~by Cheryl

Three weeks ago, Nancy wrote about our In-house Alterations Studio. We then interviewed Mary M. and Dalene B., two of our amazing seamstresses. Today, we feature Elizabeth L., our East-Coast transplant! Read below about her experience with bridal couture.

I am originally from a small town in southern Maine. I began sewing when I was around four. My mother taught herself how to sew and made numerous Easter dresses, costumes for musicals, and prom dresses for my three sisters and I. I guess I was inspired by her interest in sewing so began by making small pillows for my dolls, potpourri cushions, a small doll quilt that my mother helped with the finishing of and later doll clothes all by hand.

Later, I did a work study program in the costume shop of the first liberal arts college that I attended. Then I did a costume lab course at another college where I took a few part time classes. As my interest in costume and fashion design increased, I transferred to Massachusetts College of Art and Design where I took three and a half years of sewing, pattern drafting, tailoring, fashion marketing, and fashion design courses toward my BFA in Fashion Design. I also did an internship in the costume shop of the Boston Ballet. And I continually learn from every experience in a new studio or costume shop.

I made my first bridal gown for a school project in college. After that I drifted away from bridal for a while but came back to it in 2007 when I was hired to work as a bridal consultant for a large bridal shop in Portland, ME. Eventually, I took the role as the sole seamstress in the shop and began doing extensive alterations on bridal gowns, bridesmaids, prom, and mother-of-the-bride dresses. In the summer of 2008 I designed and created my first custom bridal gown and I have been working in bridal ever since.

I truly love custom couture work. I very much enjoy the design process and seeing ideas come to life.  My favorite material to work with is Silk Dupioni; it’s beautiful but has more structure and is more forgiving than many silks. Currently, my favorite designer right now is Junko Yoshioka. She has such unique styles, uses interesting silk fabrics, and couture details. I always find it interesting and educational to alter gowns that utilize details that are new to me, because that’s how I learn to replicate them in the future.

My favorite part of working at Avenía Bridal is the collaboration that takes place here. In everything from designer gown sales to the creation of custom gowns, we all work together to decide what will fit best for our clients. Nancy is a wonderful designer to work for because she does consult her seamstresses and others around her for opinions and new solutions to construction questions, design details, and even sales techniques. I truly appreciate how valuable she makes us each feel as integral parts of a collaborative effort.

Thank you, Elizabeth!