A Timeless Legacy: An Interview with Anne Barge Clegg and Shawne Jacobs on the 25th Anniversary of Anne Barge Bridal

As Anne Barge celebrates its milestone 25th anniversary, the luxury bridal brand remains a beacon of timeless elegance and vintage glamor. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship, classic silhouettes, and dedication to making every bride feel uniquely beautiful, the brand has captivated brides and red-carpet icons alike for a quarter of a century. We sat down with Anne Barge Clegg founder of Anne Barge and Shawne Jacobs, the President, and Creative Director of Anne Barge, to reflect on the brand's journey, their vision for the future, and what keeps them inspired after all these years.

Q: Anne, let's start at the beginning. In 1999, you launched Anne Barge with a focus on classic yet modern designs. What was your vision for the brand back then, and did you ever imagine it would have the kind of longevity and influence it does today? 

Anne Barge Clegg: My vision in 1999 was classic and elegant design as it remains today. In 1999, we were about to celebrate the Millennium, and I introduced the first collection with many pieces adorned with metallic embroidery with vintage inspired designs. I was very focused on not being trendy but presenting this collection and those to follow with classic and timeless designs that always look current…. I expected and am so thankful for the longevity and influence it continues to have.

Q: Shawne, you've been with the brand since 2002 and took over as Creative Director in 2014. How has the brand evolved under your leadership, and what’s your approach to keeping the designs both timeless and relevant?

Shawne Jacobs: It’s been such a rewarding journey. When I became Creative Director, my aim was to honor the core ethos of the brand—elegance, sophistication, and timelessness—while also incorporating designs reflecting modern trends. Bridal fashion evolves every season, as well as what our brides search for in their gowns. I continuously experiment with new fabrics, details, and silhouettes, however, at the heart of it all, I always return to what Anne taught me: a wedding gown should make a woman feel confident and beautiful on her special day. 

Q: Anne, you’re known for being inspired by vintage glamour. How do you balance that vintage inspiration with contemporary bridal fashion trends?

Anne Barge Clegg: Vintage inspiration has always been my starting point but some bridal trends - the good ones- can always be adapted to today’s modern bride. All current trends may not work for our line, so we’re careful to stay true to the timeless classic bride.

Q: Shawne, you've expanded the brand's reach significantly with collections like Blue Willow Bride, Curve Couture, and the Black Label evening wear. What was the motivation behind these different lines?

Shawne Jacobs: Each line was born out of a desire to serve our brides better. The Blue Willow Bride collection embodies the couture aesthetic and same attention to detail of the Anne Barge collection, but at a moderate price point. Our Curve Couture collection offers more sizes, more specifications, and more possibilities, embracing brides of all sizes with beautiful, perfectly fitted gowns. Black Label came from our love for couture evening wear and the demand we saw for special occasion, red carpet-worthy looks. The goal has always been to ensure every woman can find something that makes her feel radiant, whether she’s a bride or attending a special event. 

Q: Anne, your brand has dressed numerous celebrity brides and red-carpet icons. Do you have any standout memories of a bride or moment that was particularly meaningful?

Anne Barge Clegg: There have been so many special moments! Laura Benanti was one of the most special because we went on to do stage and award gowns as well as her daughter’s christening gown.

Q: Shawne, you’ve been at the helm of Anne Barge for over two decades. How do you stay inspired and continue to push the boundaries of bridal design?

Shawne Jacobs: I find inspiration everywhere—in art, architecture, nature, and of course, in our brides. I have had the opportunity to work with so many brides, celebrating a milestone moment with them. Their stories and unique styles challenge me to think outside the box, as no bride is alike. Additionally, my passion for craftsmanship and design motivates me to always be thinking of new possibilities and styles for our collections. Bridal fashion is unique because it’s both highly personal and timeless. This duality provides me with endless opportunities to innovate while remaining true to the brand's core. 

Q: Shawne, we’ve seen the brand grow with inclusivity at the forefront, especially with the Curve Couture line. Why is this so important to you, and how do you ensure every bride feels represented?

Shawne Jacobs: Inclusivity is at the heart of what we do. Every bride deserves to feel confident and celebrated, regardless of her size or shape. We offer extended sizing and customizations options—we want each gown to be a reflection of her individuality. It's essential for us that every woman who wears one of our designs feels recognized and empowered, which has been the foundation behind Curve Couture. 

Q: Looking back over the past 25 years, what do you think are the biggest changes in the bridal industry?

Anne Barge Clegg: The biggest changes in the last 25 years have been gradual to extreme moves toward body revealing silhouettes, fabrications and styling. We have always aimed to uphold our classic bridal looks while incorporating these more modern elements without appearing trendy.

Q: Shawne, as you look forward to the next chapter of Anne Barge, what excites you most about the future?

Shawne Jacobs: I’m genuinely excited about blending innovation with our rich heritage. We’re deeply committed to sustainable fashion, and I’m eager to see how we can push boundaries in that area. Additionally, expanding our digital presence also gives us the opportunity to connect with brides globall in new and authentic ways. But ultimately, what inspires me the most is the opportunity to keep creating gowns that make women feel empowered. That’s something that will never change.

Q: Lastly, Anne, as the brand’s founder, what are you most proud of as you reflect on 25 years of Anne Barge Bridal Couture?**

Anne Barge Clegg: As the Anne Barge founder, I am most proud of the fact our brand’s philosophy has proven classic design is timeless.

As the interview wraps up, it’s clear that the magic behind Anne Barge Bridal Couture lies not only in its stunning designs but also in the passion and vision of the women behind it. With a shared dedication to timeless elegance and a commitment to making every bride feel her best, Anne Barge and Shawne Jacobs have created a brand that’s destined to continue inspiring brides for generations to come. Here's to 25 more years of bridal bliss!

MEET THE EXPERTMichele Iacovelli