Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of creating the perfect wedding dress? Look no further because we’re taking you on an exclusive interview with renowned bridal gown designer, Angela Kim Couture! With each dress tailored to exhibit the unique style and personality of the bride, Angela’s designs have captured the hearts of brides all over the world.
In this article, we’ll dive behind-the-scenes into Angela’s creative process of creating couture gowns for brides-to-be, her inspirations, and the trends she predicts will be top styles this year.
Get ready to be swept away into the enchanting world of bridal fashion as we unveil the inspiration behind Angela Kim Couture.
How It All Began: The Launch of Angela Kim Couture
Let’s go back to where it all began! I’m especially interested in how successful designers started their careers. Here’s how Angela launched her business in 2017.
“I did all of my formal study in South Korea, which included a four-year bachelor’s degree in clothing and textiles, and a two and half year master’s in fashion design.
My professional fashion career began in Auckland, New Zealand, where I gained many years of experience in various aspects of the fashion industry, including production, merchandising, and designing. I eventually relocated to Asheville, NC to be with my American husband.
Angela Kim Couture was born in 2017 to pursue my goals as a designer and to work on a more personal level using my full skill set. I love the process of creating couture dresses that are truly one–of–a–kind and uniquely tailored for each client.”
From Sketch to Reality: The Creative Process Behind Angela Kim Couture’s Designs
Angela is passionate about her work and enjoys the entire creative process of designing a bridal gown from sketch to reality. One of her biggest motivations is being eco-friendly and sustainable.
She tells us, “Working closely with clients on a personal level is deeply fulfilling for me. It’s not just about creating beautiful clothes; it’s about helping women appreciate their unique beauty and finding joy through thoughtfully designed garments that enhance their self-image.
Assisting brides in preparing for their special day brings me great joy. Crafting the perfect look isn’t just a task; it’s the highlight of my work. My attraction to fashion stemmed from its ability to uplift a person’s self-esteem. When I design dresses, I envision how my brides will feel wearing them. My focus isn’t solely on perfect figures; I consider real women with their own stories and struggles.
I believe beauty is inclusive. My goal is to help clients feel like their best selves. Whether it’s finding the ideal silhouette or selecting complementary colors, boosting their confidence is incredibly rewarding. Helping brides achieve their dream look isn’t just a job; it’s the most fulfilling aspect of what I do.
Moreover, I take pride in being a responsible and sustainable designer. Environmental impact and waste pollution are significant concerns in the fashion industry. Creating one-of-a-kind custom pieces allows me to contribute positively, knowing they’ll be treasured and passed down through generations.”
Bridal Fashion Influences
When we asked her about her biggest fashion influence, she described how she draws her inspiration from art, whether it be galleries, architecture, or the performing arts.
She describes, “My inspiration comes from observing women in various settings, taking note of everything from their attires to their mannerisms. My focus is on discerning what allows them to embody their true selves. I’ve noticed that when women feel confident and at ease in their appearance, they radiate a sense of self-assuredness. This observation fuels my creative process, leading me to design clothing that serves as a potent form of armor, empowering women in all facets of their lives.”
Angela strives to make each gown unique and special, gathering inspiration from culture, the beautiful world of art, and using her unique handcrafted techniques. She explains,
“I also have a keen interest in exploring the histories of different cultures. I’m fascinated by how geographical and climatic factors influence fashion trends in different regions. Regular visits to art galleries stimulate my creative senses, and I draw inspiration from a wide range of art forms, including architecture, sculpture, fine arts, and performing arts.”
Now that you know more about how she began and what influences her art, let’s discuss her bridal gown collection and top trends of the moment.
Finding the Perfect Fit: Favorite Bridal Gowns and Silhouettes
Angela’s collection features a selection of bridal gowns that exude timeless elegance. These classic designs are perfect for brides seeking a sophisticated and graceful look on their special day. Here are three of the most popular bridal gown attributes in her collection.
• Fit and flare silhouettes: “These styles are designed to embrace a woman’s figure in the most flattering manner, accentuating a gorgeous hourglass shape. Achieving a perfect fit and proportion is paramount. I meticulously focus on defining the waistline, determining where the flare begins, and designing the back of the skirt to elegantly showcase the contours.”
• Built-in corset (bustier) tops: “These are a must-have for modern brides seeking to wear their wedding dresses without additional undergarments. To achieve this, a robust and meticulously fitted understructure is essential. Each built-in corset is tailored to the client’s body, with bra cups molded to match their unique shape, strategic boning placed for optimal support, and corset length and shape tailored to support individual body shapes. We use top-quality power mesh fabric to ensure maximum comfort and support.”
• Unique, one-of-a-kind hand-beading and embroidery: “This allows clients to express their individuality and personalize their dresses. There are no limits to the creative possibilities. We can create custom-designed fabrics adorned with unique embroideries tailored to each client’s desires. Our hand-beading is executed with the utmost precision and artistry, a hallmark of true custom designer gowns. We collaborate with world-renowned factories that produce work for top designers like Ellie Saab to ensure unparalleled quality and craftsmanship.”
Top Trends for Wedding Dresses in 2024
What are the big wedding trends for bridal gowns in 2024? We asked Angela her thoughts and here’s what she told us.
“I’m thrilled about the diverse range of styles available in bridal fashion today. The incorporation of colors and prints into wedding dresses adds a refreshing twist while maintaining an elegant and romantic bridal aesthetic. With endless possibilities, brides can choose any color or print that speaks to their unique style.
Floral motifs are a prominent trend in 2024 bridal fashion, offering countless opportunities to infuse this element into your dress design. From delicate accents to bold statements, there are myriad ways to incorporate flowers into your bridal ensemble.
I’m also fond of dresses with detachable components. Whether it’s detachable sleeves, overskirts, neck collars, or skirt bottoms, these versatile pieces allow brides to adapt their outfits for various parts of the wedding day. With multiple events like the grand entrance, ceremony, reception, dance, and after-party, having detachable components offers a clever solution to seamlessly transition between different wedding moments while maintaining a cohesive and stylish look.”
Future Bridal Gown Trends on the Horizon
Last but not least, what does the future hold in bridal gown fashion? Here’s what Angela predicts – and what advice she gives to brides-to-be about embracing their individual style.
“While I hold traditions in high regard and appreciate current trends, I’m excited about the prospect of weddings that are planned to reflect the personalities and tastes of the couple. With the younger generation increasingly drawn to non-traditional weddings, often dubbed “non-wedding weddings,” I urge everyone to embrace their imagination and creativity fully.
In the realm of bridal fashion, I encourage brides to embrace the opportunity to express their individual style by curating a cohesive wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from pre-wedding festivities to the honeymoon. Strategically plan your attire for each occasion, including the bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon, to create a unified ensemble. This thoughtful approach guarantees that every moment is impeccably documented in the photographic narrative of your wedding journey.”
As you’ve learned here today, Angela Kim Couture is a renowned bridal gown designer who creates one-of-a-kind couture dresses tailored to each client, focusing on enhancing their unique beauty and self-image. She draws inspiration from art and different cultures, and her collection features timeless elegance with popular attributes such as fit and flare silhouettes, built-in corset tops, and unique hand-beading and embroidery. When it comes to wedding trends, we’re excited to hear that Angela predicts the incorporation of colors and prints, floral motifs, and dresses with detachable components to be popular in 2024 and 2025. She encourages brides to embrace their individual style and curate a cohesive wardrobe for all wedding-related events.
► To explore Angela’s stunning collection further, visit her website at AngelaKimCouture.com or click on the logo below. Thank you, Angela, for sharing your creative journey with us!
Angela Kim Couture is a Featured Artist at Emmaline Bride.