Winnie Chlomin of Winnie Couture Bridal

Winnie Couture is a modern mix of classic elegant and sophisticated couture. It blends femininity and luxury to create bridal attire silhouettes that are flattering and timeless. Having debuted in the United States in August 2001, Winnie Couture received an overwhelmingly positive response to the collection’s innovative styles, coupled with their modern translation of vintage fashion and royal embellishments.

Winnie Couture is founded by Winnie Chlomin & Chris Lee, a wife and husband team in 2000. Their passion and devotion to the bridal industry have gained them continuous success. After just a few short seasons, Winnie’s incredible sense of style and Chris’ business and entrepreneurship skills have positioned Winnie Couture as one of the fastest growing, most-in-demand bridal collections across the country and overseas in places like Europe and Asia. In fact, in just less than five years, the brand has become available in over 250 stores. With its corporate office based in Beverly Hills, California, and the distribution center in Chamblee, Georgia, Winnie Couture progressively developing a range of distinctive luxury attires consistent with the brand’s values. This creativity entered an exciting new realm when Winnie Couture introduced its Destination Collection in 2006, the WINNIE CHLOMIN Diamond Label Collection in 2008, and the Avant Mariée Collection in 2009.

Like the collections she designs, Winnie Chlomin, the co-founder and chief designer of Winnie Couture, is graceful, sophisticated, and exquisite. Currently resides in Los Angeles, California, Winnie was born and raised in Hong Kong, she came to US at the age of fifteen. With an inherent sense of style, Winnie knew at a young age that she wanted to design, putting her artistic hands on anything related to art – from sketching designs to crafting models. A tough perfectionist, she would rip apart seams or remake the whole piece at the last minute of completion. Winnie attended the school of Architecture in Houston, and upon graduation, she found and married her lifetime partner, Chris. It is her husband, whose family has been manufacturing bridal gowns for over twenty years, that lead her to the world of bridal and dressmaking.

Through a combination of talent, dedication and ambition, she has managed to achieve success when most are still finding their way. In the nearly ten years since the debut of Winnie Couture, the label has come to epitomize “classic-feminine” bridal fashion. Each collection presents flattering and timeless pieces for the modern woman who simply loves to be the most gorgeous bride in the world. With her favors and focuses on delicate vintage embellishments and intricate tailoring, Winnie’s designs quickly became known for their immaculate craftwork and impeccable fit. Over the years, her exquisitely detailed ball gowns, romantically embroidered veils and the sexy, luxurious silk destination gowns have become the most sought after pieces from New York to California, Europe and Asia.

ASIANCE: Where do you receive your inspiration for your dresses?

Winnie: My love to the beauty of nature plays an important role in each season’s collection. Delicate fabric such as chiffon, English tulle and raw silk are widely used. Gowns are décor with abstract rose and ribbon accents to bring out a fresh and gardenly look. This season we focus on the techniques of pleating and folding to create patterns that are feminine yet classic. From grand, airy ball gowns to slim, body hugging silhouettes, we try to tailor every design to bring out the natural beauty in every bride.

ASIANCE: What are you looking for in a bride when you have to design their couture gown?

Winnie: From the romantic stories with her love one, to the vision and style of their special wedding. We strike to create the most distinctive, custom tailored gown to best accentuate the bride on her big day.

ASIANCE: Who would you like to dress that you haven’t? A celebrity?

Winnie: Kate Beckinsale. Her style is always clean, sophisticated and giving great attention to the details.

ASIANCE: Any celebrity wedding dress that you would have liked to change and/or add something different to?

Winnie: Sarah Jessica Parker. She wore a black wedding gown on her wedding with husband Matthew Broderick in 1997. She is such a bright, sexy, fun woman. A simple, classic off-white gown with a modern form-fitting silhouette will best match her petite frame and high fashion style.

ASIANCE: Who are you inspired by? Any designers?

Winnie: Lebanese designer, Elie Saab. His unique visions of dreamlike gown and delicate detailing had great influences in my designs.

ASIANCE: Who is your favorite designer?

Winnie: Coco Chanel. One of my favorite quotes from her, “A beautiful dress may look beautiful on a hanger, but that means nothing. It must be seen on the shoulders, with the movement of the arms, the legs, and the waist.”

ASIANCE: Did you wear one of your own designs for your wedding? Do you have a picture?

Winnie: Yes. It was one of my very first designs. It’s an off-the-should white ball gown with sheer organza overlay.

ASIANCE: Is there a favorite dress, besides your own, that you remember or is your favorite?

Winnie: Carolyn Bessette’s simple yet sophisticated white dress by Narcisco Rodriguez. Love her effortless and flawless look.

ASIANCE: What type of bride would wear your designs?

Winnie: My designs epitomize feminine chic and classic elegance. Any bride who wears Winnie is always at the forefront of modern beauty.

ASIANCE: What bit of advice would you offer women who are picking out their wedding gowns? What do they need to know?

Winnie: Don’t limit on the styles you try on. Open to different kind of silhouettes and materials, you’ll be surprised on what you end up falling in love with.

ASIANCE: Is there something a bride should know when picking out her bridesmaid dresses?

Winnie: The bridesmaids’ dresses are the perfect accent to the overall wedding ceremony. Try to let the wedding color scheme decide what color your bridesmaids will wear. Consider what the bridesmaids will be comfortable in by asking them, listen to their opinion.

ASIANCE: What advice do you have for women who want to be wedding dress designers? What is the hardest obstacle to overcome?

Winnie: The bridal industry is both personally and professionally rewarding, it could be one of the best dream industries for any woman. However there are always challenges and trouble situations as with any other industry. Keep your passion, and be open minded on new ideas and trends are the keys to success.

www.winniecouture.com

Like the collections she designs, Winnie Chlomin, the co-founder and chief designer of Winnie Couture, is graceful, sophisticated, and exquisite. Currently resides in Los Angeles, California, Winnie was born and raised in Hong Kong, she came to US at the age of fifteen. With an inherent sense of style, Winnie knew at a young age that she wanted to design, putting her artistic hands on anything related to art – from sketching designs to crafting models. A tough perfectionist, she would rip apart seams or remake the whole piece at the last minute of completion. Winnie attended the school of Architecture in Houston, and upon graduation, she found and married her lifetime partner, Chris. It is her husband, whose family has been manufacturing bridal gowns for over twenty years, that lead her to the world of bridal and dressmaking.

Through a combination of talent, dedication and ambition, she has managed to achieve success when most are still finding their way. In the nearly ten years since the debut of Winnie Couture, the label has come to epitomize “classic-feminine” bridal fashion. Each collection presents flattering and timeless pieces for the modern woman who simply loves to be the most gorgeous bride in the world. With her favors and focuses on delicate vintage embellishments and intricate tailoring, Winnie’s designs quickly became known for their immaculate craftwork and impeccable fit. Over the years, her exquisitely detailed ball gowns, romantically embroidered veils and the sexy, luxurious silk destination gowns have become the most sought after pieces from New York to California, Europe and Asia.