Exclusive Interview with Justina McCaffrey, Wedding Dresses Designer

Justina McCaffrey tells us more about her 2012 wedding dresses collection.

Hi Justina, for those new brides-to-be who have never met you, tell us about yourself. When and why did you start designing wedding dresses?

As a young girl I have always appreciated the party gown. I was fascinated by designers like Bill Blass, Oscar de la Renta. I would monthly purchase each Vogue magazine and read every inch of them cover to cover, and sigh after seeing the two page advertisements of a large Bill Blass gown.

I later read every book possible about the history of fashion and people like Christian Dior, Elsa Schiaparelli, Charles James, Vionnet, Coco Chanel, and Paul Poiret. I also found it unrelated at the time, but as a pastime I would spend hours sewing/knitting/beading and generally playing around with textiles. After high school I found it to be a natural progression for me to study at the Fashion Institute in Los Angeles.

I have always appreciated the IMPORTANT DRESS, and it seemed like a perfect fit that I would end up making one of a kind couture wedding dresses for brides getting married. There seemed to be a lot of brides with particular ideas  and needs and I was happy to help. Eventually this led to creating a very successful collection that I showed at the NY bridal market, and I guess the rest is history.

Could you describe your own fashion style?

I like looking natural and uncontrived. I appreciate accessories like jewelry, but I feel that a lot of the pieces over power me. I like fashion that is uplifting and joyful, so it is hard for me to like some of the scary goth things that are popular.

Your skin and hair look amazing. Can you share some of your beauty secrets?

(LOL – Gosh!!) Regarding my skin, and I tell this to everyone, “SPF 30 since I was 20″. I have more recently bumped that up to an SPF 50. I think that has helped enormously. Regarding my hair, on days that I don’t go out, I put lots of oils and conditioners on it. I also think that having a non layered cut helps the way it looks. I don’t know for sure.

Can you give brides 3 tips to help them through their wedding gown search?

Tip #1 – Research the store that you want to purchase your gown from. Make sure that you trust your consultant and that you feel comfortable with the information she is giving you. You must remember that after the sometimes emotional purchase of the wedding dress you will need to visit the store again maybe a few times for the alteration process.

Tip #2 – Limit the amount of people that will be joining you when you shop for dresses. Some brides like to think of it as an equivalent event to a bridal shower. Some brides bring up to 10 people who all have different views of the wedding. This only adds to the confusion. In a perfect world, this should be an intimate time with the bride and her mother.

Tip #3 – Try different shapes and ideas. One boutique may proclaim that you can never wear strapless, don’t let that defer you from wearing a strapless from a different designer with a different fit and inner construction.

Thanks for inviting us back in October to discover your 2012 line. What ended up being the most popular new dress girls will see in stores this Spring?

Everybody liked the NOVELLA dress. It is a large romantic gown made with over 50 yards of 100% silk organza. Its a fun party dress.

Novella by Justina McCaffrey

Can you give us some tips and recommend a dress in your collection for someone with a pear-shaped body-type?

The Pear Shape is actually a very good  body shape for a wedding dress. Usually the pear shaped woman has a tiny waist and that is a beautiful feature for any wedding dress. The hips are often covered with the fullness of the gown. If the bride wants a smaller dress she would look beautiful in a simple small a line dress. My ZINFANDEL dress would be a perfect silhouette for her. If the bride wants a larger dress, she should think of the ALIONA dress that is a drop waist with the organza pick up skirt emerging at a perfect place.

Aliona by Justina McCaffrey

Anne Hathaway is getting married. We think she should try on one of your dresses, they are totally her style. Which one would you recommend in the collection?

It’s funny that you say that, two of my very close friends are very similar to Anne Hathaway. I think she would look amazing in the WESTMINISTER dress.

Westminister by Justina McCaffrey

What’s your favorite accessory color this season to spice up a white wedding dress?

I have introduced the Chardonnay color that is used in as the NOVELLA belt.

Pippa or Kate, who is your favorite Middleton girl when it comes to fashion style?

I like Kate. She has made some beautiful selections in some situations that could have been challenging for others.

Zinfandel by Justina McCaffrey

See more Justina McCaffrey wedding dresses.

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