Bridal Dress Designer Youlin
Youlin Tsai is a self-taught designer focusing all her passion and sense of style on each collection. With Youlin’s special touch, each bridal gown is an inspiration from film and dramatic theater influences that make them unique and different from the rest.
She creates her signature touches by incorporating semi-precious stones such as jade, garnets, quartz and rock crystal. Also utilizes luscious European silk fabrics, French laces and exclusive beading. She believes that the mysterious power of the stone will bring the bride inner peace, fortune and happiness.
Youlin designs have been featured in different magazines around the globe such as InStyle, Town & Country, Cosmopolitan (Hong Kong), Martha Stewart, Modern Bride, Bride Again, WEDDINGBELLS, “a” Magazine, Wedding Dresses, Manhattan Bride, L.A. Times and among others.
ASIANCE: Where do you receive inspiration from your dresses?
Youlin: Usually from things I am exposed to. I love to go walking among the NY streets, fabric stores, malls and many things inspire my creation. Sometimes it will have several directions but then towards the end, it usually comes around and becomes a whole collection for the new season.
ASIANCE: What are you looking for in a bride when you have to design their couture gown?
Youlin: Her personality. A bride is supposed to wear a gown not the other way around. The bride has to feel comfortable in the gown in order to shine in the gown and enjoy the most important day of her life.
ASIANCE: Who would you like to dress that you haven’t? A celebrity?
Youlin: Believe it or not, I would like to dress Lady Gaga because it will be a big challenge to be able to dress her in a creative but yet elegant and memorable.
ASIANCE: Who are you inspired by? Any designers?
Youlin: I’m always inspired by Audrey Hepburn, Vintagy, clean, elegant. Yet, I also like Vivian Westwood’s creations.
ASIANCE: Who is your favorite designer?
Youlin: Vivian Westwood
ASIANCE: Did you wear one of your own designs for your wedding? Do you have a picture?:)
Youlin: Actually, no. I was not in the business when I got married.
ASIANCE: Is there a favorite dress, besides your own, that you remember or is your favorite?
Youlin: Sorry, I can’t think of one that pops out of my head now. I might like the design when I see it but not that memorable to stick in my head at the moment.
ASIANCE: What type of bride would wear your designs?
Youlin: Very independent, who knows exactly what she wants..more of a metropolitan bride.
ASIANCE: What bit of advice would you offer women who are picking out their wedding gowns? What do they need to know?
Youlin: She has to pick the one that she not only feels beautiful in, but also very comfortable in because then she can truly show her personality and shine in the gown on the wedding day. Go with mom and maybe 1 friend, no more than 3, because it will only confuse her judgment. Once the bride makes her decision, do not bring more family and friends to see gowns because 1 of them might have different opinions and then disaster will start.
ASIANCE: What advice to you have for women who want to be wedding dress designers? What is the hardest obstacle to overcome?
Youlin: She will have to be able to take the criticisms from the customers. Not everyone will be able to wear your designs because no one is alike, so one good designer will have to be able to work around different brides and make your bride happy and create one unique gown just for your bride.
ASIANCE: Anything else you would like to add?
Youlin: It is always a joy to work with brides because it is such a beautiful event. I would say that I have made friends with most of my brides that came to me and I treasure this experience with all my brides.
Youlin
Youlin New York
488 7th Ave., #3H-J
New York, NY 10018
212-563-0659
www.youlinnewyork.com
I love the back of the dress in the pics up top. The ruffles are gorgeous! And the fact that she’s self taught just amazes me! So much natural talent.
There is ample scope for innovation and creativity in the field of fashion designing and dress. I am glad to go through the interesting interview. thanks.
Aha,I love Vera Wang.BUt the dresses designed by her are too expensive!
Vera Wang has been on my list of people to interview. She is very difficult to nail down despite the considerable cooperation of her wonderful Personal Assistant. I have her book on Weddings. Very interesting, however; you can get a dress just as beautiful for your special day by frequenting the Fashion Shows down South. Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina hold the best fashion weeks where new and upcoming designers are featured. Also, the Junior League and Debutante Fundraisers/Events always feature great new designers at their live and silent auctions! Lucinda Eden of Charleston, South Carolina also creates lovely wedding dresses.
The best option is to find a dress that you absolutely love and pay a Designer/Tailor to copy it! I did that for my first wedding that never happened. The Audrey Hepburn Dress in Sabrina was supposed to be my Wedding Dress. I still have the Dress and the Ring!
Sabrina (1954) – Audrey Hepburn