10 Questions with Designer Esé Azénabor as she Debuts at NYLBFW

Designer Esé Azénabor

1. Tell us a bit about your background that led you to designing evening and wedding dresses?

I designed my first gown when I was 8 years old. Designing gowns quickly became a hobby of mine, however I really never imagined it would become my career. My obsession has always been combining 4 to 6 different materials together to create one dress. I have always loved mixing different textures together. In 2011 I moved to Dallas, TX for my masters in Accounting. During my first year second semester, I decided to drop out and design my first collection of all evening wear. At some point I wanted to challenge myself and bridal was it. With bridal I was able to create a piece of clothing for someone that has dreamed about the most important dress since she was a child. In 2015 we launched our bridal line. I am so excited to be debuting during New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week on April 12 at my Boutique on Madison Avenue!

2. Where are you originally from?

I was born in Nigeria and raised in Canada.

3. Describe the overall aesthetic of your gowns?

We are known for our mixture of different fabricationS, hand beading and embroidery, textures, structures, delicate fine materials and two in one features in our gowns.

4. What influences your designs?

I’m influenced by life experiences mixed with my culture and my love for textures.

5. What techniques and fabrics do you work in?

Our fabrics are custom made. Often involves drawing the design first and tambour beading and embroidery on fine tulle. We work with 100% silk materials, Swarovski crystals, glass stones and pearls.

6. How does the bespoke process work?

The process of Bespoke starts with a Sketch during the bride’s consultation. During the consultation we discussed details of the client’s gown based on her inspirations and what she is interested in. Once the client has agreed with the design we came up with, measurements are takEN and the process of making the gown starts. With bespoke we need about 8 months minimum to complete a bridal gown. The first fitting is a Muslin fitting, then the client usually has 2 fittings within the 8 months then a final fitting.

7. What celebrities have worn your dresses?

we have had a the pleasure of dressing Tyra Banks, Tiraji Hanson, Vivica A. Fox, Michelle Williams, Kelsea Ballerini, Da Brat and Judy, Porsha Williams and many more. 

8. Where do most of your clients travel from to see you?

We have clients traveling from all over the United States to come to our Dallas Showroom for their gowns. We also have clients flying in from countries outside the US like Canada, United Kingdom, and Dubai for their Esé Azénabor gowns.

9. Tell us about your atelier and the new MADISON AVENUE BoUTIQUE?

We have had our Dallas Showroom and Atelier for 8 years. We just opened our second location in New York on madison avenue on Jan 5, 2023. we are delighted to be part of the ny market!

10. Is everything bespoke, do you sell through other retailers?

We have our Bespoke and also our Prêt Mariée line. Our Prêt Mariée Line are different collections designed by me to make picking out a dress easier. These pieces offer our brides the ability to pick from a design that we have already created and they are made to her EXACT measurements. We have 2 retailers that carry our Prêt Mariée Line. One in DC “Elegance by roya” and one in Atlanta “Elite Pour La Vie”.