Designer Spotlight: Loyce Wheatley of Grace Bridal Couture

As the leading authority on bridal inspiration for discerning brides of color who crave culture and style, we are committed to continuously showcasing that brides of color are creative, stylish and truly unique. In addition to this central objective, we have decided to introduce a new section called Designer Spotlight. Through this section, it is our pleasure to introduce you to extremely talented designers of color who specialize in creating the perfect wedding dress. We intend to give them a spotlight where they might not otherwise have one. We hope you enjoy!

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Most women want the perfect wedding dress. Some are lucky to find the dress they want in stores and bridal boutiques. However, there are many who want something different: they have a specific vision, specific tastes and specific needs for their special day. They need a wedding dress that is customized and made just for them. That’s where this week’s designer spotlight, Loyce Wheatley of Grace Bridal Couture comes in!

Loyce comes from a long line of designers: an amazing 62 years-long line of designers! If she wasn’t born to do this, I don’t know who was. Getting her start in the retail industry as the head designer for a boutique in Los Angeles, she began to make ready-to-wear and evening wear for the boutique clientele. While doing this, she stumbled upon what would be her ultimate passion when she experienced the magic of creating a couture wedding gown for a client using luxury fabrics. An idea was born – and in 1995, Loyce opened the doors of her one-of-a-kind couture bridal studio. It was originally called Sharazi Bridal Couture, but is now Grace Bridal Couture – the same amazing craftmanship and service with a different name!

Get to know Loyce and Grace Bridal Couture.

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You’ve been in the design industry for quite a while now, since 1993! When did you realize that this was the path for you?

When asked to create a wedding gown for one of my clients, the process sparked my love for luxurious fabrics and I was inspired by the intricacy and fine craftsmanship it took for me to create an original artisan wedding gown. That’s when I realized that creating a custom couture wedding dress had become my passion. I loved the idea that each wedding gown that I created was different, and brought with it challenge and versatility.  After much encouragement, consideration and more requests for bridal gowns from my private clients whom I made evening gowns and sportswear for, I then decided to open a bridal salon.

Your bridal studio was launched as Sharazi Bridal Couture, but you recently changed the name to Grace Bridal Couture? What significance does the name change have?

The most recent name change from Sharazi to Grace comes on the heels of my business partner who, in  this case, happens to be my Mother recently retired from the business.  After renovating  the look of my Los Angeles Salon, a new name seemed appropriate. I have always loved the name Grace. It says everything!! Grace means: elegance, sophistication, luxury, and simplistic glamour.

You solely design couture and work with luxury and delicate fabrics like lace and silk. Why did you choose these materials? Do they create something particularly special in a dress?

The fabrics I select for my collection are romantic and timeless and each fabric tells its own story as part of the design element.

Tell me more about the Grace Bridal Couture brand. What does it represent?

Grace Bridal Couture represents an innovative creative vision and personal haute couture style of fine handcrafted luxury gowns with a personal touch.

Who is the Grace Bridal Couture woman?

The Grace Bridal Couture woman is bold and versatile in her personal style.

Your designs bring to mind very fashionable, old-world charm. You seem to be inspired by centuries past. What do you think of when you design dresses?

I am fascinated and inspired by art history, old-word architecture, 18th Cen. films and costume design. These inspirations help me create a signature collection with the hallmark of classic silhouettes with a modern twist.

You create experiences in which you consult with brides and make the dresses to order. How soon should brides begin their dress consultations?

I usually start consulting a bride 9 months prior to her wedding date. My job is to interpret the bride’s vision of what she sees herself in as she walks down the aisle.

You also have a wonderful service called the “White Glove” service. Can you speak more on that and why you decided to do that?

The brides would often share how concerned they would be if anything were to happen to their gown on the wedding day. After thought and consideration, I decided to add the extra service of hand delivering the gown to the location site with no cost and assisting her to get dressed. This would alleviate bridal gitters.

I am inspired daily by … the thought of designing and translating the bride’s vision into reality for her wedding day.

I cannot live without …  a little black dress, a well-designed shoe, chocolate & Pinterest.

Every designer should be … an expert at what they do and have a great sense of humor.

Find Grace Bridal Couture on Facebook/ Twitter: @SharaziBridal/ Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/loycewheatley/

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{Photography: Damien Smith Photography}