Mar 25, 2014 >> #5MinutesWith Wedding Designer Francesca Miranda
Twenty years ago Francesca Miranda launched her first clothing line, a men’s label for Colombian department stores. Now on her first trip to Chicago, she’s hosting an exclusive runway show at one of the biggest bridal events in the Midwest: Brides, Bubbles & Bliss. Mixing her Italian and Spanish heritage with the local flavor of now home South America, Francesca brings her unique perspective to constructing gowns that encompass the best of all these cultures. She often credits her love of design to her Grandmother, who was a ballet dancer in New York City.
Francesca’s craftsmanship emphasizes the fine details and brings that into every design. Her most recent collection is all about a dramatic back. The lace and tulle detailing she incorporates into the back of the gowns induce some serious jaw drops!
Francesca dishes on finding the Perfect One—we mean dress, of course!—tips to enjoy your special day and a beauty secret that you’ll have to read to believe.
Describe your style in five words—Go!
Sophisticated, feminine, elegant, contemporary and glamorous.
How does the South American bride differ from the States?
I was surprised to find out that South American brides are riskier with their wedding dress choices. I thought it would be on the contrary. I enjoy the transition from traditional to a more contemporary bride and finding that fine line to bring a modern detail to a classic dress. There is no question that for a bride anywhere in the world finding the perfect, most beautiful dress to them is just as important.
So, how does one find the perfect dress?
There is not one perfect dress. It all comes from the woman who is wearing it. When I do a custom made gown I construct the dress around the bride. It is really fun to see the personality of each bride come out in her dress. The same happens when I do a collection, it is like each dress is thought out for someone. The perfect dress is the one that when you put it on, you feel like it is a part of you, and that is why you will look beautiful in it.
The perfect dress—check! Now what tips do you have for brides to ensure they have a perfect day?
I know everyone is nervous. Especially the bride and groom. I always tell them it goes by too fast! You have to stop, take a deep breath, look at yourself in mirror. Tell yourself how beautiful you are. And enjoy the evening!
We like the way you think! What was your inspiration behind your latest collection?
My inspiration for this collection was all about creating beautiful backs. I wanted an ‘awe’ moment when the bride turned around and when she walked down the aisle. Details in lace, tulle, sheerness. I wanted to express the femininity of women by designing beautiful and romantic backs.
We’re dying to know—any beauty tips and tricks you’ve learned from globetrotting?
Yes! When I was in Hong Kong last October, I would see all these women I met had gorgeous illuminated skin. One of them told me the secret, snail cream! It works wonders, and it’s not expensive at all!
Find more on Francesca Miranda at FrancescaMiranda.com. Want to see the designer’s pieces in motion and meet her? You still can!
Buy tickets and see more information for the Wednesday, March 26th Brides, Bubbles & Bliss event here.