We recently stopped by the LulaKate showroom in Charleston with our photographer friend Corbin Gurkin, and chatted with designer Katherine McDonald about her new line of wedding gowns, design process, and wedding dress trends. It was so much fun that we decided to share snippets with you today!
Tell us a little bit about how LulaKate got started.
I have wanted to be a clothing designer since I was a little girl. I grew up sewing and making dresses here and there for special occasions. It wasn’t until I had a brief career in corporate America and a few unfulfilling jobs that I took the plunge and started LulaKate. I quit my job, started waiting tables and sewing skirts. Initially I sold them through trunk shows along the East Coast then through wholesale accounts in the SouthEast. Ready-to-wear led its’ way to bridesmaids which led its way to bridal.
You’re known for your beautiful bridesmaids dresses. What inspired you to venture into wedding gowns?
I have always loved beautiful and expensive fabrics the most. Just like with bridesmaids I had a number of clients request I design their wedding gown. For awhile I said no because I was nervous to be a part of such an important dress. Finally, one client convinced me and I realized that I enjoyed designing bridal dresses the most.
How has the wedding gown collection been received so far? Any customer favorites you can share?
We’ve had a tremendous response to the new Kate McDonald Bridal line. Client Favorites are the Stanwyck, the McCants, the LaMour and the McLeod.
What do you find different about working with brides versus bridesmaids?
Brides are a lot of fun. Where bridesmaids have the dress chosen for them, the bride is able to choose and create her dress. I am working with a number of brides right now doing custom work. It is really special to develop a friendship with someone, create their dress and see them walk down the aisle. I feel very blessed to be able to be a part of someone’s big day.
Tell us about your design process… what goes into creating one of your wedding gowns?
It depends. Usually I find the fabric first. I love fabric. I could spend days in a fabric store just looking at things and imagining different silhouettes. When I start designing the silhouette I will sketch the idea first. Next I will estimate certain measurements like sleeve width, length, bodice details, etc. I will then send to my seamstress and she will make the first prototype. When she sends it back we will start doing fittings, changing lengths, adding details, etc. We will go back and forth 4-5 times and then usually I get it right.
Where are the dresses made?
All dresses are made in either Tennessee or New York City.
Do you have a personal favorite from the collection?
The McLeod is my favorite. I love the handpainted fabric. I also love the Calhoun and the Waring. The delicate French beading with tulle is different, yet classic and elegant.
Any dress trends that you’ve been surprised by or are totally loving this season?
I love the Hollywood Slit trend especially on a tulle skirt. I didn’t really think it would make it into mainstream bridal but I have a number of brides that want to show some leg. I love the look because it can still be somewhat conservative if you choose.
What can we expect from LulaKate and Kate McDonald Bridal in 2015?
2015 will bring a number of exciting things to LulaKate and Kate McDonald. Probably the most exciting is the addition of e-commerce for online exclusive party, bridesmaid and little white dresses. I also am doing working with a number of brides doing custom work. This is always so exciting because it is fun to design specifically for one bride.
