10 Questions with Designer Mariela Torres Soucy

Designer Mariela Torres Soucy

1) Tell us about yourself and your design background…when did you start your atelier?
After working in advertising for a year, I attended the Parsons School of Design and earned an associate degree in Fashion. Following my education, I interned at Badgley Mischka for around a year, and then became an Assistant Designer for Pamela Dennis. 
 
I founded my brand, SOUCY, in 2000 and was initially drawn towards designing eveningwear. However, as my friends started getting married, I had the opportunity to design their wedding gowns. I became enamored with creating such meaningful pieces for people and fell in love with designing bridal gowns. 
  
2) Where are you based?
Our main office is based in New York City, where I live. We also have two smaller showrooms in Madrid and Caracas, allowing us to create “Made to Order” dresses for our customers who are unable to travel to NYC. 
 
3) Describe the look of your work.
I believe my work is classic and elegant. I fall in love with fabrics, so a large part of my design process is centered around texture and the movement of my gowns.   
 
4)What kind of fabrics do you work with?
I enjoy working with fabrics that move and flow, especially fabrics with a lot of texture. I gravitate towards crepe, organza, tulle, and lace and tend to layer fabrics in my gowns to create more depth. 

5)Tell us about the made to order experience at Atelier Soucy?
The made to order experience is fun, but of course, a long process. The bride and I share ideas and suggestions, so we can bring her dream wedding dress to life. 
I like to think of myself as a bridal life coach of sorts. I analyze all the information we have gathered and create a gown that reflects the brides’ personality. While designing the gown, I consider the details and aspects that have influenced the wedding, ensuring the dress embodies the bride and wedding.  
 
6) Tell us about the new bridal collection, give us an idea about the concept.  
The main inspiration for my NEW collection is my mother’s love for flowers. My mother lives in a different country and I travel to visit her often. During our visits, I began taking pictures of all the amazing flower arrangements and found myself with a beautiful collection. 
 
Her flowers bring me joy. They remind me of my life with her and the beauty we see on the outside, as well as the warmth they bring inside. I want this collection to transmit the same warmth, softness, and delicacy, that these flower arrangements have brought me.  
 
7) Who is the bride you have in your head for this collection?
I feel that my designs are very transformable by the person who wears them. So, they are meant for anyone who connects with them. Although most of my designs are very classic, there are also elements like the harness belt, that can give an instant edge. 
 
8) What treatments and fabrics DO YOU USE?
In this collection, there is chiffon, crepe, tulle, lace, and silk fille. There is also a few hand-painting, hand-embroidery and draping elements that are always present in my collections. 
 
9) Where did you show your collection this market?
I showed our latest collection at the very place the gowns are created, my workplace at the Olympic Tower.  
  
10) What are the retail price points? 
Our gowns range from $6000 and up.