New Bridal Brands to Watch
Published in Women’s Wear Daily, nordeen is highlighted as one of seven new bridal brands to watch during 2021 New York Fashion Bridal Week. Featured alongside talented designers like Wiederhoeft, Maison Sully, and Andrew Kwon, nordeen officially debuted with Collection I.
Background
“As a Biracial Asian American, I grew up unsure of how to connect to my mixed identity. Despite my uncertainty, there are two things I have always known since the age of 12 — that I would create my own brand and the name of that brand would be nordeen. A few years after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and working for brands like J. Mendel and Cynthia Rowley, I fell into an existential grasp of sustainability. It dawned on me that impact the fashion industry has on our planet and this pushed me toward a desire to me positive changes whilst adjusting the industry’s norm. This led to the opportunity to conceptualize, execute, and build from the ground up what is now known as amur - a contemporary women’s wear brand focusing on environmentally friendly materials. It was the day after my own outdoor elopement in Colorado that I understood would nordeen would finaly be. Through the difficult process of looking for what I specifically had in mind to wear, I thought to myself, ‘I can’t be the only one.’ With adventure elopements gaining popularity within national parks and public lands, i felt something was missing from the market — attire that would harmonize with, and at the same time, respect the surrounding landscapes.”
Describe your Aesthetic
“Continuously inspired by the earth’s landscapes and its elements, i approach each piece with a commitment to nature and a desire to preserve its beauty. i seek to translate this through not just the materials used, but also through the designs themselves. Always gravitating towards minimal, effortless shapes distinguished by subtle yet unexpected details, my intention is to provide the outdoor bride with attire that harmonizes with their surroundings.”
Influences for spring
“Each season will be inspired by a specific natural landscape. Emphasized by delicate details, each piece in Collection I is designed to emulate the quiet strength encapsulated within the walls of a redwood forest.”
Key Pieces/Fabrics for Spring
“Aligning with my inspiration, delicate crinkle chiffon reflects bark wrinkled with age and wisdom, whilst a hammered satin mimics the effects of bright daylight glistening amongst the trees. Intertwining forest flora inspired an intricately embroidered silk tulle, and classic moire is mirrored in a gauze silk jacquard. Organic silk is introduced, furthering my clean, responsible approach to bridal attire. Key pieces include a group of separates that echo sturdy, yet slender silhouette shapes. These pieces are interchangeable to create four very different looks. In addition, there are two handmade sweaters knitted with Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool that can provide warmth and compliment any bridal look.”
What is your hope for brides after the pandemic is over?
“During the pandemic, a lot of us spent time in reflection. I hope after all this reflecting, we can now take action and turn these hopes and dreams into reality. Traditions will most likely continue, but I hope the space grows for those that want to break out of that. Elopements and micro ceremonies allow for more focus on just the couple, allowing them to be more present in their emotions and with each other. I hope this unconventional path becomes more conventional. I hope brides’ dream looks continue to be more easily accessible. And I hope brides can continue to be present within their surroundings, just as nature is.”