“Hello Beautiful!” These are the first signature words you hear from U.S. celebrity designer Randy Fenoli as soon as he steps into the spotlight, whether is in front of the camera or on the runway. Randy Fenoli designer skills didn’t disappoint this year with the presentation of his very latest “’Beautiful Beginnings Collection” at the Bridal Event Amsterdam Event 2020.
Bridal Times had the great opportunity to talk with Randy about his past successful year and what brides REALLY want in a wedding gown.
Randy, what has your year been like since the launch of the Silver Springs Collection in Europe last year?
The response has been amazing since everyone is so excited that I am back in bridal. It’s interesting because a lot of people think “Oh, he’s on a TV Show and now he thinks he can design.” But what some don’t realize, is that I have been designing since 1993.
In our last interview, you mentioned the Silver Springs Collection was inspired by brides. What would you say brides are looking for in a gown at the moment?
Honestly, everything. From Boho, Princess to Sexy, Transparent, Sexy backs, Splits in the gowns, Ballgowns to Mermaid gowns. If you look at my collection, you will see a bit of everything, and that is why I have around 50 dresses to choose from. Looking around in general, it also often happens that you will see dresses that are at a moderate price point, at 1500 Euros and below, but the gowns don’t look really rich. Then there are dresses that are 5000 Euros and above, that look gorgeous. So I wanted to get into that middle point and give my brides dresses that looked couture, but didn’t have that couture price that breaks the bank. It really is about affordable luxury.
Can you tell us about features or trends from the new “Beautiful Beginnings Collection”?
In the collection we have halters, since we have been asked for this by many brides. We have a lot of 2 looks in 1 dresses with overskirts that come off and detachable skirts to give the brides two different looks. So many brides want one look for their ceremony and one look for the reception without having to purchase 2 dresses. Some of my dresses are sheer in the midriff and every single one of them automatically comes with a lining that is snapped into the dress. The dress comes in one look and if they want to take the lining out, then they have second look, and if they have an overskirt, then brides can have a third look. It really gives them lots of options and I think brides like that.
Can you name a favorite gown from the “Beautiful Beginnings Collection”?
That’s like asking, “Who is your favorite child?” For me, every time I design a dress, I am thinking of the bride that is going to wear that dress. Who she is, where she’s getting married and what type of bride she is. For example, when I am making the train of a dress, I think “Ok, this bride wants drama, so let’s do a long train.” Or, “This bride is a bit more mature and has a more intimate wedding at a restaurant with just a few friends, so let’s make the train shorter.” So I am really picturing a very specific bride for every dress.
We were all blown away at the BBFW 2019 with the “Power of Pink Bridal Dress” which belongs to the Silver Springs Collection. Is there another show-stopping gown we can anticipate for this year?
Last season, I really wanted to celebrate women, the “Me Too” Movement and Breast Cancer Awareness. It was really all about women and making them feel confident on their wedding day. And that is something that I’ve strived to achieve for almost 30 years. It wasn’t just a pink dress. That dress was very important and special to me because it was a celebration of women which is what I have been doing for many years of my life. We actually found out that we were doing the Barcelona fashion show at the last minute, so I had about 30-40 people working on the dress at once, doing all the hand beading, adding layers and colors of pinks, 3D rose petals, and all the crystals. We still have the dress today and for sure we will find a special place for it, but this year we will be showing the “Beautiful Beginnings Collection” in Europe.
BBFW 2019 – The Power of Pink Gown
“Say Yes to the Dress America” has been a huge hit in the U.S. What is it like for you to see fans and brides overjoyed with tears to see you? And does working with them on the show help you to understand their needs?
I can’t really wrap my head around it. But I am grateful that they appreciate me and give me so much love. I was raised on a cattle farm in southern Illinois, so I just feel so grateful just to be here and doing what I do. And when you are always around women like I have, it gives me insight into what they are looking for and I try to really listen to their needs. Whenever they can’t find a dress or are looking for something, I go home and I think “Ok, I have to create that.” So that is what really drives me and drives the collection.
Between designing your own collection or making brides happy on “Say Yes to the Dress America”, what have been the most enjoyable moments?
Oh, that is hard to answer. Almost all of it. Next to filming “Say Yes to the Dress Benelux” some time ago I now really enjoyed filming “Say Yes to the Dress America”, meeting brides in their home states, learning who they are while kayaking in lake Michigan, chopping wood in Colorado, driving a monster truck in Virginia and officiating over 52 weddings. These are not just brides but friends of mine that I care about and we still keep in touch. Also doing shows all over Europe, doing the runway show in Barcelona and being able to show the Pink Dress and have it represent women, meant so much to me. And to be able to see a bride who first comes in the salon afraid and anxious, but then later standing on the pedestal like she is 10 feet tall with so much confidence. For me, it’s like winning the Academy Award every single day. So I don’t know if I can pick a moment or a day. I feel so blessed to do what I do, and to be surrounded by such a wonderful team and staff, that I can’t see how I could be any luckier right now.
We would like to thank Randy Fenoli for this interview.
For further information visit Randy Fenoli Bridal