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Shortly after the debut of the breathtakingly beautiful Galia Lahav Bridal Couture collection at our Fifth Avenue salon, designers Galia and Sharon sat down for an exclusive interview with Confetti Day Dreams.
Galia Lahav Haute Couture
Galia studied art and was an art teacher for many years. Galia shares that she always had a passion for fashion and always knew that one day she wanted to transform her art into wearable fashion.
It all started when I opened a knitted appliqué and embroidery shop in my home town. I was the main distributor for these trims during the time and eventually my business evolved as I started receiving requests to create evening gowns with my trims and in a short amount of time I started doing brides. My bridal wear was in high demand and eventually my sole focus was on bridal. From the very beginning, I wanted to be different and have a say about fashion without being old-fashioned and traditional. My urge to be innovative was there from the start, I always find inspiration by looking for a different way of seeing things. This business has seen many generations of brides. We have daughters and grand daughters and commonly we see entire families get married here.
(Above) Designer, Galia Lahav, and her assistant designer, Sharon Server
Sharon Server, my assistant designer, was one of my art students during my teaching days and now is my right wing man. He is part of my family and we are partners throughout the entire design process. After so many years of working in this industry, I realized it’s not just a business, it’s a passion. If you don’t love what you do and if you are not 1000% it would not last.
Galia, tell us about your signture style.
Galia Lahav Haute Couture is all about bringing a red carpet style to a wedding. Glam and drama. Whenever a bride comes out of the salon, it’s an overwhelming feeling seeing your creation warm and living and knowing you made a person happy with what they’re wearing. That is what this business is all about.
Launched in Israel, Galia Lahav couture creations are now in high demand across the globe. What was it like making the transition from that of a local design house to an internationally sought after brand?
Our method of work hasn’t changed because our dresses are still custom made, produced here and supervised by us. Quality is still our main focus. We are very happy to find that people are looking for our distinct style. Luckily, we offer something that is so different, that we do not have to change for each country. Our style is our style and that’s what our brides are looking for. They are looking for a fashion statement not a seamstress that will accommodate to their needs. They appreciate the style that we bring. In a way that’s what makes us different because we are fashion for brides.
Take us through the creative process of designing a Galia Lahav gown.
It starts with an idea, always which can be anything from a rock to a piece of music, and then we collect everything textures, materials, colors in relation to the inspiration. When I sketch I even start with the hair and make-up because when I think of something I think of the total look, not just the dress. Once we gather the sketches and ideas that are translated into a gown, we start looking for the right materials for it, and that’s the hardest part because you are always looking for something new. We’re always looking for what’s different, a new pattern of a lace, new beading or embroidery. After that we work on translating all of this into a garment that can be worn, because what is important to us is that we make a functional gown that can be worn.
Tell us about your current collection and the inspiration behind it?
Our current collection is our most popular one by far. With my love for mythological and mystical heroines, it is inspired by legendary women made from the finest quality lace and silks. We used a very big emphasis on texture, and depth through materials and used a new approach to layering fabrics together, and a new way of exploring and accentuating the female form.
What advice do you have for the bride trying to choose the perfect wedding gown?
Stay true to yourself. Don’t feel like you are wearing a costume, you need to feel good in your wedding gown. You have to look like a superstar in your wedding gown, not like your grandmother.
Galia Lahav Fashion Gallery
Galia Lahav Haute Couture‘s latest luxury collection was showcased at one of New York fashion industry’s fave spots, Bridal Reflections on 5th Avenue. Wedding and fashion industry attendees were stunned by their fashion show that showcased 20 of their most popular gowns including their latest collection, The Empress. Inspired by qualities associated with their favorite heroines throughout history and embodying lavish beauty and romance, their latest collection captured by Déjà Vu Studios features heavenly Italian and French imported fabrics and meticulous details. Head designers from Galia Lahav flew in to provide brides with custom designed gown consultations.
