her style
DRESSED TO DESIGN
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style chameleon may be how one would describe custom dress designer and stylist Donna Berry. “My look is different all the time. I mix the feminine with urban, layer a lot and combine things that wouldn’t necessarily go together,” Berry says. After years of a career as a civil litigator, she left law to pursue her passion in the design program at FIDM in Los Angeles. After working at design houses like Monique Lhuillier, Berry set her sights on custom design, allowing her a personal artistic collaboration with clients. When it comes to her professional style, Berry says things are simple and a bit different than her personal look. “I need to be comfortable. I wear a lot of pants due to moving around and measuring clients. I tend to have more masculine, loose fitting clothing when I’m working but comfort is the most important factor.” The mom of twin boys says that she is usually dressed in an outfit, ready to go. “I almost am never in workout clothes or yoga pants unless, of course, I am at the gym. I may wear a lot of jeans or pants, but I also do ultra-feminine dresses and work them with layers and accessories.” For more information on Berry and her custom bridal and evening gowns, visit www.donnaberrydesigns.com.
Custom gown designer Donna Berry rocks the ready-for-work look BY GRETCHEN PAHIA PHOTO BY CARL SCHULTZ
What was working at Monique Lhuillier like? Working at Monique was incredible! It was a completely creative environment, plus I was fortunate to work with many celebrities, some of whom were dressing for major events like the Oscars! Do you design anything other than custom dresses? I’ve created everything from suits to capes, but the majority of my clients are dressing for very special events, which tend to be formal and maybe once-in-a-lifetime, so my client is often looking for a show-stopping, artful piece designed and cultivated with only her in mind. What wedding dress trends do you see for 2016? Sheer will continue to be big and so will dresses with a lot of shine – ornately beaded gowns with the jewelry built-in, so to speak. Also, many brides will opt for subtly hued gowns, especially in blush.
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| FEBRUARY 2016
1/25/16 12:11 PM