Designer Interview ...
"The bridal gown is often viewed as the most important piece of clothing a woman will ever purchase," says designer Jane Wilson Marquis. "Our gowns attract women who define themselves in a soft feminine way, and I work with the bride to create a look that makes her feel distinctive and original."
Jane’s challenge is to make the dress live up to your fantasy. She designs dresses that are versatile and can be customized. She also works with brides who want a one-of-a-kind custom-designed dress.
Her gowns include such handmade details as hand- rolled roses, hand-painted flowers and leaves and other details. For a bride with roots in Ireland, the designer recently appliquéd a gown with Celtic designs from the book of Kells, and on another bridal gown she scattered South African daisies.
Layers and Separates
"I think what distinguishes us is the versatility of our gowns and the fact that we work with color quite a bit. I’m English, and we use a lot of color in Europe."
Jane Wilson Marquis also uses a lot of lightweight fabrics which she layers, and encourages brides to create their own shades by layering different colors. "You can start with a pale green underneath, and by the time you put two ivory layers on, you’ve got a very muted color," she says.
Jane and her staff also design separates. “You may take a slip dress, then put a sheer layer over that and maybe an organza coat to complete the look. We often create coats that double as trains. After the ceremony, you can take off the coat or bustle the train to create another look.
"If you prefer a simpler dress for the reception, the second layer is removable, leaving a simple, sophisticated slip dress."
Versatility: An Earlier Tradition
The "traditional wedding gown" today might suggest lace and puffy skirts. "Historically, however, wedding dresses were often much simpler than an evening gown. They were not necessarily white and were often worn again," Jane explains.
"I consider my designs very much rooted in the past in the sense that they often have color and some are designed to have the versatility of being worn again. This concept has taken off in stores and is appealing to the contemporary bride."
Stage Presence
Jane’s first career was as a dancer-choreographer with her own London-based contemporary dance company. After many years of designing dresses she sees a clear influence of her old career in the way in which she designs today. "Whatever fit or shape the dress is, the customer always tells us the dress is both comfortable and light to move in."
"Making a dress that makes a woman feel really good and look her very best is very gratifying to me and my staff."
Jane Wilson Marquis
42 East 76th Street, New York, NY 10021
212.452.5335
www.bridalgowns.net
By appointment
