Introducing Elisha Sewell custom bridal gowns, now available at Bel Fiore Bridal. Rachel asked Elisha a few questions about herself and her designs, read her interview below…
When you did begin designing bridal gowns?
When I was little girl, I loved my mom’s wedding dress from 1970. At age 14, I decided to remake her dress for myself. I had just learned to sew a year before, and I was very ambitious and confident with my new skills. I started measuring and patterning. In no time, I remade her wedding dress into a lovely pink summer dress. I had a new love!
Over the years, I filled up my sketch book with wedding dress designs.
Last summer, I brought my sketches to life and began making bridal gowns.
Why did you decide to design bridal gowns?
I have always loved weddings. Every time I see a wedding party, I am thrilled for them to be getting married. There is nothing more beautiful than a bride on her wedding day. I want my designs to be a part of the most special day of a woman’s life.
What is your background?
For the past four years, I have been an elementary school teacher, but I always loved designing, creating, and sewing. After spending all my spare time designing and sewing, I realized designing is my true passion. I experience so much joy every time I design and create. Two years ago I made the decision to follow my passion and began designing, making, and selling my own clothing.
What inspires your designs?
I love the scene in the Sound of Music when Liesl sings, “I am sixteen going on seventeen.” She dances around so carefree and her dress moves so beautifully. Movement, music, shape, silouhette, and emotion always inspire me. I want my designs to create a mood, not just be another pretty dress.
What would you like brides to know about you?
I want the beauty I create to help bring about justice. I call it “Beauty and Justice.”
Each time a bride purchases one of my dresses, she is helping to fight injustice toward the Dalits of India. The Dalits are the outcasts of India’s society and suffer great oppression.
A portion of each sale will go towards buying a Dalit woman a sewing machine, table, chair, tools and supplies. A simple sewing machine, table, and chair will transform the lives of many Dalit women. This equipment allows a woman to start her own tailoring business and gradually pay back the cost of the machine into a revolving fund so other women may receive a similar opportunity.
Dalit women will use these tools to start their own businesses. They will become elevated in their village and be able to break out of the cycle of poverty and oppression. This will transform their families for generations.
How would you like brides to feel in your dresses?
As beautiful as ever. I want the bride to feel feminine and joyful.
This is such a happy day for her. I hope putting on one of my dresses makes her feel like twirling, singing, and dancing.
How would you describe your style?
My wedding dresses are modern with a bit of a vintage feel. Many of the dresses are tea length, fitted, feminine dresses with a full skirt. Some of them look like dresses Grace Kelly or a movie heroine of the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s would have worn.
Thank you Elisha. Your gowns are beautiful. We hope every bride has a chance to try one of your lovely dresses.
Schedule your appointment today to try on Elisha’s newest designs!
Have you tried an Elisha Sewell dress? What did you think?
[photos by My Life Photography
Is there something extra you offer brides?
