Tea with the Queen of Brides
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I went to heaven today! I have always been attracted to all things shiny, brilliant and sparkly. When I was a kid, I fantasized about shrinking down small enough to crawl into a kaleidoscope just so I could live inside. I thought it would be glamorously exciting. I was reminded of this childhood fantasy as I toured the bridal archives at the corporate office at
Anne Barge
. I'm not sure I can truly describe the feeling, but I said to Anne, "Is there a cot around I can lay down on in this room?" I just didn't want to leave the 20' x 20' space filled with racks and racks of the most beautiful hand-beaded, jeweled, pearled and sequined gowns I had ever seen! I thought that if I took a nap in the room, and awoke to find myself surrounded by all this white, shimmery glamour, it would be like waking up amongst the clouds in heaven. We made it back upstairs to the main room to sit and talk but frankly, I was speechless, and maybe a little numb as well, from all the magnificence I had encountered. So when asked if I'd like tea, I used the few minutes to collect my thoughts. Though normally a coffee drinker, I couldn't pass up enjoying a cup of tea with the fabulous Anne Barge, especially when she was sharing a brand only found in Paris.
Anne and I took a seat. Her precious doggie, Doc, joined us and the conversation ensued.
fashionado:
The Anne Barge Collections offer such a wide range of styles. There is a dress for every woman; can you talk a little about that?
Anne:
Simply put, "I listen to my clients and design what they like." Anne added that
you
have to pay attention to what the consumer wants and that the
"real telling of a great dress will make every woman look absolutely beautiful."
fashionado:
What inspires you?
Anne:
I'm inspired by classic and traditional design.
Jessica Mason Brown
, Anne's VP, agrees that they pick up on trends and they keep themselves informed with what's current, but ultimately, their designs must remain timeless, which is the resonating theme in all of the collections.
fashionado:
What can you say about Badgley Mischka and how long has this "marriage" existed?
Anne:
Oh, they are very nice. Yes, we are friends. They are known for their beautiful and sexy dresses which are great for the red carpet but not always appropriate for a wedding dress. So what I'll do, for example, is take the beaded top of a Badgley Mischka dress and give it an Anne Barge bridal bottom. We have been working together for three years.
Anne really has a dress for every bride. Her designs can be categorized under three stunning collections:
Black Label
,
Couture
and
La Fleur
. Her dresses appeal to a range of body types, shapes and pocketbook sizes.
La Fleur
was a line designed for the bride on a tighter budget who very much wants an Anne Barge dress. The collection does not have the extensive beadwork and embellishments of the other two lines but possess the same elegance and superior craftsmanship as the others. Anne describes
La Fleur
as an architectural line because of its structural style.
On Monday, August 31st, Anne will be high styling as the Honorary Chair of the annual
benefit auction and fashion show.
On a personal note, I want to say, that Anne Barge is one of the most charming and delightful people you could ever meet. Her demeanor is warm, gracious and hospitable. A truly good person all the way around!
fashionado
