10 Questions with Accessories Designer Erin Rhyne
Designer Erin Rhyne
1) How did you get your start and passion for designing headpieces?
My introduction to bridal fashion came when I planned my wedding in 2009. Silk flowers were the first thing that captured my attention, so I started to learn how to make them. From there, it’s been a perfect match. A wedding is a time when you can take your fashion style and amplify it. A large crown isn’t something you might wear every day, but at a wedding is a natural fit.
The love of creating moves me forward. Weddings are rooted in love and connection, and for me, as an artist, designer, and individual, I want to be part of something that has personal meaning. I’m grateful for the chance to work with brides and share their joy- to celebrate what makes them unique.
2) How and when did you start your company?
I’ve been designing for over ten years and officially started my company in 2018. I love to learn-always looking for ways to create the perfect piece. I didn’t start as a designer; I went to college intending to follow a career in healthcare and earned a degree in nursing.
I love caring for people, and nursing is integral to who I am, but an inexplicable current pulls me toward creative work. I vividly remember standing in the med room and thinking about patients in my care, all with a life-changing diagnosis, and wondering what their advice would be. I imagined it would be like this: follow your dreams because you are not guaranteed anything.
Throughout those years of schooling, I was creating accessories until my love and passion for crafting them bloomed into a calling I couldn’t ignore. I love to be wowed by details and that experience of seeing something incredible from a distance and then to be even more amazed the closer I get. I feel the same way when creating an accessory—a statement from a distance with details you appreciate as you get closer.
3)Where are you based?
In the historic 6th ward of Houston, Texas.
4) Describe the look and materials that you use?
The Erin Rhyne bride is drawn to timeless beauty-our designs are ethereal, botanical, and romantic. I believe that every woman deserves to feel exceptionally beautiful, and it is this intrinsic beauty that inspires my artistry. Each piece, whether from the collections or bespoke, includes that delicacy, detail and a sense of distinction - the designs like every woman, have their own personality and identity.
Each piece is crafted from clay, with hand-painted details and finished with embellishments such as pearls and crystals.
5) Describe some of your design process.
Behind each accessory is a story. It begins with inspiration and clay, and soon the idea takes form. Hand-painting brings the flowers to life. A large work can take weeks to complete, but when finished, the chapters in their story tell of the love and care put into each step of creation
I’m very hands on when I design. I like to see things move, so I’ll sketch flowers on vellum that I cut out and move around on the page. These pieces mimic the layered effect in many of the headpieces I create. I’ll color and shade in the flowers when working in a color palette. I also love designing by simply doing. I can start with a source of inspiration like a shape or a concept of a place and get lost in that world. Perhaps I’m thinking of a windswept bride in the rocky cliffs-I’ll think of creating pieces that work with that idea of movement. The designs take shape as I cluster flowers or pin them on a mannequin-I like to let the flowers tell me, or rather show me, what they want to do.
6) Does the dress or headpiece come first when designing a piece?
The gown almost always comes first. Some brides have heirloom jewelry they’d like to wear, but when it comes to more than that, I say find your gown first and let the accessories evolve from there. It isn’t uncommon for a bride to choose a different style of dress than initially envisioned, so find that perfect fit first. And once you’ve chosen your gown, don’t let accessories become an afterthought-think of them as an opportunity!
Have fun accessorizing! You can include thoughtful details that reference your gown or love story, such as a flower with symbolism or color that you can pull into the accessories. Maybe you have multiple looks for your wedding and want a large statement piece to pair with a veil and a smaller headband or comb for dancing later on. Weddings are when you can embrace details you might not have any other day. I like to think of accessories as a way to bring it all together and show your personality.
7) How long does it take to design one of your pieces?
We create pieces in two ways-made to order from the collections available online/with retailers and our bespoke service for clients looking for a more customized experience.
In general, accessories ordered from the online collections take between 4-6 weeks. They can modified with color changes if so desired.
Bespoke accessories are limited to a small number per year and are a personal experience centered on creating a truly beautiful accessory with client’s vision at the heart. A custom piece takes on average 2-3 months.
8) Is every piece handmade?
Absolutely, and most are hand-sculpted pieces. The flowers are created one by one and then hand-painted. It’s essential to design with minimal waste so everything is made to order in my studio. My hope is that with every accessory, my brides feel valued and beautiful. With every brushstroke I’m thinking of creating the perfect petal for her. Details are divine. I create pieces for the lovers of these small and beautiful details.
9) Do you sell wholesale?
Yes! Send a note to studio@erinrhyne.com if you’re a bridal salon and would like to learn more.
10) How does the bride and retailer find you?
Brides find our designs online at www.erinrhyne.com, and some like to come visit the studio. Scheduled appointments are welcome. We are based out of a historic school building for multicultural arts education and our studio is a former classroom. We feel very fortunate to be part of the arts community in Houston!
Retailers can contact us for more information at studio@erinrhyne.com
