10 QUESTIONS WITH DESIGNER MARK INGRAM OF MARK INGRAM COLLECTION

1) What inspired you to become a designer after all these years of owning your world renown retail store?

I have been designing, although quietly, for almost my entire wholesale career… which started in 1984. I have always been highly creative and interested in product development. In every position I have held there has been a creative expression element. The timing was right, as were the manufacturing partners, so that was the impetus to do my own collection.

2) Working for Amsale before owning your own store, what did you learn from her?

I sat NEXT to Amsale for four years and experienced her genius firsthand. She kept a lot in her mind…until about a month before market week…then BAM…. the designs just rolled out. In those days we literally worked in the factory where everything was designed and produced. So, I ventured into the production department frequently. I learned by watching, I also learned from being on the road EVERY weekend at trunk shows and having to approve design changes that brides requested.

3) As a retailer and now a designer what market knowledge can you apply to your designs?

Being close to the customer is key to design success. Many of my designs come out of requests from my retail clients and our stylists. They are the best source of design inspiration. Having hosted market at AMSALE and being a buyer/retailer for the past 20 years, I learned about presentation. That is half the battle!

4) Who is your partner for producing the collection, tell us about the company?

My production is being done by a 60-year-old, family owned and operated business in Puglia, Italy. They have the highest standards, integrity, and commitment. It is a joy to work with them and inspiring as well.  To know that nearly everything is possible and within their world of expertise is a designer’s dream. I am extremely proud to say that my product is 100% Italian made!

5) Where does your style inspiration come from?

So much of my inspiration comes from the selling floor…. trying to fill the voids in my inventory and what my other suppliers……do not supply!  Creatively my inspiration comes from my vast knowledge of fashion history, film history and my own family history. And of course, I need to be on top of the ready to wear trends and those from haute couture!

6) What is the design process?

My process always starts from the runways of Europe and haute couture. Fabric is a huge source of inspiration. The fabric mills are on top of all the trends… before the designer. Seeing and touching the fabrics is powerful for me.  Inspiration boards are created and conversation starts.  I am not a classically trained designer or illustrator, so my sketches and ideas are rough. But they are communicated to Italy where the sketches are refined under my direction. Along with my sketches, fabric and trim recommendations are sent and my team there starts the patterns. I then travel to Italy a few weeks later to the factory to start the fine tuning.

7) What types of looks are you offering, fabrics and price points?

My designs are certainly not avant garde. My inspirations are usually from a classic source or reference. My collection this season is fairly large and diverse with a definite sportswear vibe as I have some bridal separates that are beautifully integrated with the more traditional gowns.  Silk Mikado, laces and re-embroidered 3D re-embroidered tulles have already become my signature, and what my wholesale clients expect from me.   My opening price point is in the low $5k range, but the majority is mid $6K to $9K range with a few special pieces above that.  I am designing for my NY Atelier customer…. that’s what I really know and that is my comfort zone!

8) Who is the Mark Ingram bride?

The Mark Ingram bride overall is sophisticated. She is ‘classic with a twist’ of modern, alternative, or haute couture! Most of all she loves QUALITY and great fit. And these are the two most important things I strive to provide.

9) What is the inspiration for this season’s collection?

This season I looked back to my childhood… the 1960’s.  I really did draw on my love and knowledge of classic Hollywood film costume and stars and selected three 60’s fashion icons as my inspiration…. Doris Day for her All American modern chic……..Audrey Hepburn for her Parisian style and her modern sophistication and Sharon Tate for the hippie/boho/chic of that era. For me, these three icons represented the 60’s as I remembered. All 3 were very modern and clean lined. Simply elegant and chic. Throw in a reference to Regency era style… which at the time historically was very modern and clean, and the collection took shape.

10) How do you see your brand evolving?

I am so excited for the future. Initially my collection was just for me and my NY brides, and in Asia where I had become a sort of bridal fashion celebrity.  But this past year, despite COVID and a crazy time, there has been so much interest in my COLLECTION here in the states and in Western Europe, and I have opened great bridal retail doors in some of my target markets. I have so many interests.  I have hired Dawn Bromander as the COO/President of my company to help me build all areas of the company and explore nontraditional growth that is of great interest to the modern couple. I want to style men, both to marry and throughout their lives.  I am working on expanding my vision for evening choices for women.  Who knows what exciting things the the future holds? I will be celebrating 20 years as a bridal retailer in NYC later this year, so me and my remarkable team, both here and abroad have a few things up our sleeves!