My Journey as a Designer at New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week
Caught up in the moment.
Pictured here: our Delali dress & veil from our Fall 2024 Collection. Captured by Bambino International (@bambinointernational) on model Yesmin (@hey_itsyes).
I’ve always had a clear vision for Andrea Osei BRIDE. My goal is for AOB to be available through major luxury retailers and boutiques worldwide. When I sat down on October 9, 2021, to create my first vision board and list of aspirations, this particular point stood out as the most daunting. As newcomers to the luxury bridal industry, I often found myself pondering where to begin. We explored various strategies, including fashion show invitations, email outreach, cold calls, and spontaneous in-person introductions at boutiques. However, it became evident that to truly make our mark, we needed to set our sights on the main event: New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week. While we had successfully hosted our inaugural runway show the previous year, participating in bridal market was an entirely different challenge.
Our determination to take part in New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week (NYLBFW) was fueled by our experience at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. The AOB team embarked on this journey as eager learners. Each day, we immersed ourselves in the world of bridal fashion, observing brands in action during appointments, attending inspiring fashion shows, and, most importantly, building meaningful connections through networking. The connections and mentors we gained during that trip have proven to be invaluable assets to our journey.
The AOB Chronicles at Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week 2023
Being chosen as a designer for Union Square Couture Bridal Market was undeniably the most exciting experience of 2023. Union Square Couture New York Bridal Market has a rich history of featuring top luxury bridal designers in the heart of New York City for over two decades. This renowned event has global recognition, with its bridal designers representing the epitome of quality from around the world.
Flora Petakas, a true powerhouse in the luxury bridal industry, stood out as an exceptional teacher and mentor. I vividly recall absorbing every morsel of wisdom she shared the day before the bridal market began. Jennifer Johnston, too, was a guiding light during this process, offering invaluable insights on setup, marketing, and boutique alignment with our brand. The moments Flora and Jennifer devoted to ensuring we were well-prepared for our first bridal market were pivotal in shaping the trajectory of our week. It was time to step up to the plate!
The Ava gown from our Fall 2024 Collection takes the streets of NYC! She is a certified showstopper.
The long-awaited week had finally arrived! Preparation had been the cornerstone of our success. Countless hours were devoted to debrief calls by the team, ensuring that every detail was immaculate and purposeful, from set design and model selection to crafting marketing emails and structuring appointments.
Given that this was our debut at a bridal market, we made the strategic decision to showcase both our Fall 2023 and 2024 collections. Our aim was to provide buyers with a comprehensive understanding of our brand, our unique aesthetic, and the unwavering consistency of our quality.
The divine beauty of Look 1 of our Fall 2023 Collection.
Photo by Bambino International (@bambino_international) on model Lyric (@lyric_christian).
Those three bustling days were filled with buyer appointments, engaging interviews with the press, and connections with some of the finest professionals in the industry. An unexpected but delightful outcome was the valuable feedback and impromptu appointments we received. These precious insights will undoubtedly guide us in our journey to build a bigger and better Andrea Osei BRIDE!
Oh, and did I mention that I had the incredible opportunity to meet Mark Ingram? Mark Ingram is renowned worldwide for his iconic Manhattan salon, Mark Ingram Atelier, and for his extensive presence in the media as an expert in bridal and couture evening wear. Mark Ingram holds a special place as one of my bridal designer heroes.
Meeting the Icon
Jacqueleen & Andrea meet the legendary Mark Ingram.
In Ghana, we have a meaningful Akan word: Sankofa. The translation of this African proverb into English conveys the idea that "it is not taboo to go back and fetch what you forgot." Sankofa teaches us the importance of learning from the past to shape our future. Mark Ingram's iconic career spanning over two decades is something I've studied and used as a model for my own brand and business practices. Meeting him was a powerful reminder that it is entirely possible to carve out a successful career in the luxury bridal sector as a designer of color. It was a genuine honor to meet him in person.
Akosua & Andrea with Mr. Ingram.
Our journey at New York Luxury Bridal Fashion Week (NYLBFW) yielded an array of press interviews, numerous social media highlights, and a treasure trove of lasting memories. Notably, we were able to secure our very first spotlight in the esteemed New York Times.
This entire experience has left me with a profound understanding of the importance of living without self-imposed limits. We often underestimate our own potential for greatness. If you have a goal in mind, the crucial step is to begin the work. It doesn't have to be flawless, but it must be purposeful. Furthermore, this experience underscored the significance of building a robust team. When your vision is grand, your team needs to be equally strong and committed to that vision. I will forever be grateful to Akosua and Jacqueleen for holding me to the highest professional standards and contributing to our collective success.
The AOB Team in action during NYLBFW. Photo by: Kir Tuben (@kir2ben)