mind when hearing these names? Well for the Bella gals, we think of bright colors, party skirts and absolutely adorable bridesmaid dresses by LulaKate! LulaKate’s founder, Katherine McDonald, started her fabulous bridesmaid collection in 2007 in her hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. Katherine has perfected her collection with a range of different styles and silhouettes for any body type, and cleverly giving them names of different women. LulaKate offers maids personality to their dresses, making this collection so special!

We were lucky enough to catch up with Katherine, so she could answer a few of our questions we were dying to ask.......


BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?

Katherine (center)

K: I have tried to provide the best customer service possible to all of our clients over the years. It is very important to me that someone has a wonderful experience at LulaKate, therefore customer service is our top priority. I feel it is the key to our success.

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?

K: I believe that the bridesmaids should not outshine the bride. I feel that something classic, yet modern is the best choice for their attire. A bride should look at her pictures in 20 years and still love them as much as she does a year after she gets married. I am inspired by old Hollywood and style icons of the 60's… anything that is timeless.

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?

K: A close friend's sister was getting married and she insisted I do the bridesmaid dresses. At the time I was only doing Ready-to-Wear and I was terrified but I said yes anyway.

BB: If you could give any famous woman (current or historical) a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?

K: There isn't anyone I necessarily can think of that I would want to makeover but I would love the opportunity to design a dress for Rachel McAdams. She always looks fantastic and dressing her for a red carpet event would be a lot of fun.

BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?

K: I am embarrassed to say that I once wore baggy jeans and flannel shirts.

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?

K: I have a psychology degree so I could see myself being an art therapist for children or a counselor for troubled teenage girls.


                                                                     Thank you, Katherine....it was great chatting with you!

Our Interview with Carol Hannah

So many of us have a fascination with Bravo’s show Project Runway. The cast of characters, the drama surrounding the last minute deadlines, Tim Gunn declaring, “make it work”, and of course the endless creativity that brings about some pretty fabulous clothes. With that said we are thrilled to start off our blogging adventures with one of our favorite designers and Project Runway alum, Carol Hannah Whitfield!

Carol Hannah’s young resume already includes being a fan favorite and finalist on Project Runway Season 6, and most recently launching her awe inspiring bridal line in the spring of 2010. In addition to being super fans of Carol Hannah, we are honored to exclusively carry her gorgeous bridesmaid line of frocks. Want to know more about Carol Hannah? Well, we have you covered! CH answered a few questions for us… so enjoy!





BB: What do you think has been the most important factor in the success of your business?
CH: Wow, that's a hard one to answer, mainly because I think it has been a combination of a lot of different factors. Obviously, the huge amount of press and publicity from Project Runway was a fantastic leg up when I started the line. It took a LOT of planning and preparation, long hours, and getting my hands dirty (oh fashion- soooo glamorous!), and it most certainly helps that I have a good bit of experience in bridal and am surrounded by supportive family and knowledgeable employees that I can learn from as well. Partnering with Bella Bridesmaid has really been the icing on the cake! It's always been a personal mantra of mine that if you are going to do something, do it right. Bella is the epitome of that when it comes to the bridesmaids dress process, and I'm so glad to be a part of that!

BB: When designing for women, specifically bridesmaids, what are your inspirations?
CH: I find myself always thinking of my friends when I design new bridesmaids styles. I'm 26, so am in that stage of life where all of my friends are getting married. I try to think about how different all my girlfriends are and what I would put them in, which helps me make sure I'm covering a broad range of body types. I also really strive to do something new and different from what's already on the market. I think the bridesmaids' dresses are a great chance to lend more feeling and vision to your wedding.
                                                                                  

BB: Was there a specific event or person in your life that led you to begin designing bridesmaid dresses?
CH: Actually, this is a pretty funny story (well, now, anyway). My first adventure into the world of bridesmaids was actually with my sister. She unfortunately had a bridesmaids dress for her friend's wedding stolen out of the box in her apartment lobby right before the wedding, and so we had to whip something up in a pinch! When her friends started getting married, they started coming to me for their maids, and then things exploded a bit. I spent my college years partly studying and partly as a one person bridesmaids dress factory out of my bedroom!

BB: If you could give any famous woman (current or historical) a makeover, who would it be and how would you style them?
CH: Not that she needs a makeover by any means, but I would LOVE to dress Zooey Deschanel. She's such a happy, whimsical little fairy, with a great personality to boot. I would put her in all of my cocktail dresses, put her on a bicycle, and send her on her way.

BB: What high school trend are you embarrassed to admit you followed?
CH: Hello denim overalls! (Hello South Carolina!)

BB: If you weren't a designer, what career path would you have chosen?
CH:I think I would have pursued architecture or art. It definitely would have to be something creative!







BB: How was your experience on Project Runway? What did you imagine yourself doing after your season on Project Runway?
CH: Project Runway was an amazing experience for me. I have never had so much fun and simultaneously been so stressed out in my life! The encouragement from the fans and the opportunities I've had from the show still drive me each day to push myself more both as a designer and as a person. To be honest, this is exactly what I wanted to do after the show! I am very blessed and very grateful.







Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, Carol Hannah!
We loved getting to know you a bit better.