This is the Transcript of the #WeddingMarket Chat on July 23, 2014 with Project Runway Alum Heidi Elnora and TLC star of Bride By Design. The answers were made on Twitter so responses will appear different.
Heidi Elnora knows how to inject that “Southern sparkle” into the modern girl’s wedding. From small town Alabama to Project Runway and back, Heidi has patterned her life after fashion. Since the launch of theheidi elnora brand in 2006, Heidi has dressed hundreds of brides from Los Angeles to Dubai (and everywhere in between) for their big day.
In November of 2006, the brand heidi elnora was created back in Heidi’s hometown of Birmingham, Alabama. Heidi stays true to her roots by taking a handmade approach when it comes to designing her gowns, which are known for their polished lines and attention to detail. Garment artisans in Alabama craft all gown details by hand. In October of 2009, Heidi Elnora said “yes” to Jeff Baker, her husband. They currently reside in Birmingham with their sons Jack and Bo.
For the past 4 years, Heidi has opened her doors to wholesale accounts, her “Sister Stores” if you will. Brides-to-be can now find heidi elnora gowns in 24 boutiques across the world including 14 Nordstrom locations. Her work has been featured in Brides Magazine, Martha Stewart Weddings, Lucky Magazine, The New York Times Syndicate, Town and Country magazine, and so on.
Learn more about Heidi Elnora at www.heidielnora.com
Q1: How did you get involved with weddings?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: It is a LONG love story but definitely one worth telling. It all begins after my car accident where a drunk driver hit me. It was one of the most stressful times of my life. However, I got myself in touch with different lawyers straight away and found someone to help me get compensation. With this, I left to go home to Alabama where I met the love of my life and now husband, Jeff. Alabama isn’t known as the fashion capital but I am always up for a challenge. I am passionate about making women feel beautiful and when do you feel more beautiful than on your wedding day? This is where the Heidi Elnora brand was conceived. I love designing wedding gowns!
Q2: How did you get involved with Project Runway?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: My girlfriend Trish told me about Project Runway. Since I spent every evening after work designing and sewing clothes, she asked me, “what are you doing?…you should go be on that show,” so I did.
Q3: What was your experience like working with project runway?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: There was a huge learning curve. I learned the most about my true self and who I really wanted to be.
Q4: When did you decide it was time to design wedding gowns with your name?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: It all started once I moved back to Alabama. I am named after the book “Heidi” and my grandmother Eleanor. I never really liked my name but now I feel it suits who I am and what I do!
Source by Heidi Elnora
Q5: Now can you tell a little bit about your new bridal collection “Opera” which was inspired by your recent trip to Paris?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: My first trip to Paris was February of last year. Jeff and I went on a fabric-sourcing trip. We had a date night to the Paris Opera House and I was inspired by it’s beauty and gorgeous details.
Q6: Where is your bridal collection “Opera” available?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: My bridal collections are available in 25 stores nationwide including Nordstrom and I just got picked up by my first international account, Heart Aflutter in London.
Q7: What type of bridal gown did you create for your wedding day back in 2009?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I actually wore four gowns for my wedding. It may seem like a bit much but it’s what I do and honestly, I had to get all of my ideas out of my head.
Source by Heidi Elnora
Q8: How do work with brides to create a gown that goes along with her tastes?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I really try to listen to my bride’s wants and needs, while staying true to my design background and aesthetic. Sometimes I really have to work with my brides to get us on the same page.
Photo by TLC
Q9: What’s your bridal shop like in Birmingham, Alabama?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: Oh…it’s great. It is very chill and personal. We only take one appointment at a time. I want every bride to feel special and to make sure that she has my full attention.
Q10: What bridal gown trends are your seeing this year?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: Brides are loving sleeves. Short, long, ¾, lace, and illusion…you name it. They are asking for it.
Q11: How did your TV show Bride by Design come about with TLC?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: The TV show journey has been a 3 ½ year process. I love TLC. I have watched that network since I was in college. TLC was the network that I wanted to be on; it makes the most sense for my brand.
Q12: What will we see in your first episode of TLC ‘s #BridebyDesign?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: The TV show journey has been a 3 ½ year process. I love TLC. I have watched that network since I was in college. TLC was the network that I wanted to be on; it makes the most sense for my brand.
Q13: Can You Tell Us What Your “Build-a-Bride” Concept Is?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: It’s really simple and like nothing in the market. A bride chooses a basic, clean, simple dress and then can select from a variety of pre-made add-on pieces to create a one-of-a-kind wedding dress.
Photo by TLC
Q14: Where & when can they watch the premiere of #BridebyDesign?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: This Friday, July 25th at 10/9c on TLC…can you believe it is only 2 days away!
Q15: How did you become the creator & founder of the annual Birmingham Fashion Week?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I am extremely passionate about my state and it’s rich history. I am also extremely passionate about fashion and giving back. I have been so blessed.
My first runway show was when I was 21 and was held in my high school gym. After Project Runway I had a runway show that 400 people attended. I wanted to do something more, something bigger than just me, so I got more people involved. Birmingham Fashion Week creates a platform for those who would otherwise not have a voice. I want to give aspiring designers an opportunity that I never had and make a name for the Southern fashion industry.
Q16: Will we see some episodes With Birmingham Fashion Week?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: Possibly. I am unsure as to what our producers have planned but I do know that whatever they decide will be AMAZING!
Q17: What has your last two weeks been like leading up to the premier of #BridebyDesign?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I am a crazy lady. Being a mom of 2 young boys, a wife, having a reality show, owning/designing/running a fashion house, not to mention Birmingham Fashion Week, requires a lot of organization, focus, and long nights. I don’t really know what it means to sleep anymore.
Q18: What would you like everyone to take away from this #weddingmarket chat?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: To watch “Bride by Design” on TLC this Friday, July 25th 10/9c and support a small town girl from Alabama who is making her dreams into a reality. Oh, and let’s blow up twitter with the hashtag #BrideByDesign.
#WeddingMarket Questions From Twitter:
1. @Mkenzio What’s the best fabric for a hot summer wedding if you tend to perspire?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I would suggest light and airy fabrics such as a chiffon or a organza.
2. @AmoroJewelry What’s your favorite style of a wedding dress to design?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I love a fitted gown with interesting details and a low back.
3. @emRonney12 Are there inappropriate and appropriate silhouettes & fabrics for an outdoor barn wedding?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: It truly depends on the look you are going for. I would keep it simple in terms of fabric. No shiny fabrics.
4. @HazelBoone Which of your designs are popular for beach weddings in the Caribbean?
Heidi Elnora: Hazel, check out the “darling” line. It’s flowy and has no crinoline meaning no sand dragging down the beach!
5. @emRonney12 Are spaghetti straps “so out” nowadays? I don’t want to look like I walked out of the 90s.
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: Spaghetti straps are perfectly fine.
6. @AmoroJewelry What do you think of wedding dresses that aren’t white?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: I am fine with it. Brides need to wear whatever makes them look and feel their best on such a BIG day!
5. @emRonney12 Will the show air Friday nights throughout the summer?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: This is only one 30 min special that is airing this Friday, July 25th 10/9c on TLC.
6. @KatieTaimi We are trying to incorporate gold as a color in our wedding, is it tacky to incorporate into my dress?
Answer:
Heidi Elnora: No Katie. Go for it. I love the idea of gold in a wedding dress!
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