Design Divas
Dreamweavers for Bay Area Brides
Swati Couture
Origins: “Clothes have always been my passion. My grandmother used to handcraft and embroider garments. My exposure to the colorful cultures of India, Africa and the Middle East, as well as my appreciation of artistic fabrics and embroidery, are reflected in the Swati line.”
Group Effort: An entrepreneur known for her creativity and forward fashion sense, Swati heads a team of talented couturiers, including award-winning Bollywood costumer Reza Shariffi. Swati’s overseas artisans dye and paint silk fabric by hand, as well as do the delicate embroidery and beadwork that define this Indo-fusion collection.
Style Sound Byte: Cross-cultural couture that is exotic, bold, sensual.
Signature Look: Two-piece embroidered gown…with high-voltage sparkle!
Most Memorable Creation: “An Indian woman who was marrying and American told us she wanted to look like a Victorian princess at her wedding. We created a gown that was a beautiful fusion of East and West, boasting traditional zardozi embroidery. The bodice was a corset with criss-cross strings at the back, and a fitted mermaid skirt. She was thrilled.”
Cost: Typically, brides order gowns costing $2,500-$3,000. The cost can be as much as $10,000 or higher if the bride has real gemstones embedded in the gown.
Extras: Swati coordinates semi-precious jewelry to match each gown.
Design Philosophy: “Comfort, creativity and compliments for my clients.”
What To Expect: Swati works by appointment and encourages a bride to bring only one other person along. “The bride willl play dress up, get a feel for my clothes and style. When she decides she wants to commission us to do her gown, I‘ll spend time with her on design consultation. We’ll write a brief and specifications, do fittings and provide a sketch for the Indian team. In 8 weeks her original gown is ready!”
You Know Your Bridal Gown Is A Success When… “People say how beautiful you look, not how beautiful the gown looks.”
Filed under Fashion, Wedding Dresses