I don’t follow trends as a bridal designer. I think that is the beauty of being creative. What if the industry declares a “trend” for the season and I am not inspired creatively by what they say? I am more inspired by the fabrics and trims I find and then I begin to create from a place of creativity, excitement and passion.

I take chances, and move against the trends, to express my fashion sensibilities, both culturally and esthetically. My dresses are infused with culture and complexity. I set out to fulfill a void and unveil a dramatic, beautiful collection of gowns that would make a statement for brides on their special day.

I foresee brides creating a movement choosing wedding gown styles that represent their individuality. They won’t be afraid to choose gowns with ethnic adornments, in pastel shades or embellished with bright, bold colors. More and more brides are choosing styles with subtle elements that reflect their culture and tradition and this trend will becoming stronger and more acceptable as the years go by.

Ethnic Weddings have always been more colorful events than the “Traditional” European-style and much less “uniform” in dress. When it comes to selecting a wedding dress, brides in different cultures around the world have married in a variety of vibrant colors, attaching different meanings to each color. Some have universal meaning such as purple and gold for royalty and white for purity.

In West Africa, brides wear colors and patterns that represent their villages. Their bridal ensemble consists of wrapped skirts with loose, flowing tops (boubahs) and head wraps. A bride in Northern Africa may wear bright yellow, because it scares away the evil eye; or green, because it is the color of plants and brings good luck will have her hands and feet hennaed. She may also wear three or four different outfits, (It is tradition for the bride to change her clothes regularly during the feast, in which she wears dresses from different regions of the country. And in Southern Africa They may wear all white cotton top and skirt with jewelry made from bold, colorful beads and trinkets.

I have Modern dresses in my collection that are standard wedding gown silhouettes with cultural elements applied. I incorporate lace, shells, beadwork, hand pained appliques and embroidery, all which offer subtle hints of ethnic culture