Introducing VERDIN BRIDAL NEW YORK's Gustavo Nunez
Michele Iacovelli
1. Where are you from and where did you study fashion? I’m originally from the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Mexico. I have a degree in fashion design from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in Los Angeles, California.
2. Did you always want to be an evening and bridal designer? My father was in the clothing business and my mother was a self made designer so I grew up seeing her designing and she inspired me to follow her path.
3. What experience did you have before launching your own collection? I have been very lucky to have worked at some amazing brands with a legacy for design and creativity. My experiences at Marchesa and Reem Acra among others helped me learn the importance of couture details, as well as the beauty of the creative side.
4. What made you decide to debut a bridal collection now at this unprecedented time? Getting married to my partner Juan Carlos Guzman last year brought my mindset back to the beauty of weddings. I want to bring hope and romance back to the life of brides. I have been working in the NY garment district and I can proudly say my line is “MADE IN NEW YORK”.
5. What does Verdin mean for the name of your brand? VERDIN is my mother’s maiden name and she is the person who inspired me to become a designer. I wanted to keep it as a reminder of not only my Mexican roots but why I’m in the business.
6. What will this new collection look like? I want to incorporate the feeling of American sportswear into Bridal by making beautiful constructed bustiers with timeless looks for a new generation of brides. I want to surprise them with some special and sexy details from my Mexican culture, and keep the collection sophisticated and wearable. Some of my looks can be worn as separates as the construction is always focused on enhancing a bride’s silhouette.
7. What is the “story” behind the collection for this bride to know? It is a personal story about my journey as an immigrant to America. I want to show that I still believe in the American dream and I want to make my mark in Bridal fashion in New York.
8. What are the price points and how many pieces? The collection consists of 12 looks that will retail between $3,000- $6,000. In addition, it will have separate items that will allow the bride to personalize each dress based on her own taste and personality.
9. What do you think will be your specialty with your designs? I want to be known for my bustier, sharp silhouettes, fitted skirts and a feeling of modern romance and sexiness.
10. Based on your past experiences in the industry working for top designer brands what take away will you apply to your own business? I have learned so much in my career about how to incorporate my passion and hard work with the evolving taste of the brides. I want a company based on creativity, but also one that reflects my experience in life and in fashion.