Since launching her line, Melissa Sweet Bridal, in 1996 in New York City, designer Melissa Sweet has established a name for herself in Bridal Fashion with her chic modern designs that feature exquisite vintage details. Today Melissa Sweet is one of America's top bridal designers with her gowns being sold nationwide by the largest bridal retailer in the world, David's Bridal.

Designer Melissa Sweet Creates The Elegant Bride


Justin Howard - Why fashion? What appeals to you about it??

Melissa Sweet - As a young woman, I was very interested in "fashion" as a concept. By this I mean following trends, being on the cutting edge of what is new. But as I have moved through different stages of my design career, I find myself more interested in design as an expression of personal perspective. I love to tell my life's story through the art form of getting dressed and I love to offer that opportunity to brides.

Justin Howard - What is the message of your new bridal line with David's Bridal??

Melissa Sweet - The message of the Melissa Sweet collection for David's Bridal is, quite simply, that a bride can be effortlessly beautiful, with attention to the finest details that take cues from the past and make them utterly of the moment. Whimsical, refined detailing and tailoring for a bride -- now at any price point. ?

Justin Howard - What look do you love to recommend from this new line??

Melissa Sweet - The tulle overlaid one-shoulder dress is a particular favorite of mine.

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Justin Howard - What other looks do you love??

Melissa Sweet - Without being politically correct, I truly love that each dress in this collection really stands on its own and offers a different "story" if you will, for a bride to tell. ?

Justin Howard - What inspired the tulle overlaid one-shoulder dress? Was it a moment in time??

Melissa Sweet - The one-shoulder dress was inspired by the idea that a woman, while still having an airy and open feeling to her dress, may want to be a little bit covered up... Hence the one shoulder. The embroidery which peeks out from under the tulle is inspired by gilt embellishments of the 1940s. ?

Justin Howard - Can you describe for me your philosophy about the art of fashion? Think of fashion as an art form and go from there.?

Melissa Sweet - For me, the human form is a blank canvas, and getting dressed is the art form. Fashion is not one size fits all--I believe that you should wear the dress, not that the dress should wear you. So it is imperative to dress for your body, your lifestyle and wear something that expresses who you are--not just because it is on trend, on a celebrity or in a magazine spread. Certainly, you can pull from those influences - but paying homage to your personal life's journey, as well.

Justin Howard - How do you intend people to feel when wearing your pieces??

Melissa Sweet - Above all, I love brides-- I love working with them, and helping them feel their most beautiful on that one special day. I want her to feel like she is wearing a glove: not just in terms of a well-tailored gown but also that it is uniquely true to her style. It shouldn't feel like a costume.?

Justin Howard - Tell me about your first bridal gown design. What were your inspirations??

Melissa Sweet - The first wedding dress I designed under my own label was a strapless silk satin trumpet gown with covered buttons down the entire center back. At that time, strapless was not on trend for bridal so most buyers passed it up. 3 years later, strapless was the hottest trend happening in bridal and that dress went on to be a top seller for many seasons. It was inspired by a photo I once saw of a woman is a strapless white dress running down a beach. I never forgot it, it was beautiful.?

Justin Howard - What do you enjoy most about designing clothes??

Melissa Sweet - I enjoy most that they are original pieces--I love selecting fabrics, colors and fitting and personalizing them to the body of the wearer--even myself. I love the moment a design has fully come to life and begins to tell its story.?

Justin Howard - As a designer what is the most challenging part of your job??

Melissa Sweet - Deadlines! ?

Justin Howard - Are there any other areas of fashion you want or have plans to get into??

Melissa Sweet - I love styling brides, so if its selecting a shoe or pulling a unique accessory to dress her head to toe--I embrace the opportunity. I've designed many of those accessories but I would love to give my expression to shoes!

Justin Howard - Does your work reflect your personal fashion taste? Can you describe your style??

Melissa Sweet - My personal style is relaxed, yet elegant. I am not about over-the-top detail just for the sake of being over the top. If there is an appliqué, I place it intentionally to frame a feature like a waistline or a hip; if there is a ruffle, it has a purpose - to look beautiful in and of itself but also to highlight a special aspect of a woman's body. I choose my own clothes with that in mind as well. ?

Justin Howard - What one piece of advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in fashion?

??Melissa Sweet - Engage in an intimate relationship with every aspect of clothing construction..... Know how fabrics are made and how they perform, know how to construct a beautiful garment down to the last detail with your own hands. If you don't have the fire in your belly to do that, I recommend choosing a different career.
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Follow Bridal Designer Melissa Sweet

?www.melissasweetsacred.com??
To browse The Melissa Sweet Collection Visit
?www.davidsbridal.com??

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