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.
6) Who is the Jean-Ralph Thurin customer and how far will she travel to see you?
The JRT Bride is full of life! Self-assured and definitely a bonafide fashionista. She wants the process of getting her dress to be as memorable as the dress itself. She knows what she wants and will travel across the country for that experience. The JRT Bride wants her dress to reflect who she is in that moment and to feel completely confident about how she looks on her special day. From California, the Caribbean and everywhere in between, I’m always humbled by the distances my brides travel to come see me, I feel truly blessed.
7) How does the process work when designing a custom or made to order dress?
The process begins with a consultation were we meet, and I spend a lot of time listening to what the bride wants. Once aligned, we go from sketch to actual gown within 6 to 9 months with multiple fittings in between.
8) Do you design for the wedding party as well?
I do design for the entire wedding party upon request.
9) What are the price points?
Custom gowns start at $4000K
10) What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I really enjoy the journey I take with my clients from conception to creation and making their dream dress come to life.