TESS MANN HAUTE COUTURE @ VANCOUVER FASHION WEEK

TESS MANN HAUTE COUTURE

Tess Mann Haute Couture showcased a stunning bridal collection on the fifth night of Vancouver Fashion Week. Hailing from the United States, Tess Mann is a highly acclaimed bridal wear designer renowned for her exquisite and sophisticated gown designs. Her creations are meticulously crafted, boasting intricate details and showcasing superior craftsmanship. The following is a biographical note provided by Mann to Vancouver Fashion Week.

Tess Mann is a fashion designer recognized by the United States Patent Office and was awarded her label’s trademark in 2018, indicating that her designs are unique and cannot be copied.
She designs under her own labels, Tess Mann Haute Couture and Couture by Tess. Through her world class concierge service, Tess offer’s in-home consultations and custom designing for her more discerning clients.
Excerpt from VFW website

TESS MANN HAUTE COUTURE

I rarely delve into the world of bridal wear. The bridal industry seems to exist in its own little bubble, with its own fancy shows, glossy magazines, and extravagant bridal fairs. But, lo and behold, during my research for this season of VFW, I stumbled upon the enchanting realm of Tess Mann Haute Couture. Not only does this brand boast a stunning website, but its collection of gowns is simply breathtaking. I'm talking about original silhouettes, intricate beading, and impeccable craftsmanship. It's enough to make any fashion enthusiast weak at the knees.

Now, what really piqued my interest was the question of why a couture wedding dress designer from Cookeville, Tennessee would make their way to Vancouver Fashion Week. Naturally, I couldn't resist the urge to dig deeper. So, without wasting a moment, I promptly scheduled an interview with the one and only Tess Mann .

TESS MANN HAUTE COUTURE; AN INTERVIEW

I met Tess Mann on Saturday Oct 21st prior to showing her collection. Here is an account of our conversation.

How did you become a designer, and what is your fashion background ?

I am a self-taught designer. I never went to fashion school. From a young age, I was interested in fashion. I learned to sew as a child. I came from a family that was economically challenged; therefore, we would get second-hand clothes, hand-me-downs, and sewing supplies from the "five and dime" stores. I would take apart clothes and design and recreate them into things to wear. I loved to have fun with fashion, combining stripes and polka dots, just being creative. As a teenager, I made prom and pageant dresses for high school friends.

So you became a designer right out of high school ?

No, not at all. Fashion is my second career. Out of high school, I studied psychology and got my masters degree psychopathology. I had a decades-long career working in law enforcement. When I retired, I told my husband I would like to pursue my passion as a designer. I started sketching and creating, and in 2013, I produced my first collection for the local market. I continued to work and design, and in 2018, I got a patent on my designs and created my label, Tess Mann Haute Couture.

Can you tell us about your brand Tess Mann Haute Couture?

Tess Mann Haute Couture is a brand that creates bespoke, one-of-a-kind wedding dresses. The patterns and dresses are all designed by me, and I have a team who helps make them. I am known for my beaded and embroidered gowns, which, in the beginning, I did myself by hand. Now, I design all the patterns and artwork and use a studio in India to bead, embroider, and do all the crystal and handwork. They produce beautiful work to my specifications, and I visit there to give my final instructions; this is the stage when we perfect the designs, adding the final touches like more organza flowers, trims, and detailed finishing's.

What will you be showing at Vancouver Fashion Week?

I will be showcasing a combination of two collections. The first one is the New Discovery collection, which consists of gowns partially inspired by brides I have previously worked with. I incorporated feedback from these brides into my collection. The second collection is called Nostalgia Collection, featuring gowns inspired by various historical periods such as the Middle Ages, the Roaring Twenties, and the 1960s. All the gowns in both collections are designed in traditional colors, namely ivory and cream, using luxurious fabrics like silk, charmeuse, and lace.

My final question was the inspiration for this article. How did a fashion designer from Tennessee end up in Vancouver Fashion Week ?

Vancouver Fashion Week reached out and I seized the opportunity. I'm at a time in my life where I am seeking out different experiences and opportunities. I enjoy meeting other designers and creative people. There is so much talent here, and it is inspiring to see all this creativity. I am already thinking of coming back in the fall. My upcoming collection is being designed with a move towards letting my self go. No considerations for individual clients , allowing myself to fully express my creativity. It will be full of color and vibrancy, an artistic letting go. I have been thinking about this next collection for a while. I will design it with me in mind.

TESS MANN COUTURE

ON THE RUNWAY

From the first gown to the last, Tess Mann showed what couture dress-making is about. Mann uses the highest quality materials combined with expert craftsmanship. Couture will always be about transporting a woman's imagination into a realm o of absolute luxury. This collection shows the designer's commitment to her craft. The opulence of the embroidery and the intricate details of the decorations pair flawlessly with clean and elegant silhouettes that effortlessly enhance the wearer's figure.

Stand-out pieces include a couple of gowns with art deco-inspired beading, one with 1920s-style strings of beads dangling from the skirt and shoulders. A gown with a chiffon halter neckline and full skirt is reminiscent of the 1950s.
And finally, as the show reaches its grand finale, we are enchanted by the closing look. It exudes an unparalleled level of elegance and sophistication that has been present throughout this display of talent and creativity.

PHOTOS BY ARUN NEVADER