NYBFW RECAP PART 6: AN INTERVIEW WITH DESIGNER MICHAEL FAUSTO
Hey hey hey everyone!
It’s been about a month now since bridal fashion week, and yes, I still have plenty of content coming your way. Today’s post however, is super special because it includes an interview with designer Michael Fausto, who debuted his bridal collection for the first time during New York Bridal Fashion Week. Michael and I both attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, so when I saw his collection, I knew I had to support a fellow alum!
Michael designs for the modern heroine. His bride is powerful, confident in herself, and is still a romantic at heart. “She is the embodiment of womanhood and is looking for a gown that celebrates herself,” says Fausto, who attributes his aesthetic to growing up around strong and determined women. He is inspired by the sheer power of femininity and all of its reincarnations, and it truly shows through in his stunning and artfully made designs. Read below to hear more about Michael, score some tips he has for brides, and see all of the styles in the collection.
What got you interested in the bridal world?
Since I began working in fashion, I knew that I wanted to be in evening-wear. There has always been something entrancing about occasion dressing to me; like heirloom jewels your mother wears for a romantic night out, or fine china that only comes out during the holidays.
Through designing for several luxury houses, my work naturally progressed into bridal, which can be considered the most important occasion dressing there is. After seeing my bridal designs for other houses featured in publications such as The New York Times, ELLE, Glamour, and Town & Country and showcased by retailers such as Bloomingdale’s, I knew that I needed to channel my vision into something of my own. It excites me to be able to empower and exalt women on what is one of the most important days of their life.
What are your favorite trends in bridal at the moment?
I think the idea of an exposed bustier is very exciting, and I’ve been seeing a lot of interest in it recently. The contrast of an ethereal draped satin enwrapping a boned lace bodice for example, offers duality. This exemplifies that women are multifaceted and can express all of the wonderful parts of themselves in a gown. It can be done in a plethora of ways, and I think it’s something that can be found appealing to many different brides.
What should a bride know before choosing a custom gown?
Before proceeding with a custom gown, a bride needs to know how she wants to look and feel on her wedding day. As a custom dress is much more time and work intensive than something ready-to-wear, it is important to be confident in what you want. I suggest that the bride goes through several rounds of trying on gowns, so she can see the type of shape that appeals to her, how she likes her body to look, and what fabrics and construction appeal to her. This is all to help the designer create something the bride will absolutely love and feel excited to be wearing.
What is one wedding trend you wish would go away?
Don’t smash cake into the bride’s face! Perhaps I’m just looking at it from a designer’s point of view, but if I’m wearing a custom beaded French lace gown, had just spent hours getting my hair and makeup done, and my husband smeared buttercream all over me; the honeymoon phase would be short-lived.
*I agree Michael, no cake should be anywhere near my face unless it’s going into my mouth.
Any special tips for a bride-to-be when dress shopping?
Have a glass of champagne before, not during! You need to go into looking for a dress excited! Leave any anxiety or pressure you may feel at the door. There are countless options for brides to look through and it can be daunting, but try not to be overwhelmed. From the sales assistants to the bridal party, everyone’s main goal is for the bride to feel as gorgeous as possible. Try on different styles, experiment with fabrics, and enjoy the beautiful life you are about to build with your partner!
A huge thank you to Michael for the interview! Make sure you guys take a look at his collection below and follow him on Instagram here.
