Yes, Yes, Yes

Over the years, hundreds of thousands of brides have said Yes to a dress created by the world-famous designer and TV star Randy Fenoli. We caught up with him and got to see a sampling from his latest collection, a huge hit at both London Bridal Fashion Week and European Bridal Week

Randy Fenoli Bridal was launched in 2017 and took the bridal world by storm. Who, after all, knows more about the women he dresses, than the designer at the creative helm of the famous Kleinfelds store in New York, who made listening a top priority. And taking on board what his brides were saying meant he was perfectly positioned to create what they wanted – with his own handwriting, of course.

Randy has been in the business of making dreams come true for 30 years and in that time he has dressed hundreds of thousands of brides. “It’s impossible to do the maths,” he laughs,” truly, there’s no way to put a number on it.”

Each season and for each collection, Randy will produce hundreds of sketches of hundreds of design concepts, before editing them down to what will be his latest line. And his inspiration comes from many directions, but always is based on his personal favourites. In fabrics, he would pick lace as a first choice; in colour would be diamond white or ivory. Silhouette? “I really love girls in fitted

gowns although I’m most known for ballgowns, I think. I don’t know if I have a favourite silhouette. I love to see a woman in a fitted dress but I also love to see a princess bride in a big ballgown!

“I would love to dress Oprah Winfrey,” he says. “I know that she has struggled with body image issues and her weight. She is such a generous and genuine person – I believe she tries to do so much good in the world that it would be nice to do something to give back to her and make her feel truly beautiful on the most important day of her life.”

We asked Randy that inevitable question: Have brides’ attitudes changed as a result of the pandemic? “I think brides are more appreciative of being able to spend time with their families and loved ones, which then makes them understand the importance of a wedding and what it means,” is his verdict. “I think now, since they are able to have their wedding, get their dress, and be with their family and friends, it has become an ever grander and inclusive event.”

And the biggest bridal trend in the year ahead? “If I could have my wish, maybe a little more modesty,” he says. “I mean after all the see-through dresses and the cut down to the navel, I think brides are going want to be a little more traditional/ conservative.” WT