The designer with two of her creations (left), and the White Swan gown. All photographs by Moshe Zusman Photography
Even though she now lives in New Jersey, wedding gown designer Sareh Nouri is a Washington girl at heart. She grew up in Springfield and Ashburn, and attended George Mason University, studying graphic design. When she was planning her own wedding in 2009, she had trouble finding a gown she liked, so she worked with a seamstress to create one that was more her style. Even after her wedding had long passed, she still missed the planning process.
“I know a lot of people get the ‘post-wedding blues,’” she says. “But mine never went away.”
She started working at a bridal salon, and became deeply immersed in the world of wedding dresses. She started sketching gowns, and created her first bridal collection last year.
“I love timeless gowns. I try not to do anything too out-of-the-box,” she says. “Most of my gowns are very soft and really lightweight—my main goal is to create gowns that are not heavy at all.”
The designer also likes to mix traditional bridal fabrics, such as silk tulle and silk organza, with modern silhouettes. But keeping things classic is important to her, in part due to her DC upbringing.
“DC is a very conservative city, so I try to keep my gowns elegant and the fabrics traditional,” says Nouri. “But I like to mix a little New York City trendiness in there, as well.”
One of her favorite gowns from the Fall 2012 collection (her second) is the White Swan (shown above).
“I love the pairing of the traditional lace top with the craziness of the skirt,” she explains. “I could imagine a bride wearing it at a ballroom venue, like the Willard or the Mayflower, but the gown is so lightweight that it could also be worn at an outdoor wedding.”
Nouri’s gowns are currently sold at Love Couture Bridal in Potomac (where she’s hosting a trunk show this weekend) and Soliloquy Bridal in Herndon. Click the jump to view more of her Fall 2012 collection.
