10 Questions with Elizabeth Fillmore

1. How did you get into bridal design?
I never planned to be a Bridal designer. I had started my Evening collection in 1993 and had been happily creating my niche label and selling Saks, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and a slew of speciality stores when the Fashion Director of Saks took me to dinner and suggested that my sleek bias cut dresses would be perfect as a fresh take on Bridal.  I had never thought about wedding dresses… I agreed to do a small capsule of my signature silhouettes in Ivory Silk Crepe and Charmeuse… they began to sell instantly.. And the rest is history. Bridal became my “path of least resistance”.

2. Describe your overall aesthetic vision.
I’d have to sum up my aesthetic vision as that of a true “Modern Romantic with a touch of Rock and Roll”.  Clean yet sensual, sophisticated silhouettes with poetic accents and details and an element of the unexpected.

3. As “passion drives your designs”, who is the bride that wears an Elizabeth Filmore?
The Elizabeth Filmore bride is a cool free spirit - she has confidence and an independent vision for herself.  

4. What specifically are you known for?
I’m known best for my sleek bias cut silk crepe and silk charmeuse sheath gowns…The ultimate “slip dress” so to speak.  And the luxe fabrics that I use in each collection.

5. What is the inspiration/theme of the collection for this upcoming season?
The inspiration for Fall 2021 was compounded by my personal reflection during the pandemic and really searching for all those elements that I love about design…. Acknowledging the past by entwining historical elements with the now, while moving forever forward. 

6. Where are the gowns and separates made?
The entire collection is made in New York City, in our Chelsea workroom. From the original    samples to each and every bride's dress. I’m really proud of that.

7. Have you pivoted or adapted your designs since the pandemic?
I think the pandemic has made me realize the importance of having even more unique and cool separates, that can be worn effortlessly for either an elopement, intimate ceremony, rehearsal dinner, whatever their nuptials become in this changing world.

8. How are the trunk shows these days in the new normal?
Thankfully, we have just begun to do Trunk shows again.  We see less appointments in a day, but the brides that attend seem more focused and grateful to be able to come in and see new and exciting things.  Now more than ever, personal attention is paramount.

9. What is your prediction for weddings for 2021 and 2022?
I think the next few years will see the necessary trend in smaller, more intimate venues. It’s an opportunity to be creative in how you celebrate your union.

10. What’s your favorite part of the business?
I have 2 favorite parts of being a Bridal designer : 1. The design process & how lucky I am to be able to create a vision of what inspires me and offer that to my customer. 2. The immense satisfaction of seeing a woman completely connect with one of my designs - that’s magic.