Designer Insider - Analea De Le Fuente

University of Texas graduate, Analea De Le Fuente has firmly stepped into a distinctive design niche.

Analea mentioned, "A bride from Houston that attended the UT Fashion show my senior portfolio semester. She loved my designs and commissioned me to design her gown."

Excited by the project and creative freedoms inherent to the "sketch-to-isle" process of one-kind gowns, Analea has found herself happy in Austin serving national clientele.

Of all the areas of clothing design to consider, Why have you decided to design wedding dresses?

A wedding gown is the ultimate canvas. It allows me complete design freedom and flexibility to use the finest of fabrics while incorporating timeless design elements you don't see in everyday fashion. There's something wonderful about the ceremony behind a wedding gown - I am intrigued by the layers and structure that are required to make a beautiful composition.

Who was your first client and can we see the sketch?

My first client was a bride from Houston that attended the UT Fashion show my senior portfolio semester. She loved my designs and commissioned me to design her gown. She kept the original sketch, but I do have the other conceptual sketches I drew that are centered on the same theme, and I have plenty of other sketches from other clients you can view.

How does the normal sketching process start idea or picture?

The sketching process starts with an idea. I begin by brainstorming through a series of conceptual drawings that address understanding the bride's style and transforming her into the bride she wants to be.

Where you do get your fabrics and embellishments?

My fabrics and embellishments come from all over the world. I look for the finest of materials, regardless of their origin, with the intent of providing my clients with the very best. Most of my silks, for example, come from Italy, whereas my laces usually come from England or France.

How long does the typical design process take (from sketch to isle)?

The design process varies depending on the complexity of the project, but I can usually design and complete a gown in less than 6 months, with 4 months being the average. We start with a couple of fittings in a sample gown called a muslin, and work on perfecting the fit before we cut and sew the actual dress. This process helps us avoid altering the gown, which inevitably puts stress on the fabric. It takes a little more time but the finished product is well worth the effort.

What is the most difficult part of designing bridal gowns?

Each gown I design is a work of art that has taken hours and hours to create. Like any artist or sculptor, the thought of never seeing my creation again is sometimes hard to bear.

Do you help the typical bride conceptualize the shoes, makeup, jewelry and hair?

Absolutely. With each design comes a different inspiration to complete the ensemble. We have partnerships with established vendors so we can ensure the bride has a good experience.

What is your ultimate goal for Analea De La Fuente?

Within a few years we'd like to create a collection of gowns sold nationwide so every bride can have access to our dresses. It will be difficult for me not to be able to personally consult with each individual bride, but we already have some ideas on how to make a nationwide collection more personable.

The only way to reach that level of success is to continue to do what we do best: provide our clients with the most gorgeous gowns and superior service to match.

Below Analea shares a few ideas for the Austin bride ...

How important is it to understand the theme and venue of the wedding before you create the dress?

Very. Understanding the theme of the wedding is just one of the many things that give me additional insight into my brides. I am interested in anything that inspires her, whether a pair of shoes or her favorite cocktail dress. It helps me understand her personal style, and it is this I am most interested in grasping.

Capitol
Rooted in tradition, I see this gown having Victorian elements, such as a dramatic, full skirt, a high cinched-in waist, and tucks of lace and hand embroidery. The delicate sleeves end just below the elbow, where there rests a column of daintily carved buttons.

Driskill
The Driskill, built the same year as the Capitol, would have many of the same elements as the gown above, but for a more modern bride. The silhouette will still be composed of dramatic, sweeping lines, with an emphasis on the intricately draped fabric. To finish it off, a satin sash sits at the waist, accented by a light Victorian hand-embroidered technique.

Vintage Villas
This venue comes across as soft and romantic, reminiscent of French or Italian countryside, with beautiful gardens and trellises, and breathtaking views. I see a gown covered in a delicate chantilly lace with pearl accents, and a train that lightly brushes the perfectly manicured lawns.

Destination - Colorado
For a Colorado wedding, I envision simple lines that mimic the natural environment and the clean, crisp mountain air. A gown composed of soft folds and tucks add subtle detail, while staying true to her natural silhouette. It moves with the bride and floats at the hint of a breeze.

Analea De Le Fuente, 4410 Burnet Rd. Suite, Austin, TX 78756 For immediate inquiries or to set an appointment call 512.944.3421 or e-mail design@analeadelafuente.com.

designer insider
posted - beth / 5:15 PM / 04.16.07