Oh how we love weddings. And a good ol' handmade in the USA story.
So without further ado, it's our pleasure to share one of Chicago via Brooklyn's bridal finest: the great Samantha Sleeper.
She’s a Chicago native, who’s currently setup up shop in Brooklyn, and with clients including Tina Fey, Heidi Klum, Rihanna, Katy Perry, Giuliana Rancic and many more.
When Sam comes to town, we are the lucky ones, and often plan and style shoots together. It's basically a day of playing dress up, complete with a happy mess of of lace and tulle and flowers absolutely everywhere.
You know how much we love our claw foot DL Loft tub...
We asked Sam to share a bit of her story, and summer inspiration for her latest collection.
DL: So how did all of this get started?
SS: It started in my apartment! A lot of it was an evolution during my time in college, at Parson’s. I was designing things and I started wearing my own pieces that I would make in jewelry class or costume design. I worked at a high end boutique and I would have clients come in and ask who I was wearing, so after I while the store owner asked if I wanted to have a few pieces in the store on consignment, and I said of course! Eventually Cyndi Lauper’s stylist started pulling some of my pieces and giving them another life, it all started from there.
Where are your gowns made? All of our gowns are cut, created, and finished in our Brooklyn, New York studio.
How long does it take for a dress to be made? We ask for 4–6 months, as our gowns are made-to-order, but we can often find solutions for shorter deadlines.
How do I know what size I am? Can you create larger sizes? Our gowns are a custom made based on your specific measurements. We build a gown that best supports your body. There is no size, shape or height we can't accommodate.
Do you create custom gowns? Our gowns are all custom made to an individuals measurements and no alterations are needed. We are able to create gowns outside of our collection, though many brides order the gowns as designed on the rack.
What is the investment?
Custom gowns begin at $3,000 and elevate in price based on fabrics, embroideries and silhouette.
What inspired you for your new collection?
Rose Gold, lace and layers, gowns made ethically using fabrics and exceptional details that are chic and elegant while also relaxed and beautiful.
Cheers to you Samantha Sleeper - we love each and every stunning design - and our brides do too!
Gowns by Samantha Sleeper
Flowers by A Perfect Event
Photography by Natalie Probst
Venue DL Loft