While working in Manhattan, I had an absolute dream internship with one of the fashion world’s favorite bridal designers, Amsale Aberra. While at Amsale, I was lucky to meet a vast array of people who take the gowns from initial concept to runway. Debi Jones Grifffin, was Amsale’s sole designer. Originally from Texas, Debi was the girl who came up with new concepts each season. After many years with the design house, Debi has taken on a new project…one at which she rules the market.
WLM: What did you enjoy most about your years designing at Amsale?
Debi: Amsale went through an immense amount of growth in my time there. I enjoyed seeing the company go from the Amsale
label to bridesmaids, Kenneth Pool, Christos, Little White Dress, and the newest line for Nordstrom called Nouveau. Amsale and I worked side by side l iterally and most people do not have that luxury with designers these days.
WLM: What shifts in bridal design have you seen in the past ten years regarding bridal dresses?
Debi: Dresses are more modern in silhouette and the details like fabric treatment/embellishments have been a huge trend that has stayed around for a good while. Ball gowns are airy and not overly constructed as before.
WLM: Name a few new trends you see in bridesmaids gowns this next season, in color and silhouette?
Debi: Bridesmaids are becoming a very versatile driven market. Fabrics are evolving into prints, lace/eyelet, and I still love jersey. For colors I think the ombre palette (various shade of a color) will attract brides wanting something new.
WLM: Did you design your own wedding gown?
Debi: Yes, I designed my wedding gown while at Amsale and it was the most challenging piece I ever had to do. When you have limitless options at your
fingertips you cannot commit and even the day I walked down the aisle I was still thinking I should have done this or added that.
WLM: How did the idea of Illustrative Moments originally come to you?
Debi: At Amsale I sketched for clients, celebrities, runway collections, and magazines. After friends outside of the office were asking me to sketch their gown to frame, or to put in their wedding albums, even artwork for invitations/thank you notes, the idea of Illustrative Moments was born and now made available to all brides both in the US and abroad.
WLM: Describe the full process if someone would like you to do a custom illustration of their wedding or special occasion dress? (And, what will they be getting exactly)
Debi: Once the order is placed you will need to email several photos consisting of a good full frontal, three-quarter view, and full back view if that option is selected, and then detail shots (shoes, jewelry, hair ornaments, and dress embellishments). Along with the photos please note basic details that might be vague or altered such as color of dress, small hard to see embellishments, and any other information you feel important. The illustration is rendered in the coveted high fashion style of the elongated figure which emphasizes the gown making it come to life. The pose is decided by the dress and all highlighted details creating a flattering composition. Every illustration is an original. Once completed each piece is signed and then set in a 12×16’’ light ivory mat with backer board, and then placed in a protective clear sleeve.
It generally takes 4-5 weeks from order to delivery. Rates are $175 for a single pose and $200 for a front with back view plus shipping and handling.
Alright ladies, get them while they’re hot!
Contact information: www.illustrativemoments.com info@illustrativemoments.com – Check them out on Facebook