10 Questions with Lazaro Perez of Maison De Perez
Designer Lazaro Perez
Congratulations on your new collections!
1. TELl us about your new home at Ashdon Brands.
I found the perfect partner in Ashdon Brands, they have long been a powerhouse in the bridal industry. They have empowered me with the resources and infrastructure needed to ensure that my new collections will be a huge success.
2. For those who are not familiar with you, tell US how long you have been designing gowns and how did you get into bridal?
My mother taught pattern making in Cuba. In 1966 we fled Cuba and relocated to Chicago where my mother would sew for the community and bring joy to many. I grew up at a sewing machine helping my mother.
I always loved the world of bridal, the joy, the drama, the magic. I’ve been designing wedding gowns for almost 40 years and have never looked back. I started at the House of Galina, then moved to Richard Glasgow where I designed the Riccio collection. In 1994 I went to JLM Couture and launched my namesake collection, Lazaro, and stayed for over 30 years. I now have found my new home with Ashdon Brands.
3. What is the biggest change for you from before?
The greatest change is the increased flexibility I now have in how our gowns are produced, along with access to a broader, global network of high-quality vendors, This allows me to push the boundaries of creativity while also reaching a wider range of customers with these new collections.
4. What is the name of the new collections?
Maison de Perez is the brand name for the couture collection. The moderate, fusion/Bridge collection is Blanc de Perez.
5. What are the price points?
Blanc De Perez retails between $2,400 and $3,800. Maison Perez retails between $3,900 and $15,000.
6. What is the inspiration/point of view of each collection?
My inspiration for both collections is Springtime, rebirth, new beginnings…dramatic florals, pastel colors,voluminous ball gowns, and lots and lots of petals. My bridge collection, Blanc de Perez, is just a more straightforward interpretation of this vision.
7. Will the fabrics and silhouettes be the same?
Basic silhouettes will appear in both collections; however, each collection will be shown in different fabrics and have its own identity.
8. Where are they designed and produced?
Both collections are designed in New York and some pieces are produced in our New York Atelier and others in China at a phenomenal couture factory.
9. How has your bride evolved since you began designing?
I began my career in the late 1980’s. Everything was a big statement and very extravagant. I’ve always been known for drama, creating unforgettable moments. I love elaborate beading and embroidery, layering different fabrics to create depth and texture, adding color accents, florals and shimmer. Bridal fashion is always changing; I think trends come and go more quickly because of social media. My fundamental design principle remains the same, you design a dress from the inside out, the foundation has to be sound. From my pattern making background, I understand fabrics, what they can do, and how they move. My designs stand the test of time.
10. Will you continue to do trunk shows?
Yes, I will continue to make designer appearances at trunk shows. I love traveling, and meeting with brides, as well as engaging with the sales staff who sell my gowns.
