10 QUESTIONS WITH DESIGNER JEAN-RALPH THURIN
Designer Jean-Ralph Thurin
1) How did you get your start designing gowns?
I always had a love for couture and when I was a student at Parsons School of Design, I was asked by my classmate to make her wedding gown. Thus, began my love affair with bridal because I was able to combine my creative design with exquisite craftsmanship. Although I started my design career in outerwear, I continued to work in bridal until I opened my own atelier.
2) Any great influencers along the way?
One of my earliest influencers was African American designer, Willi Smith. Willi’s success gave me the confidence to follow my dreams. There was real power in seeing someone who looked like me gain so much acclaim. From the standpoint of making couture clothing, Oscar de la Renta, Christian Dior, Carolina Herrera, and Yves Saint Laurent all brought immense influence and inspiration to my design philosophy.
3) How would you describe your design aesthetic?
My design aesthetic comes from wanting to give my clients an unparalleled design experience. Since we specialize in custom bridal gowns, my bride’s vision for her dress must come together with my design style for a successful experience. Paying attention to fabric, fit and detail are all part of making the final product a unique gem. I believe in simple, feminine lines that accentuate a woman’s favorite assets, so she feels confidently beautiful on her special day.
4) Where do you get your inspiration and what kind of fabrics do you like to work with?
I love to work with silks, textured fabrics and fabrics that feel great on the body. Architecture is often the inspiration at the foundation of my designs. Angular lines guide dress shapes and structure, while different building surface treatments impact my selections for fabrics.
5) Where is the new Atelier located and tell us a little about it?
The new Atelier is located at 85 W. Somerset Street in Raritan, NJ. The mood that I sought to create was sophisticated, posh but friendly, just like my brides. I went with a more modern Manhattan townhouse decor, it has a more open concept feel to it.
