Hi all! I’m sure most of you remember Tara LaTour from my Bridal Market feature on her a few weeks back, BUT just in case you missed it, you can read that post here. I was so intrigued by Tara’s unique take on the traditional wedding dress that I was eager to learn more about her. Below is a little interview we did that I hope you’ll enjoy. I’ve also got a few of her lovely designs sprinkled throughout for your viewing pleasure. So, let’s get started shall we?

What led you to pursue a career in bridal fashion?
I think I was kind of destine to go into the bridal design world. My grandmother was an artist and made clothes as I grew up and one of my fondest memories was watching her construct my aunt’s wedding dress. I used to take the scraps and make things for my Barbie right beside her.

How long have you been designing for?
I just graduated Parson’s one year ago.  So officially, one year. But I have been designing, prior to proper training for years, making dresses for prom and such.

How would you describe your design style/point of view?
I would describe my design style as modern romanticism. I have a love for all things delicate, soft, vintage, and classically romantic. But I defiantly combine that love of romantic with modern influence of strong silhouettes, contemporary detailing like exposed zippers, raw edges, and deconstruction. I am also obsessed with texture, which plays into my view point of modern romanticism. I used texture in fabrics, but also create them through fabric treatments I develop myself.

Where do you draw your inspiration from?
The one thing that is a constant in the sense of inspiration is my family. I can’t help it, I am a family person, and I am so lucky to be surrounded and supported by such a strong force. They are the most inspiring people I know and the women in my family are my muses. I also often look to the landscapes from my childhood; Places that hold significance to me or someplace that reminds me of something I remember fondly.

What makes your collection unique?
I think the feeling behind my gowns are what makes them unique and certainly that I use a great deal of color in my gowns. I do not use color with the thought that brides will opt to order everything in shades of white, but rather I incorporate color into a gown so it still has a sense of tradition but really lends to the idea of individuality. I don’t believe in just throwing color onto the dress for the sake of it, I incorporate color in a gradual way with gradients of color and pops of color intergraded into the design.  I think that makes my gowns unique and give them a fresh take on bridal. Also I do not purposefully attempt to make the designs unique, I just design what  feels right and what is me; I think that gives my gowns an effortlessness that wedding gowns should have.

What would you say is most important to consider when searching for your wedding gown?
I guess I would say I think that brides should not look at what “tradition” says you should wear, rather look for what they really want and what you makes you feel you most beautiful, whether it be a white dress or a full colored gown, formal or casual. Beside the tradition of what we think the wedding dress is, is far from what the traditional actually is, so I say do what you want and do what feels true.

Where can brides buy Tara LaTour?
Right now all gown and custom gowns can be purchased directly through me at my Minneapolis atelier. The gown will very soon be carried at a few different locations; both on the west and east coast, but the final details are still being put into place.

What can we look forward to in your next collection?
I LOVE this question! I am really excited about the upcoming collection. The next collection I am working with a lot of layers with a great deal of texture, which is a mainstay for me. I am also adding prints that I am developing with a Minneapolis textile designer, as well as using Swiss dot in layers. And of course COLOR! Blush, sable, deep dusty rose, light charcoal and black, along with bridal colors of champagne and ivory are in the color palette; I am obsessed with this color palette! Also you can still expect gradient colors, but also some bolder full colored gowns.

Thanks so much Tara, for taking the time to sit down and answer these questions for AC! As you know I’m one of your biggest fans and cannot wait to see what you do next and where your incredible talent takes you in this industry!