Tony Ward: the Secrets of a Bridal Designer

Lara Mansour   |   03-05-2017

We caught up with the couturier to the A-list about his inspirations and what makes the perfect gown. The ‘Architect of Detail’ shares with us the romance of fashion, his exquisite detailing, and favourite dress of all time.

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What is your favourite fabric?

I don’t have a favourite fabric, I like all kinds of material. From stiff to very light, and from thick to transparent, every fabric has its own charm and its own language, and that’s what I love. Imagining new shapes, new ways of using and mixing materials.

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How would you describe your brands style?

They call me the ‘Architect of Detail’. Every detail counts in my designs, my ateliers create architectural volumes and cuts, and our aim is to always look up for new shapes and techniques.

Also, I am particularly fond of flowers, I love to insert them in my designs in different ways, either in hand-painted, embroidered, or 3D. After all, my last name is Ward (Arabic for Rose) so that could explain my fascination!

What is the best bridal accessory?

I love shoes. They complement the dress and they emphasise the beauty of the woman wearing them by beautifying her walk and her posture. It is also a way for a bride to express her individuality, does she like timeless white stilettos or custom sneakers? So, I would say that shoes are very important accessories for a bride.

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Who is your style icon?

My style icon is the muse behind every collection, the inspiration behind the designs. Each season I get inspired by a different icon and a new image to look up to, every collection carries us to a world of imagination where fantastic meets reality.

Who do you follow on Instagram?

A&E of course, and other inspirational accounts about fashion, travel, art etc. Talking about bridal, some of the accounts I follow are The Knot, Kleinfeld Bridal and Brides.

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How would you describe your new collection?

The Bridal 2017 collection is called ‘A Mid Summer Night’s Dream’. It represents a romantic voyage through a dark forest, into the world of imaginary tales. The dresses are classic yet unconventional with their flowy capes, play of transparencies and detachable overskirts.

What is your best-loved design of all time that you have created?

It’s always difficult for a designer to choose a favourite among his designs, but if I had to choose only one, I would say that the Ombrée Cape Dress, from the Couture Fall Winter 2015/16 inspired from the MIM Museum, is my best-loved design. It was worn by Alessandra Ambrosio and Beyonce, and was photographed for Harper’s Bazaar and Vanity Fair. This dress has travelled the world and is still as desirable as ever!

What is happiness to you?

Happiness is a big word. I think there are happy moments rather than happiness, and I would say that joy is being with the people you love, with your family and friends, people you can laugh with. It is about enjoying the gift of love, and the gift of being alive.

What is your favourite celebrity wedding dress? 

I have to say, I am particularly fond of the wedding dress I designed for Jane Zhang. The tailor-made off-white wedding dress was crafted from hundreds of layers of silk organza and pearl embroideries and took more than 350 hours of hand-made work in our ateliers.

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What films have inspired you? 

Madame Bovary, both the book and the movie. The story took me to a new different world, an era I would have loved to live in, and that inspires me a lot.

Where is your favourite place to visit?

I have been to many places in the world to present my collections. I truly think that every city has its charm, however I have to say that Rome is my favourite city. It is an open museum!

What do you always carry with you?

My phone, my IPad that includes my music, pictures and movies, my sketchbook of course, and my passport when I don’t forget it…

How do you switch off and relax?

Whenever I have free time I spend it with my family, as for me quality time with them is the ideal way to relax. I also love playing basketball, so when I still have a little bit of free time I head straight to the basketball court.

What is your biggest achievement?

I am the first international designer to launch his atelier in Russia, something I am particularly proud of. When all the other designers were focusing on the gulf countries, I brought my line to Moscow, where everybody is trying to get into today, after 12 years of market and achievement for us.

Which era most inspires you?

The 18th century. I love the fashion as well as the prominence of humanism during this century.

What would you be if you weren’t a fashion designer?

I have always been interested in architecture so if I wasn’t a fashion designer I would most probably be an architect. But fashion has always been my true passion, and I find a way to include a little bit of architecture in my work, which is why I often draw my inspiration from contemporary architecture.

What is your advice for a bride to be who is dress shopping?

Choosing a wedding dress can be stressful for a bride, it has to be the perfect choice. In the end, it all goes back to the body type, the style, and the personality of the bride. I would recommend that she first figures out the silhouette that works best for her, and she likes best. Then think of the details, embroideries, sleeves, back, how does she like them? And most importantly, she should ask herself, ‘Do I feel beautiful? Do I feel comfortable? Does this dress fit my personality?’

By Eliza Scarborough