Recently, we had the pleasure of helping judge the second annual bridal gown design competition from the High School of Fashion Industries (HSFI), in partnership with Kleinfeld Bridal. Last year, students designed the wedding gown of the future. This year, each student designed the dress she'd wear to her own wedding. From 180 sketches, the judges narrowed it down to five finalists, who then brought their creations to life with the help of small teams of fellow students, using fabric provided by Mori Lee.
Joining us on the judging panel were Mara Urshel, co-owner of Kleinfeld; Dorothy Silver, Director of Sales and Merchandising at Kleinfeld; bridal designer Henry Roth; Sandra Manning, instructor at the High School of Fashion Industries; and Robert di Mauro, founder of the Industry Partnership Program and Advisory Board Member at the High School of Fashion Industries. Before the final judging, students also met with a number of industry pros, including Kleinfeld's Mara Urshel, bridal designers Michelle Roth and Madeline Gardner, and Bridal Guide's editor-in-chief, Diane Forden.
The designers, models, and judges at Kleinfeld
We were truly blown away by the incredible designs and expert tailoring displayed on the four gowns presented for judging at Kleinfeld Bridal on June 12. Check them out!
Winner: Isabella Bavo
Isabella aimed to create an empowering gown that exudes elegance, romance, grandeur, and regality. Judges raved over the gown's perfect fit on the model, the hand-sewn lace appliques covering the skirt, and the volumous fit-and-flare shape.
Photo Credit: Adrian Carranza
With two dozen hand-sewn pleats and a flirty peplum shape, the impeccably-designed jacket was the pièce de résistance on Isabella's gown.
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez (left); Adrian Carranza (right)
A true couture creation, Urshel remarked that she'd sell the gown for $10,000 at Kleinfeld. Quite an impressive feat! Isabella plans to attend Parsons next year with a major in fashion design and a minor in communications.
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez
Runners-Up
Xheni Gjata
Xheni's gown for the sophisticated, modern bride incorporates a flush of pink on the skirt, which she dyed herself to achieve the perfect shade.
Photo Credit: Adrian Carranza
Hand-sewn crystals decorate the illusion front and back, and she completed the glam look with a belt from Kleinfeld's collection.
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez
Photo Credit: Adrian Carranza
Shadeth Aracena
Shadeth drew inspiration from Marilyn Monroe for her glamorous gown. Strips of tulle created a feathered effect on the skirt and on the unique modified peplum. To add visual interest on the bodice, she used triangle panels instead of princess seams.
Photo Credit: Adrian Carranza (left); Adonys Jimenez (right)
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez
Red lips and a bird cage veil completed the Old Hollywood look. Bonus points: She also designed the stunning black dress she's wearing and the red jacket on her model's escort.
Photo Credit: Adrian Carranza
Jenise Thompson
Jenise broke the mold and created a lovely purple gown with tulle overlay and a removable skirt. She aimed to create a gown that didn't scream "bridal," and she chose to create a two-layer gown for airiness and texture.
The flowing dress gave off a Grecian goddess vibe, accentuated by the crystal floral crown.
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez
Photo Credit: Adrian Carranza
Photo Credit: Adonys Jimenez
Congratulations to the winner, the runners-up, and all of the other fabulous entrants for their incredible talent and passion!
—Kristen O'Gorman Klein
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