newjerseynewsroom.com

New Jersey designer shows talent, passion and timeless class

BY DONNELLA TILERY

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

ON FASHION

I am feverishly searching for designers to request for them to apply and showcase their collection for New Jersey Fashion Week every October.

After seeing many submissions from the good, the unique, and the questionable — luckily you also come across some amazing talent (thanks Facebook!) that just makes you stop in your tracks from just a few images.

When I saw designer Angel Rivera, and I hope you will agree, after reading this short designer profile feature, Angel's collection easily demonstrates his exceptional talent, passion and timeless class designed with great craftsmanship to make any woman feel like a queen on her special day.

Donnella: How long have you been a designer? What is your fashion background?

Angel: I have been designing since I was a young child. It was around the age of eight when I started designing and I knew this is what I wanted to do. After high school I attended Youngstown State University in Ohio and received a bachelor's degree in Fashion Studies and Speech Communications. After graduation, I left Ohio in search of a career in fashion. Since then, I have worked with well known companies such as Amsale, Kenneth Pool, Christos, Kirstie Kelly, and the world famous Kleinfeld. I also continued my education in pattern making at the Parsons School of Design.

Donnella: When mass market and couture brands are mixed at times in the eyes of the consumer — how do you feel the concept of couture has changes (or not) as a designer?

Angel: If we truly did a couture gown for every bride getting married most brides wouldn't be able to afford it. Before bridal wasn't so high end or luxurious, and brides didn't really worry about who they would be wearing the day of their wedding. Now brides are very concerned with who and what they are wearing for their big day and red carpet moment. Bridal is one of those items where a woman can get a couture like gown with out a crazy price tag. There are lower end gowns that say they are couture but the consumer needs to be aware of the quality of the gown.

Donnella: How do you describe your AR line and who are your customers?

Angel: The Angel Rivera line is an exquisite collection of gowns that exude beauty, elegance, sophistication, and glamour but with a modern flair. Our customer is the bride looking for a high-end gown who wants to be fashion forward but classic at the same time.

Donnella: What inspires you to keep creating beautiful dresses to keep your collection fresh year after year?

Angel: I'm inspiration truly comes from loving weddings and meeting real brides. The enthusiasm of weddings helps me. Brides also inspire me to design beautiful gowns that fit every bride's personality. I love working one on one with the brides. I love hearing what they are looking for and what they love. My inspiration also comes from my sisters and mother. I look at them and see there style and think to myself what would they like? What would flatter their body type? All three of them have a different personality and body type. So I look at them for inspiration a lot as well.

Donnella: Where can New Jersey fashionistas purchase your beautiful dresses — in New Jersey?

Angel: Our New Jersey Fashionistas can purchase my gowns at Designer Loft West (www.designerloftnj.com) 7 Sloan Street, South Orange, N.J.

Donnella: What is one key challenge you tend to face as an emerging designer with so much competition from established brands expanding?

Angel: A key challenge I am facing right now is getting my name out there. The well-established designer bridal houses have much more of a name because of there ability to advertise in many advertising campaign. As a new designer it's a little hard to be able to get your name out there and do so much advertising. You must use your advertising dollars correctly.

Donnella: How long does it take to complete one full bridal dress for a client?

Angel: Once our bride purchases her gown it takes about 12 weeks to complete with out a rush charge. We can complete a gown sooner if we need to but it will come with a little bit of an extra charge since we must complete it so quickly.

Donnella: Have you received any press or awards for your designs?

Angel: I have received some press. I was in Essence.com and People for designing actress Essence Atkins reception gown for her wedding in Pasadena, Calif. in September. I also have been interviewed by At&t for emerging designer for Kleinfeld. I have also appeared on TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress at Kleinfeld."