Elegant Wedding Toronto June 2016 | Page 34

“Made In Canada” When it comes to exceptional talent in bridal design, brides needn’t look further than the border Written by Christina Rowan It starts with an idea, flourishes from a sketch and comes to life through the meticulous craftsmanship of a designer. We’re talking about wedding dresses, of course. Dubbed as one of the most sought-after stages in the wedding planning process, dress shopping brings about an unexplainable air of confidence and excitement in a bride. Not only does it serve as the star accessory the day of, it acts as the irreplaceable keepsake later in life. Luckily for all you brides, this prized possession has been and continues to be the driving force behind dozens of designers here in Canada. Whether it’s from household names such as Valencienne, Ines Di Santo and Rivini, or innovative newcomers Anais Anette, Truvelle and Christopher Paunil, the possibility of walking away with a dress that’s Canadian-stamped is now more attainable than ever. From the first draft to the final fabrication, you can have a say with what occurs to the dress. Consulting a designer—such as Kim Ironmonger of Valencienne—in the comfort of a studio with one (or more) talented artisans will ensure that every detail you desire comes to life. However, don’t fret about not having access to a designer from the west if you’re living in the east. Designers from all corners of the country work within the walls of their flagship studio, but most are available for purchase beyond their local clientele. Toronto’s Paloma Blanca—home of Mikaella bridal—stocks in Manitoba and Newfoundland. Vancouver’s Truvelle—operated and produced completely inhouse from its cozy Gastown studio—stocks in Alberta and Ontario. Toronto’s 32 Lea-Ann Belter—the visionary behind sub-brand Astrid & Mercedes named after her two nieces—stocks in Québec and British Columbia. And that’s just to name a few. For every homegrown talent that explodes onto the scene, there’s a stockist eager to carry its brand. Courtesy in large part to TLC’s Say Yes To The Dress, perhaps the most highly coveted and reputable boutique known to brides is Kleinfeld Bridal in New York City. With gowns, accessories and shoes from over 80 international designers at its disposal, it’s no wonder Canada adopted it into its oldest retailer, Hudson’s Bay. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto on Yonge Street, the 20,000-squarefoot space of Kleinfeld Hudson’s Bay offers Canadians the same wholehearted experience presented in the U.S. Brides meet with a specialist, browse some of the finest designer items and attempt to find the perfect dress to say, “yes” to. For those unable to make the trip to Toronto, take advantage of what smaller boutiques in your hometown have to offer. Designers—including some of the ones mentioned earlier—woo their fans and clientele by taking part in designer trunk shows at said boutiques across the country. The pop-up—usually hosted over the course of a weekend—gives designers a chance to showcas e their work on a national (and international) scale and give brides the opportunity to capitalize on exclusive discounts and never-before-seen items yet to hit stores. Sometimes it pays to live out of province. If walking down the aisle in a dress that’s made in Canada is what you want, it may be easier to do than you thought. To Canada, from Canada… Right?