Meet Alicia Bell......Alicia's chic wedding was featured on TBC during Valentine week......remember the "vintage style" dress she designed for her big day......truly beautiful. According to her website, "Alicia Bell creates not clothes, but stories. These stories are "Full of Magic and Whimsy, Romance and Sophistication." And yet, these "stories" can be worn by real women with non-fairy-tale lives." I had the pleasure to speak with Alicia and she's an awesome lady. We both spoke on how we admire and respect women starting their own businesses and that hard work really does pay off. I truly admire Alicia and I'm so glad that she's back at the cafe....so without further ado....I give you, Alicia Bell.....Enjoy!
TBC: Tell us about the inspiration behind your wedding dress.
AB: I was the inspiration behind my wedding dress. I wanted my dress to represent me in every aspect. I wanted people to see me and instantly say "Oh that is so Alicia" and that is what people said. I love vintage, I love lace, I love old, I love romance. I have always collected lace...new lace, old vintage lace and lace from my grandma's house. So when I got engaged I thought what do I want my dress to be, what do I love. It started with one piece of vintage lace and the dress was made around that. It is actually the front bodice and we built around it. It is all pieced lace from all over, from different times.
TBC: What was the most memorable moment of your wedding day and what advice would you like to share with the brides of TBC?
AB: The most memorable part of my wedding was finally hearing my husband speak his vows to me. We each wrote our own vows and we spent about 2 months doing it so it was really exciting to finally hear them. The wedding advice I would share with brides-to-be is to EAT at your wedding!
TBC: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about starting their own business?
AB: DON'T DO IT! Just kidding! Be prepared to work all the time. I would say it is very difficult and you have to be ready to stick it out through the highs and the very lows. Follow your gut and don't spend money that you don't have unless it is absolutely necessary!
TBC: What has been the highlight of your career to date?
AB: When Oprah was photgraphed in US Weekly magazine wearing a Bell Pleated Cuff Shirt and then she made it her favorite in "O Magazine"!
TBC: Who do you admire most in the fashion industry?
AB: I admire any designer who can be revelant season-after-season.
TBC: What's next for Alicia Bell?
AB: BABIES!!
Thanks Alicia - Great Interview.......and thanks for stopping by the cafe and we wish you and Wolcott all the joy and happiness together!!! Now guys, let's check out some of Alicia's sophisticated and romantic designs........
This is definitely on my "must have" list!!! Love it!
Such a romantic dress......don't you agree!
How fabulous is this......
I'll take one in every color........love, love, love these!!!!!
What a great designer! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Heidi @ Zenadia Design | March 05, 2008 at 10:44 AM
Wow, everything is so lovely, I'll take one of each.
Posted by: People St. Clair | March 05, 2008 at 11:24 AM
I love her designs, they are so girlie and romantic!
Posted by: Rocio | March 05, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Great interview, great designer!
Posted by: zofia | March 05, 2008 at 11:41 AM
Very classic but elegant shirts...cute!
Posted by: Janelle | March 05, 2008 at 11:49 AM
My name is Maria, I´m brazilian and don´t write well in English, so forgive me if I wrote something wrong... But I have to say that I love your blog! Everything is so beautiful and gives me many ideas for my wedding! Thank you! =D
Posted by: Maria | March 05, 2008 at 01:23 PM
Hi Maria, thank you for your kind words and your writing is beautiful. I know your wedding will be beautiful and I am so glad that The Bride's Cafe is full of inspiration for you. Thanks again!!
Posted by: Janie | March 05, 2008 at 02:26 PM
Not only are the clothes fantastic, but the backdrop set design is wonderful!!! They really complement each other. Great feature Miss Janie!!!
Posted by: Cyn | March 05, 2008 at 04:15 PM
What unique and romantic designs!I LOVE the first shirt pictured above but I don't see it on the website. Where/how can I get that? Please email me if you can. Thanks!
Posted by: Lisa | March 19, 2008 at 11:53 AM