Jessica Wu is a luxury bridal designer catering to brides all over the world. Arriving in New Zealand at a young age, Jessica started her career in IT, but it wasn't long before she followed her love and passion for designing after struggling to find her dream dress.
In 2004, Jessica Bridal was born.
With a passion to help brides bring their dreams to life and to create timeless memories, the business has grown from a humble little bridal shop in Kingsland to an international business with her products stocked in bridal boutiques all over the world. The head office and flagship store is proudly based in Newmarket, Auckland in New Zealand. On top of running a successful business, Jessica is raising 3 beautiful children and in her spare time is a talented musician.
FOUNDER & CREATIVE DIRECTOR OF JESSICA COUTURE
For our inaugural Archela Bridal Profile Series, we sat down with celebrated Couture Wedding Designer Jessica Wu to talk all things gowns, 2024 trends and more.
What is the philosophy behind Jessica Couture?
Our philosophy at Jessica Couture is to fulfill dreams and create timeless memories.
Describe the aesthetic of the Jessica Couture, the fabric and the details.
The Jessica Couture brand embodies a timeless and sophisticated aesthetic, characterised by elegance, femininity, and meticulous craftsmanship. We are renowned for our exquisite designs that seamlessly blend classic and contemporary elements, creating a balance between tradition and innovation.
What are you loving at the moment in fashion?
We are loving how everyone is bringing their individuality into their styling. We are finding this is translating into bridal beautifully and we love seeing the special touches our brides are bringing to truly make their gowns their own! We are also loving the versatility of a voluminous overskirt to take a gown from aisle drama to reception ready.
What is the goal for the brand over the next five years?
We want to continue providing exceptional gowns to gorgeous brides all over the world, increasing our offering to both our local and international client base.
When designing your gowns, where do you look for inspiration?
Our inspiration comes from many different avenues including but not limited to nature, architecture, and travel. Often we will see a new fabric or lace and the ideas will start flowing! And of course we take inspiration from our beautiful brides, after all, we are designing for them.
Your fabrics are exceptionally beautiful. Where do your source the fabrics from, and has covid impacted this at all?
Thank you! We spend a lot of time sourcing the best quality fabrics from around the world. Some of our laces and beaded fabrics take months to make as they are made by hand. It’s easy to forget the many hands that go into creating a masterpiece like a Jessica Couture wedding gown!
What piece of advice would you give to a bride when considering her gown?
Before your appointment do your research on the types of fabrics and silhouettes you think you might like. But when trying dresses on be open minded so you can easily rule something out or you might consider something you never thought you might like. When it comes down to picking just one, think of the venue of your wedding, does it suit? And think, would I in 20 years still be happy with the dress I chose?
What do you think the secret is to a woman looking great on her wedding day?
Making sure you let your beautiful personality shine through! Having a great support team on your wedding day that will hype you up throughout the day and night.
Describe the Jessica Couture bride in three words?
Discerning, charming, and unstoppable!
What can we expect to see from Jessica Couture in 2024?
See the collection here
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