Images via Unbridaled By Dan Jones Bridal Gowns
As I pack my debut bridal collection ‘Unbridaled by Dan Jones’ and get ready to jet set to The Big Apple in preparation for New York International Bridal Week 2014, I’m excited about showcasing my red carpet worthy, shape defining silhouettes – and a bit of all round Dan Jones pizzazz! Perched high above New York’s beautiful skyline and with Manhattan’s stunning cityscape as a backdrop, I’m preparing to meet with some of America’s most prestigious bridal salons and boutiques.
“First and foremost, upon arrival, we had the arduous task of steaming and preparing all of the gowns and the suite for client meeting and showings. This is my absolute favourite part of the job, as it gives me (especially after a long flight) the ultimate excuse to pour a glass of champagne and put the I-Pod to good use! We chose to stay at the Standard High line. The hotel is divine with slick interiors, incredible views and one very fabulous nightspot on the roof!”
“In preparation for showings and the following days, we venture out for a walk along the scenic High line, before getting distracted by the iconic DVF boutique and slipping in a spot of retail therapy, we headed to Chelsea Market to make our selection of delicious sparkling rose and sweet treats.”
“On this trip not only did we take our ‘Unbridaled by Dan Jones” 2014 collection, but also a sneak piece of new bridal and evening wear pieces from 2015 collection that we had been working on. Our new collection includes pieces inspired but the princesses of disco, in a selection of stunning Indianesque hues adorned in delicate Rajasthani inspired crystal embellishments.”
..”Firstly we met with renowned American bridal retailer BHLDN who stock some of the industry’s elite designers. Although from this point on our schedules were quite jam packed with appointments, we were fortunate enough to be invited by The Knot for a tour of The Knot Couture Show . This amazing insight was followed by a meeting with New York International Bridal Week organisers to check out their New York Bridal Show – a collection of different events that run simultaneously across one week, with each event providing a different platform for the designer….so amazing!”
“As day broke on our second day we were excited to catch up with our exclusive Sydney and Melbourne retailer, The Bridal Atelier over a glass of sparkling rose! We were able to through our newer styles that were produced specifically for the New York bridal market.
“We kept our third day free for our own ‘Unbridaled by Dan Jones’ trunk show. These are more personal, one hour appointments where we meet with the brides personally. This was a great way for me to meet and engage with real NYC brides-to-be. After three long, hard working days I decided we would enjoy a delicious rustic Italian feast at Barbuto in the West Village. We took a stroll along 5th Avenue and managed to catch the famous Barneys New York windows which were revealed in the later hours of the evening; we were in for such a treat as their display was dedicated to New York designer Thakoon – ‘Ten Years, The Capsule’.
“To say we were prepared is a major understatement. New York is a ‘big city that never sleeps’. There are over one million people following the same dream, but to our surprise we were quite taken back by the common themes in the traditional bridal styles; this really in turn highlighted the fresh approach which ‘Unbridaled by Dan Jones’ bought to New York.
“It was important for us to connect with European bridal retailers who had shown an interest in our brand. Throughout the trip we learned that American and European markets differ dramatically. We managed to secure appointments with two of London’s premier bridal boutiques and one particularly important boutique in Belgium, which we specifically flew to Antwerp to meet with.
JPC Collection is Antwerp’s highly acclaimed bridal and evening wear boutique, stocking high profile brands like Jenny Packham, Elie Saab and Christian Lacroix. After an extremely successful meeting with JPC Collection, I’m very proud that Dan Jones is now housed along side these leading brands in such an impeccable boutique.”
“I feel most at home when I am in Europe and I feel a strong connection to my European roots. Whilst my French is not what it should be, I can’t ever leave Europe with out stopping in visit Paris; I find the Parisienne lifestyle quite rejuvenating – there is plenty there to inspire!
Images via Dan Jones
Ms Chinoiserie Says: “What an amazing trip; can’t wait to hear what the New York Bridal Show 2015 has in store!”
About Dan Jones: Luxury ready to wear and bespoke fashion designer Sydney-based, Dan Jones creatively blends fine craftsmanship with an effortless fusion of beautiful fabrics, shape defining silhouettes and exquisite craftsmanship.
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