Designer Profile: Ervan Woo
Reign of style
Designer Ervan Woo draws inspiration from world-renowned classics for his ethereal gowns
How did you get into the bridal industry and what motivated you?
As a child, I’d always had a huge interest in weddings. I loved attending weddings to see what the bride was wearing. I was fortunate enough that my mother encouraged my creativeness; I would ask for Barbie dolls and create wedding and evening gowns for them. That was my beginning. I studied hairdressing in 1986, then fashion design in 1990 and in 1992, I launched my label Ervan Woo, which included sportswear, evening gowns and later wedding gowns. What motivated me? The passion I had for dressing brides.
What services do you offer and where?
We offer made-to-measure evening and wedding gowns, hair and makeup and a range of Ervan Woo Cosmetics.
What should brides expect at Ervan Woo?
Complete attention to detail with their gown, hair and makeup.
Do you have a signature style? If so, can you describe it?
Timeless and classic is my signature style. I’m completely influenced by designers from the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s, including Givenchy, Oscar de la Renta, YSL, Balenciaga and Dior.
What trends have you noticed in the bridal industry recently?
I’ve seen a lot of mermaid lace gowns with structured undergarments.
Where do you get your inspiration from for your designs?
I enjoy watching Hollywood classic movies and modern cinema. As mentioned before, I am influenced by the classic designs from 1940s ‘50s and ‘60s. I draw inspiration from everything that is beautiful to the eye.
What advice would you offer brides to help them through the big day and on into marriage?
Relax and enjoy the journey. When deciding on anything to do with their wedding day, make sure to follow their dream and intuition. Once all the choices are finalised, sit back and embrace every minute. The lead up to the big day and the actual day of the event goes very fast.
What do couples need to have before they come to see you?
I like my brides to go back to their first thought, the minute they got engaged — what was the dress they dreamed of then? Ninety-nine per cent of the time, that’s the dress I end up creating to make their dream come true.
Finally, what was a highlight wedding for you and why was it so special?
Every wedding has been and will be special to me. However, when it comes to a family member or a close friend, that connection makes it a little more heartfelt.
ERVAN WOO
275 Mowbray Road, Chatswood NSW 2064
P: 0400 889 908
E: ervan@ervanwoo.com.au