Today we’re chatting to one of Sydney’s most passionate wedding dress designers, Angela Osagie of Angela Osagie Bridal. With almost 20 years in the business, Angela has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to creating the most stunning wedding dresses. She prides herself on going above and beyond for her clients to make sure each and every one of them has an incredible experience throughout the process of designing their dream dress. In our chat, Angela also reveals what’s changed in the wedding industry during her time in it, and what the biggest trends in bridal fashion are right now.

Tell us about Angela Osagie Bridal…
Angela Osagie is an independent studio and we are located in Rozelle, a leafy suburb of inner west Sydney. We specialise in finely detailed and exclusively made bespoke wedding dresses. The brand was born from a love of fine fabrics, softness as an aesthetic and fluidity of design. I am obsessed with the ‘perfect fit’ and the art of service is the heart of my business.

How long have you been in business?
I have been in business for close to two decades. Recently re-branding under the name ‘Angela Osagie’.

What’s changed since then and now?
The industry itself is always in a state of flux, everything ‘wedding’ is always transforming, always fresh. This includes the dress. There are less rules now and tradition has broken its confines of culture.

Many trends have come and gone, but the passion and dedication for ‘bridal couture’ invariably remains firm.

Images: Stewart Douglas Photography

How have bridal gown trends changed?
Brides are more open to expressing their individuality with colour and non-traditional bridal silhouettes, such as jump- suits, crop tops, and sheer layers. Many are wanting a more relaxed feel in general, and often incorporating fashion features into traditional forms.

Run us through the process of getting a custom-made dress from you…
The process is very much about active listening and open communication. I do encourage the bride to research and develop an approximation of what she wants before we meet. Then together we can explore in depth her ideas.

The early process involves sketching, draping of fabrics, this part is hands on, quite playful, creative and always informative.

Then we create the toile (mock up). This reveals the structure of the dress, in alignment with the bride’s body and design concepts. Followed, there are generally another three to five fittings to bring the dress to a finished stage.

Image: Highlight Reel Productions

How long before her big day should a bride book and order her dress from you?
The whole development usually takes eight to 12 months this is optimal planning time for a relatively stress-free process. This timeline also gives the bride freedom to concentrate on the many details of her wedding plan. However, we understand that life doesn’t always go to plan, so just ask if your circumstances offer limited time, we might be able to accommodate you.

Can you offer styling advice throughout the process?
Yes, I do, I love hearing about all the ideas and helping my brides to navigate through the infinite choices. Her shoes, accessories and underwear – all are integral to the final aesthetic.

Where do you source your fabrics?
I work closely with a number of fabric merchants, who visit international fabric expos and world best fabric mills, bringing the latest and greatest that the textile world has to offer back to Australia.

You also have a House Collection. Tell us more about that…
Our ‘House Collection’ showcases a range of current trends, mixed with our most passionate signature styles. There are fabulous ‘Pret-a porta’ options, that also work as inspiration for our brides who are looking for a custom-made wedding dress.

Images: Stewart Douglas Photography

What have you noticed about dresses you’re designing in 2019?
2019 thus far has been about delicate lace, illusion necklines, 3D details and all kinds of intricate embroideries.

Most memorable or favourite dress Angela Osagie Bridal has created?
This is an impossible question, like having to choose a favourite child. Every dress has a story and each is precious for its uniqueness.

Can you share any lovely stories or testimonials from your brides?
We often work with brides who travel quite a distance to our studio, which is a great compliment in itself. It is not uncommon to witness the girls twirling in their dresses at the final fittings, and just not wanting to take them off! For me, this response is the ultimate praise for a job well done.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learnt working in the wedding industry?
To remain true to myself, design is hard work and it must come from real passion. I remain grateful to the fact that I work in an industry, that lets me do what I love every day and the most important aspect as a couture designer, is the bride and her vision and managing this through to completion.

Images: Rick Liston

What’s the most challenging aspect of your job?
Finding the right people to support the brand, so that I can concentrate and focus on design. Being able to delegate and yet maintain the brand’s vision.

And what do you love most about your job?
The creativity, the diversity of working with unique personalities each time I design a dress. As an artist I love the entire process from start to finish, but the final stage, when I see my bride overjoyed with the dress is what sets my heart on fire.

What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I work with nature, with crystals and earth energy grids.

Three things you like to do when you’re not working?
Yoga and meditation practice, working with crystals and energy healing.

A huge thank you to Angela for sharing the Angela Osagie Bridal story with us today! Your dedication to your brides and their dresses, plus your passion for what you do, is absolutely heartwarming. To see more Angela Osagie Bridal gowns, head to the Angela Osagie Bridal website or check them out on the Polka Dot Directory.

Image in banner courtesy of Highlight Reel Productions