Celebrated for her strikingly distinctive custom wedding gowns and a steadfast commitment to perfection, Allessandria Coppola sets a new standard in bridal elegance. The Netherlands-based designer not only makes brides dreams come true with her wedding gowns, but retailers also have opportunity to carry her creations in their bridal shops.
Bridal Times had the opportunity to catch up with designer Allessandria Coppola to talk about her special style and what is in store for the upcoming year.
What inspired you to become a wedding dress designer?
My love for designing wedding dresses comes from a lifelong love affair with fashion, especially lingerie and bridal wear. Since my teenage years, I’ve been joyfully crafting and sewing garments with my mother in my home ‘atelier,’ setting the stage for a future in the industry. I pursued fashion design education at NABA Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan, where I refined my skills and developed a keen eye for detail. Venturing into Europe’s top ateliers, I explored various facets of the fashion world, from lingerie to menswear, gaining a full understanding of the garment’s construction. All these experiences inspired me to create Allessandria Coppola in 2018 – a brand dedicated to crafting not just stunning couture bridal gowns, but also offering brides a truly personal and unforgettable experience.
What kind of bride wears an Allessandria Coppola gown? Would you say you have a particular style?
I think that the beauty of my gowns is that I design them to embrace the uniqueness of each and every bride. Whether my bride is a romantic soul, a modern lady or someone who loves a bit more timeless elegance, there is a style for everyone. My collection is diverse, it celebrates individuality and I think it ensures that each bride feels like the best version of herself on her special day. Not only do I design collections each year, I also offer a bespoke bridal service in which I really take the bride on the journey of designing a dress, which only she has. So, anyone who envisions a dress as unique and extraordinary as themselves, is a bride who would wear one of my gowns.
Where do you get your inspiration from? What gets your creative energy flowing?
My inspiration undoubtedly comes from my bespoke brides. Their unique stories, dreams, and individual styles ignite my creative energy. I find inspiration in the personalities and visions they bring to my atelier. Each bride I work with contributes a special spark that shapes the design process, turning it into a collaborative journey. It’s this connection and the joy of creating something truly personal and meaningful for each bride that fuels my creativity and passion. My brides are my muse.
In addition to my incredible brides, fashion shows and fabric shopping in Italy and Istanbul have also played a significant role in shaping my design aesthetic. The trends and styles showcased in these vibrant settings add an extra layer of inspiration to my work.
I also design collections throughout the year that are not only influenced by the latest trends but also infused with the awesome stories and visions my brides share with me. It’s a blend of high fashion and personal touch that makes each collection uniquely special.
We love the use of pearls, ruffles, and amazing patterns in your gowns. Tell us about it.
I’m thrilled that you appreciate the details! To me, pearls, ruffles, and enchanting patterns go beyond embellishments; they serve as expressions of timeless elegance. The use of pearls introduces a touch of sophistication. As for the ruffles, I manipulate the fabric to create beautiful movement when worn, ensuring that each gown exudes a sense of grace and charm. I source embellishments like pearls from all over the world, carefully selecting each one for its unique beauty and quality. I believe it’s not just about creating gowns that look stunning, but equally important is how the dress moves when worn. It’s this combination of design and attention to the bride’s experience that makes their wedding day truly extraordinary and unforgettable.
What are you currently working on at the moment?
I’m currently designing and handmaking my new collection that features even more pearls and ruffles, but what makes it truly special is that each piece is handcrafted and personally finished by myself. By hand-making each gown myself, this collection becomes more than just exclusive; it’s giving each dress its own personality, a unique touch. I believe this hands-on approach adds a distinctive touch to every gown, ensuring that they aren’t mass-produced but rather crafted with care and attention to detail. From the delicate details to the overall silhouette, every aspect is carefully considered to make sure it’s nothing short of perfection. I can’t wait to share these creations that embody both elegance and craftsmanship with all of you!
You not only design for lucky brides, but you are able to supply your gowns to retailers as well?
Certainly, finding joy in designing for both individual brides and extending my creations to retailers is a core passion of mine. Over the past year, I had the privilege of participating in European Bridal Week, showcasing my latest designs and making connections with other retailers and designers. This experience has intensified my enthusiasm for collaborating with retailers, aiming to introduce more brides to the distinctive touch of Allessandria Coppola. Additionally, I am keen on creating closer partnerships with selected shops, exploring the possibility of creating an exclusive collection tailored specifically and only for them.
What can we expect to see from the Allessandria Coppola brand in 2024?
I am delighted to share some exciting projects in store for 2024! It goes beyond the unveiling of stunning gown collections; I am returning to the roots of my brand, delving into lingerie. Currently, I am in the process of creating a specialized lingerie collection designed to complement each dress. In recognizing the importance of comfort, my aim is for brides to not only radiate beauty in their gowns but also experience utmost comfort in their lingerie. The objective is to add an additional layer of magic to their wedding day.
We would like to thank Allessandria for this interview.
Photo Sources: Yulia Vishchuk, Angela Vangeffen
For further information, visit Allessandria Coppola