10 Questions With Designer Jaclyn Whyte

Designer Jaclyn Whyte

1) Jaclyn Whyte is a new company. tell us about your background and experience.

With decades of experience in designing bespoke luxury bridal and evening gowns we are launching our first prêt-à-porter collection under the label Jaclyn WHYTE in 2024. At the age of 25, my mother opened her first atelier, GUZZO, and quickly grew the brand, selling her collection to some of the most prestigious bridal boutiques in North America. 

I inherited my love of fashion design from my mother, it is in my DNA. Growing up in my mother’s atelier and learning only from the best. In 2011 we opened our first atelier, WHYTE Couture, as a design duo specializing in custom bridal and eveningwear.

2) Where are you based?

Our atelier where all collections are designed, and where all custom gowns are hand-crafted, is in the Yorkville neighborhood of Toronto, Canada.  

3) What is the vision for Jaclyn Whyte?

For more than a decade, WHYTE Couture has been the premiere destination for bespoke bridal and eveningwear, and as our name and regard has grown, so have the requests for a wholesale collection. We are humbled that brides can choose anyone to make their wedding gowns and they choose us, and we are excited to bring the feeling that she gets when she puts on one of our dresses to women everywhere.  

There aren’t many times you get to wear a wedding dress, so as designers we create dresses that are meant to make her feel the most confident and beautiful on such a momentous day. The same principles of luxurious fabrics, discerning eye for detail and our dedication to fit are just as important within the Jaclyn WHYTE collection. 

4) Describe the look of the upcoming collection. what is the inspiration?

We call this collection, “a breath of fresh air,” keeping the gowns lightweight and airy.  We found inspiration from different silhouettes throughout history combining them with our passion for luxurious fabrics. Our collection has a modern romance feel, marrying timeless silhouettes with a modest, yet seductive, feel.

5) Who is the bride you have in your mind?

A bride that is confident and romantic at heart. 

6) What fabrications will you be working in?

Expect to see a combination of sophisticated, traditional and modern laces with imported luxurious textured silks, to name a few.

7) Any special techniques or specialties that you hope your brand will be known for?

We are ready to bring our love of lavish fabrics and understanding of fit that we are known for to the Jaclyn WHYTE collection.  

8) What are the retail price points?

Our wedding gowns will start at $6,000 and go up to $18,000. We will also be showing a capsule of secondary looks that will range from $2,000 to $5,000.

9) You and your mother work together. who does what?

Similar to how we design our collections, is also how we run our business. Collaboratively. As Co-Creative Directors, we bring different design perspectives, ideas and decades of technical experience to create bridal gowns and eveningwear that distinctly hold the Whyte name.

10)Where will you be débuting the collection?

We are thrilled to be showing our collection at The Plaza Hotel in New York through one-on-one appointments.