I think back to the day I got married almost 15 years ago... Wedding planning was left to my in-laws. So gracious, it was their gift to us. The cake, photos, and of course wedding dress-all on our own. I was fortunate the dress process wasn't lengthy. Like many soon-to-brides, I skimmed through all the wedding magazines and found the exact
one at a bridal boutique off Nicollet Ave in Minneapolis. A beautiful beaded halter column gown. Still hanging in my closet today.
So why the talk of wedding gowns now? Recently, I was introduced to couture bridal designer,
Gilles Montezin. After seeing his beautifully crafted pieces, I couldn't help but daydream of doing it all over again. Renewing our vows after 15 years in one of his gowns... Maybe a tropical destination on the beach? That would be a fantasy come true.
I wanted to learn more about the Parisian designer whose work has been seen on television and film; on actresses such as Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Debra Messing, and more. Gilles perfected his craft years ago under the training of designers Loris Azzaro and Christian Lacroix in Paris. Now in New York, Mr. Montezin has started his own company and recently launched his couture bridal collection.
What a pleasure to chat with the talented designer. An absolute gentleman too. Here's a word with Gilles Montezin...
BB: You had the privilege of working with French designer, Christian Lacroix; a dream opportunity for many. How did this come about?
GM: I was born in the Province of Quebec, but my father was French, so I moved to Paris to experience French culture. I was looking for a job and met this wonderful woman-Genevieve Carrasco. She was looking for someone to help her with orders of haute couture dresses for Mr. Lacroix. So we worked on the runway pieces as well as the clients' orders. Yes a dream! Mr. Lacroix is such a geniune artist, respectful of others art, and craft. He always uses the best you have to offer somewhere, somehow...
BB: You've worked with some beautiful Hollywood leading ladies. If you could dress anyone in the world, who would be your dream bride?
GM: I consider myself very lucky to have dressed such wonderful women, yes! But I guess the pleasure is not only in the physical beauty of the woman but it is more about a woman who knows how she wants to look like on her wedding day. She knows how she wants to feel like and how she wants to present herself to her friends and family members. And to her groom. All of that with style, humor, good taste, and elegance. This is an ideal bride.
BB: I can't imagine the amount of work that goes into the making of a wedding dress. Unlike the production of other gowns, couture is a time-staking process. How much time goes into the creation of one of your special pieces?
GM: My bridal gown collection is inspired by Haute-couture style, but are presented in a more affordable way. My dresses take between 30 to 45 hours each to make from start to finish. As opposed to haute couture dress that can take up to 1000 hours! Yes, right, 1000.
BB: What tips can you give to soon-to-be brides in search of the perfect wedding dress?
GM: Well, I think most of the brides shop a lot for their wedding gown before trying something on. And that is the right thing to do. There are so many designers and styles to choose from. Maybe first, stick to your budget, then go for what you dream of. You have to try dresses on though. I had brides coming to me with a specific dress in mind, but when they tried the dress on it was not for them. A good sales person is supposed to be there to help when needed, and guiding the bride towards something different from the original thought might be worth listening to.
BB: Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind your Spring 2012 Bridal Collection?
GM: I wanted to do texture. The silhouettes are more moderate in size. I am not a big user of crystals and embellishments, so I make my own details in the fabric. I did a dress made with bands of ribbons. Very nice... Slimming body opening on a cloud-like mermaid tulle skirt... Very Elegant. But texture is on each dress this season.
BB: Being from Paris, do you ever miss home? What's the best thing about living and working in New York?
GM: I think what New York is best for is energy and "go-get-what-you-want." I find it very stimulating to know there are no limits or barriers to what you want to achieve. It's all up to you! America is my third country, actually. I guess I miss Montreal as well as Paris, to tell the truth. So, I guess the best answer to give you is "home is where I am here and now." You are going to make me cry!
Gilles Montezin's bridal collection can be found at Kleinfeld (by appointment only), Yuta Powell, and his
showroom in New York.
A glimpse of Gilles Montezin Spring 2012 Bridal:
