FASHION + BEAUTY
E S É A Z É NAB O R @eseazenabor
Nigerian-born Esé Azénabor got her start designing custom evening wear. She made her first wedding dress after working with a client who couldn’t find bridal styles that worked for her darker skin tone and body shape. This void in the market inspired Azénabor to create a bespoke bridal collection, tailored to the individual needs of each bride. Inspired by a fusion of African and European influences, Azénabor’s namesake line is all about empowering women through fashion, as well as an attention to luxe details: An abundance of crystals and hand embroidery are the defining characteristics of her designs. Today, Azénabor’s designs have been worn by A-listers like Taraji P Henson, Michelle Williams and Kelsea Ballerini. Though known for her bespoke gowns, in 2020 Azénabor launched a ready-to-wear line called Prêt Mariée By Esé Azénabor, for brides looking for options with a faster turnaround time.
The Esé Azénabor bride is definitely not a wallflower. She is daring, confident and appreciates what it takes to create art.
FROM LEFT: FREDA BANKS; EMILY-MELISSA PHOTOGRAPHY; COURTESY OF DESIGNER (3); ELODIE TIMMERMANS. HEADSHOTS ALL COURTESY OF SUBJECTS.
LAURY BRIDE IS CHIC AND MINIMAL, BUT BOLD I N I T S O W N D I S T I N C T W A Y. M Y D E S I G N S A R E CLEAN AND SIMPLE , BUT THERE ’S ALWAYS ONE ELEMENT THAT SPEAKS TO THE TRUE STYLE AND PERSONALITY OF THE BRIDE.
L AU R I E U N D E RWO O D OF LAURY BRIDE
62
@laurybride
Laurie Underwood’s beautifully bold and structured gown designs took her far on season 14 of Project Runway. After the show and the success of her popular ready-to-wear collection Wanda Grace, Underwood created Laury Bride, a bridal collection which showcases her unique perspective on bridal style with distinctly dramatic designs (think: oversize bows, ruffle details and airy ball gowns). Currently a primarily bespoke collection, Laury Bride launched an additional ready-to-wear bridal line in Fall of 2020.
S TE PH A N I E W H ITE O F O DY LY N E T H E C E R E M O N Y @odylynetheceremony
Designed by Stephanie White, boho-luxe brand Odylyne the Ceremony is made for the free-spirited bride who doesn't shy away from unexpected silhouettes and ornate embellishments. Inspired by the works of French symbolist painter Odilon Redon, this dreamy collection infuses every gown with a sense of whimsical romance that also pushes the limits. OUR COLLECTION IS CREATED FOR THE BRIDE THAT UNDERSTANDS THAT STANDARDS ARE MEANT TO BE CHALLENGED, AND THE LIMITS SHOULD FEEL ENDLESS. IN OUR ETHEREAL SPHERE THERE LIES N O R E A S O N I N G , N O T Y P I C A L I T Y, N O E X P L A N A T I O N S , N O R E A L I S M , N O C O M P A R I S O N S , N O T H I N G O R D I N A R Y A N D N O N O R M A L C Y. O U R M I S S I O N I S T O H E L P Y O U L E A V E A L L O F T H O S E T H I N G S B E H I N D .
TKM20WIN_FASHBTY_Opener.L [P].indd 62
9/24/20 10:49 AM