There are many big names in the wedding design industry, each with their own signature style. But brides are also drawn to fresh talents who bring new perspectives and unique visions, adding a welcome dose of diversity. At the same time, while planning their big day, couples are increasingly turning to local suppliers. By forming personal connections with these vendors and supporting local businesses, they’re making choices that resonate on a deeper level.
We’re thrilled to share our interview with Alyssa Dahl, the founder of Dahl Collection, a bridal fashion brand from California. Alyssa’s journey began in 2018 when she embarked on her own quest for the perfect wedding dress. Along the way, she noticed a gap in the market: while high-end couture offered impeccable quality, it often came with a hefty price tag. On the other hand, more budget-friendly options lacked the attention to detail she craved. Determined to fill this void, Alyssa took matters into her own hands and crafted her dream gown. This hands-on experience ignited her passion and laid the foundation for her venture into the bridal industry.
Read on to learn about California’s influence on the brand, its design philosophy, and the unexpected inspiration behind the latest collection, “Wonderland.”
Please tell us about Dahl Collection’s philosophy, values, and focuses.
Handcrafted in California, Dahl Collection aims to bring the couture market’s unparalleled quality to a more accessible price point. Our luxurious gowns boast couture details, distinctive designs, and sumptuous fabrics. Each gown evokes a sense of adventure and pushes the boundaries of traditional bridal fashion. Meticulously crafted with exclusive laces, handmade appliqués, and intricate attention to detail, these gowns embody delicacy, boldness, and innovation.
Does being situated in California influence your design process?
Being able to produce my gowns where I live is extremely important to me. I think of my dresses as my children, and I am a very hands-on designer. I approve every aspect throughout the process. I hand place all the appliques, hand sew, perform quality control, ensure workers are in safe conditions and paid appropriately, etc. So much of this industry is manufactured overseas. It’s difficult even to find workers here because those jobs have almost disappeared. It makes me proud that I’m one of the very few brands that actually produce here and took the risk even though it was a more challenging route to take.
What do you hope brides will feel when they wear one of your dresses on their special day?
Their best and most beautiful selves. I know it might sound a bit cheesy, but seriously! I want them to look in the mirror and think, “Man, I look good, I feel comfortable, and I feel sexy!” When I got married, I made my own dress, and it was so unique. I felt like a super attractive queen and was comfortable all night. Everyone should feel that way, and I try to bring these elements into every gown.
What was the inspiration behind your new bridal dress collection “Wonderland”?
Nature has always been my muse, and this collection was inspired by the majestic Salt Flats, a natural marvel formed centuries ago by the evaporation of a great lake. Looking at them, they don’t seem real, almost like they’re from another planet! As I pondered their formation, I wondered about their history—what they looked like before the evaporation and how they’ve evolved over time. That’s when it hit me: I could translate this journey into bridal fashion and present my interpretation of that. Each gown and lace was designed to reflect a different stage of this evolution: from lush ancient times, to the formation of the mineral-rich salt deposits, and mirror-like glassy surfaces. You can see the journey throughout the gowns, making this my most innovative collection yet.
Can you share any standout design details that make this collection special?
I focused on intentional design details. Meaning every element, down to the bead’s color or the sequin’s shape, was designed to play a part in my concept of evolution. So, every lace in this collection is unique, and every dress has a different standout style. For example, Flourish is my lush ancient times evolution stage featuring silk handmade florals. All petals are hand-cut, molded, assembled, and hand-sewn with delicate beading. There are a lot of florals out there in the market that you can purchase and then just sew them on or fabrics that are already made. These were developed and made from scratch, making each flower soft, delicate, and unique.
Another example is Phoenix, the second gown and phase of my evolution that represents the initial transformation of the lake starting to evaporate. All those lush florals from Flourish I just mentioned are now falling and drying. If you look at Phoenix’s lace, you will see condensed embroidered leaves and scattered 3d florals and leaves. It’s my interpretation that those leaves have fallen, and the 3d parts are drying. Phoenix also features detachable, discreetly hidden wings like a bird’s wings tucked in. They can be lifted with the finger loops, or you can just let them float on their own when they catch the wind.
How can brides style each “Wonderland” gown, and what types of weddings do you envision them being worn for?
Most of my gowns come with a detachable feature, allowing the bride to style the gown how they would like. Some of my detachable features can also be worn in a series of ways; for instance, Winter comes with a veil cape. I try to come up with innovative designs that haven’t been done before so the bride is getting a unique dress. My veil cape can be worn up as a veil, draped down, and completely removed, giving a series of ways to wear it from ceremony to reception.
In this collection, I’ve personally designed all the lace, giving it a distinct “icy” vibe with silver accents and transparent sequins for a modern aesthetic. Since many of my brides opt for destination weddings, I envision these gowns as perfect for a cliffside beach ceremony in Greece or an adventurous elopement in Iceland! But really, the sky’s the limit! I absolutely love seeing what my brides come up with for their weddings and all of their unique details!
Do you have any personal rituals or favorite music that aids you during the design process?
When I design, I get fully immersed in my concept. The best way I can describe it is almost like an actor taking on a new role. I absolutely love music and think it aids artists. So whatever my concept is, I will play different types of music to help “set the scene” of that collection.
Where can brides purchase Dahl Collection gowns?
Currently on my website and through various bridal boutique trunk shows. You can sign up for my email list to get notified when new trunk shows are added. Brides can also contact me directly if a boutique trunk show isn’t listed at their location. I think of my brides as my friends and do my best to get the gowns to a boutique near them and have the best experience.
Discover the full Wonderland collection and find inspiration in the Dahl Collection ‘s Instagram profile.
