Iconic designer Rita Vinieris has reshaped the bridal industry by treating wedding gowns not as traditional costumes, but as high-fashion runway statements. We sat down with her to discuss evolving bridal styles, staying authentic, and how to find a dress that truly feels like you.
How has your creative vision evolved to reflect the modern bride?
“I’ve always designed from a fashion point of view, not a bridal one. That was true twenty years ago and it’s true now. What’s changed is the bride; she’s caught up to that. She’s referencing runway, not bridal boards. Sculptural sleeves, an architectural back, a silhouette that could walk a fashion week show. So it’s not that my point of view moved toward her. She moved toward it.”
How do you approach designing for a diverse range of cultural traditions and personal styles?
“I’ve always designed for personal style. A wedding gown should be an extension of who you already are; not a costume, not a version of yourself you’re borrowing for one day. That’s what lets it work across so many different celebrations and traditions. Because it was never about the tradition. It was about you still feeling like yourself in it.”
What advice would you give brides searching for an authentic gown rather than following trends?
“Don’t shop trends. Shop yourself. If a dress doesn’t feel like something you’d already reach for, it’s not going to feel right on the day either, no matter how of-the-moment it is. The gowns that hold up are the ones that feel like her, not the ones that feel like the season.”
Connect with Rita Vinieris:
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Instagram: @ritavinieris
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Website: ritavinieris.com
Interview by: tosin@weddingplannermag.ca
