Annabel and I are incredibly passionate about championing small independent bridal wear designers. While we tend to have our gaze firmly fixed on the wealth of talent currently working out of Great Britain, every now and then someone incredible from across the pond will grab our attention too. This was certainly the case with Dream-Ers, an indie label based in Los Angeles.
Offering gorgeous handmade dress options for the non-traditional bride, every Dream-Ers piece is made-to-order in their small studio. Annabel and I think you'll love the yesteryear aesthetic, perfect for achieving that bohemian look, as well as the attention to detail present in every dress. At its core, Dream-Ers is about being true to who you are and to what you like, rather than being influenced by trends.
Yanique, the passionate designer behind the brand, told me that the label creates all their patterns from scratch and only uses premium quality fabrics. Attainability is also important and their pieces range from $412 – $960 {approx. £250-£585}.
Yanique went on to describe what her typical client might be like before giving me a little insight into the origins of her beautiful business…
'The Dream-Ers bride is easy-going and never over-done or over accessorized. She is after something fresh, different, and comfortable for her wedding day. She appreciates handmade pieces; she loves the luxurious attention to detail and the natural fibres we use. She celebrates her own uniqueness, and loves that we are able to provide a dress that mirrors her style. She is spontaneous, and may have decided only two weeks ago to get married next week! She loves that she can order her dress and have it beautifully made and sent to her in time for her wedding.'
'She is often laidback, and is big on more intimate weddings. She may be flying to the beaches of Jamaica, or having a chic civil ceremony, or perhaps she is having a backyard shindig. Oftentimes this is her second wedding. She did traditional before, but now she wants a style that is true to her. She always looks effortless and on her wedding day she shows off her carefree, yet confident style. She exudes an understated sexiness in a dress that no one else will have, because it is not mainstream.'
'In 2009, I had the most horrific experience when I went dress shopping for my civil wedding. I was looking for something special, different, well made and affordable. It also had to be long enough to fit my 6ft frame. In short, this was impossible. Fast forward to August 2012, I had been working as a boutique manager at Chanel for the past 5 years, but I had an itch to do more and to spend time with my then 2-year-old twin boys. Always known for my impeccable style and with a wealth of fashion experience under my belt, I decided to resign from Chanel to become a designer.'
'Clients partially helped define my niche, and with the awful experience back in 2009, I became an alternative wedding dress designer. Immediately after starting the label, brides gave me a huge vote of confidence by ordering their dresses from the line. I knew I had tapped into something necessary and meaningful. It is safe to say I have found my calling, and having dressed hundreds of happy brides, there is no looking back.'
'I love most that I am doing meaningful work. There are many mornings when I wake to a heart-warming message from a client, praising and thanking me for making their dream a reality. Many describe what I do as MAGIC, and to me that is magical.'
'I also love that I am an independent designer, and there are no fashion rules. I am able to listen to customers, and implement their feedback into my designs instantaneously.'
'I find inspiration everywhere; I am definitely inspired by the 1960s and 1970s, which is why most of my designs have a carefree bohemian, hippie feel to them. Being outside in nature, especially at the beach where I spend time daily, is instrumental in my design process. For me the beach represents effortlessness and a laid-back lifestyle. All my designs have a this simplicity to them. I also design pieces that are versatile, and can easily be transitioned as cocktail or festival dresses.'
Although the studio is located in California, Dream-Ers is an online destination that ships worldwide. Many of their brides are from international locations, especially the U.K and Australia. All pieces can be customized and are available in US sizes 2-14 (for a handy US to UK size conversion chart, click here). Brides larger than a size 14 can have their dresses customized for a nominal charge. The turnaround time is 1-2 weeks.
If you're already picturing yourself in one of Yanique's effortlessly elegant gowns then head over to www.dream-ers.com for further information. You'll also find the label on facebook or you can contact the designer directly via [email protected].
Much love,
Franky
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Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
