FASHFEST 2017: An Interview with Designer Naomi Peris Bridal

Q: Congratulations Naomi on your second appearance at FASHFEST! Was the experience different for you this time around (now that you knew what to expect), or was it still just as exhilarating as your debut show last year?

A: It is always exhilarating showing at FASHFEST, I am always so grateful of the opportunity to show my collection. It's such a well-run event that has a great community, and I have really loved being a part of it. It was great to have done it last year, so I knew what to expect. Everyone is so professional, The hair and make up team did such an amazing job and the models looked so gorgeous in my designs.

Q: We also heard you showed at Milan Fashion Week as well this year! Tell us about that experience.

A: It was incredible to be able to show at Milan Fashion Week and be on an international stage. There were high-profile celebrities, influences, and buyers at my show. So many people came up to me after the show and told me how much they loved my collection. I even had people approaching me on the street the following day to tell me they loved my show. It was just magical. There is still post show work to be done, like interviews and discussions with buyers, but the experience was very positive.

Q: Please tell us a little more about your creation process, including how you first come up with the idea for a gown, through to how it is then brought to life?

A: My inspiration can come from anything. A flower, a song... this year I designed an entire gown around a fur cushion! (laughs) I then workshop my designs and go through over 100 design ideas before I shortlist them.... then rework them and shortlist them again. I keep doing this until I have the best of the best. During this process I'll also be sourcing fabrics. I like to do this at the same time because sometimes a fabric will speak to me, and need a separate design just for that fabric. I also feel that it gives a unity to the collection, designing and sourcing fabric at the same time. Once I'm happy with the collection on paper, I start the samples.

Q: We adored your stunning collection of bridal gowns which made their way down the runway at this year’s FASHFEST. What was the inspiration(s) behind this collection?

A: This year’s collection was called Fairy Tale Princesses in the Amazon Jungle. It's a story of women being raised in the amazon, the wild within us and the blurred line between humans and animals. The collection was about fierce, strong, confident and sexy women. We used fabrics like sheer tulle and mesh to mimic butterfly wings, fur to add the animal instinct, lace that replicated scales, and delicate beading that glistened like rain on rain forest leaves.

Q: What advice would you offer to emerging fashion designers also wanting to showcase their work at prestigious fashion events such as FASHFEST?

A: I would say to just do it! It’s a fantastic experience and a wonderful way to showcase what you do. I was so lucky to get an invitation to showcase at Milan Fashion Week due a photo that FASHFEST took of my collection. The support from FASHFEST promoting me and helping to push me forward has been wonderful. You just never know where one event like FASHFEST will take you.

Q: Lastly, where can our readers find out more about, or follow, your work?

A: To find out about my custom gowns, and see images and videos from my collection go to naomiperis.com I use social media to show the design process, my collections and the life of a fashion designer. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram and a Youtube under Naomi Peris Bridal.

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We want to thank Naomi Peris Bridal for taking the time to answer our interview questions and strongly encourage you to check out her work at the links above. You can also learn more about Canberra’s wonderful fashion event, FASHFEST, by visiting their website, Facebook page, or Instagram (@fashfest). Enjoy!

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All images by Martin Ollman | Hair led by FASHFEST’s Director of Hair, Craig Rhodes | MUA led by FASHFEST’s Director of Makeup, Diana Cheetham | On location: National Convention Centre | Audiovisual production: Elite Event Technology