Bridal Expo Chicago/Milwaukee
Welcome To Our Luxury Show
               
Meet The Designers
Allison Webb is the head designer of her namesake bridal collection, Allison Webb, as well as the Ti Adora by Allison Webb collection. Her exquisitely crafted embroideries and attention to detail create an aesthetic that is the epitome of modern romance.

Born and raised in Georgia, Allison attended the University of Georgia and then moved to New York City where she received a Degree from Parsons in Fashion Design.

Allison began her career interning at Chado Ralph Rucci where she witnessed the art of true couture dressmaking firsthand. Her devotion to luxury craftsmanship led her to the studio of Oscar de la Renta where she spent a year working alongside Oscar and his design team. Soon after, Allison worked for J.Crew, helping with their ready-to-wear and bridal collections and later becoming their embellishment designer. Allison's career progressed with roles at Tory Burch and ANN INC., where she designed luxury embellishments and bridal gowns, respectively.

Today her collections are the embodiment of elevated elegance filled with clean lines, exquisite laces and touches of delicate embroideries. The designs are refined, modern with a timeless sense of polish and sophistication.

"Allison's use of fabric, combined with her vast experience in the industry is what makes her such a standout. Strong and timeless silhouettes, quality fabric often with a touch of sparkle, and incredible draping are always present in her collections."" -Bill Brennan

As the head designer for Hayley Paige, Blush by Hayley Paige, Hayley Paige Occasions, Hayley Paige Red Carpet and La Petite Hayley Paige at JLM Couture, she has received global recognition for her collections. Her red carpet pieces have been worn by musicians, influencers and trend-setters such as Carrie Underwood, Chrissy Teigen, Olivia Wilde, Aly Raisman, Kristen Taekman, Jamie Lynn Sigler, Hilary Rhoda, and Kelsea Ballerini, among others.

While attending Cornell, Hayley began her fashion career with an internship for Nina Garcia at ELLE. After the debut of her 10-piece bridal collection during a Cornell runway show, Jill Stuart, who was in the audience, hired Hayley on the spot. Hayley established herself as an integral designer for the Melissa Sweet Bridal and Bridesmaid Collections and was the primary designer to help launch the first Marchesa Eterna bridal collection at Priscilla of Boston. JLM Couture brought her on as head designer in 2011 and was responsible for funding and backing the launch of her namesake collection at age 25.

"Hayley is a force to be reckoned with and is most definitely one to watch. Her infusion of youthful, fresh takes on design and a playful aesthetic set her apart from everyone. Always true to who she is and always creating gowns with sparkle, shine and magic." -Carol Tardi

Lazaro Perez is the designer behind his namesake collection Lazaro, and bridge collection, Tara Keely. Lazaro is a visionary in the bridal industry. His opulent creations are a sumptuous mix of dreamy romance, timeless elegance and diva glam. Lazaro is known for impeccable fits, exquisite hand embroidery, and the use of luxurious fabrics that shimmer and bedazzle.

Originally from Cuba, Lazaro grew up with a dress form and measuring tape in tow. He started his career as a pattern maker, designing custom gowns at a couture bridal shop located in the prestigious Gold Coast of Chicago. While attending University, Lazaro was awarded 'Best New Bridal Design' and later moved to New York as an apprentice for bridal house Galina-Bouquet. Following his apprenticeship, Lazaro became head designer for Richard Glasgow's Riccio collection. In 1994 Joe Murphy, JLM Couture President and CEO, brought Lazaro into the JLM group to launch his iconic Lazaro collection. In 2010, Lazaro was named designer of JLM's Tara Keely collection, featuring a simpler, pared down aesthetic.

Inspired by romance and timeless elegance, Lazaro has culled from Hollywood glamour and his experiences in theatre and costume design. Lazaro's latest collection is designed to enchant and seduce. He creates frothy ball gowns to sculptured trumpets, with sheer panels that reveal just enough. Lazaro combines exquisite materials to create unique fabrications. Metallic gowns sparkle under shimmering net, and layers of luscious lace offer tempting textures.

A household name among brides-to-be, Lazaro's designs are frequently seen on TLC's hit show, "Say Yes To The Dress" and worn by celebrities such as Christy Romano, Bethany Hamilton and Angela Lanter, among others. Lazaro has an avid social media following and shares his work and inspirations with more than 294K followers on Instagram and 230K on Facebook.

"Who doesn't love Lazaro? The man is a genius when it comes to beading, embellishments and silhouettes that have always appealed to brides for years. With a strong point-of-view, Lazaro always delivers brides with collections that are glamorous, sophisticated and strong." -Carol Tardi

Leigh Price is the head designer for the Stephen Yearick and YSA Makino bridal collections based out of NYC and he attended the Fashion Institute of Technology. The Stephen Yearick collection epitomizes sophistication and elegant styling and is one of the few remaining designer collections that use beadwork as the primary accent for each gown. His gowns are cut to measurements instead of cut only by size. The quality is evident in all of his work. Whether you want a bridal or social occasion gown, Stephen Yearick is an exquisite choice.

Leigh's YSA Makino collection is set apart by spectacular details. Presented at the prestigious Milan show from 2000 to large acclaim, YSA Makino has been making waves and gaining a loyal and steadfast following amongst trendsetters around the world. YSA Makino has its design roots in Tokyo where its design direction was to create beautiful dresses that represented a fusion of sensuality and attention to traditional details.

Luxurious silk satin Duchess and Mikado are used lavishly to create sculptural folding and drapes in the YSA Makino Ball Gown designs. Feathers, Rosettes and Crystals Stones are applied to produce totally different dimension to bring out subtle details and bold expression of exuberance. The YSA Makino collection sets a new benchmark in quality with a dedication to ensuring a precise fit coupled with brilliant use of color and ravishing detailing to produce masterful creations reminiscent of work by great artisans.

Leigh has created gowns for Mariah Cary, Alicia Keys, Jersey's Shore's JWoww, and has been prominently featured each year at the Latin Grammy Awards.

"The head to toe glamour of every Leigh Price design is what always takes my breath away. He transforms the bride in a vision of spectacular silhouettes, lavish beading and crystals, and attention to detail in both the Ysa Makino and Stephen Yearick collections." -Carol Tardi

For the bride who radiates confidence, global glamour and impeccable style, there's Martina Liana and Essense of Australia— the embodiment of exquisite couture bridal design. The Martina Liana wedding gown collection has risen from the celebrated mind of Chief Creative Officer, Martine Harris, and our international design team to the heights of the world stage as a major international bridal fashion label.

Every cut, every embellishment, every consideration of a Martina Liana design is made with one idea in mind. "A bridal gown is more than just something a bride will wear once. She will replay the memories of her day in her mind for years to come and pictures of her will be passed down for generations. A bride's love story inspires us and this is why we love creating magical and unforgettable gowns," said Martine.

Influenced by the fashion houses of Europe and the fashion center of New York, every Essense of Australia gown is painstakingly imagined and created by their talented and highly experienced Australian design team.

At the heart of each signature Essense gown is luxurious fabric and exquisite beading. The wedding gown line offers a diverse compilation of elegantly crafted designer wedding dresses ranging from glamorous, draped Angel Satin to alluring laces and Satin Chiffon. The use of authentic Swarovski crystals and diamantés adds the perfect touch of shimmering, head-turning sparkle. Plus, with innovative couture finishing options such as a lace or zip-up back, a bride can customize her gown to best reflect her sophistication and unique style.

"Martine is such a multi-faceted designer, having the ability to translate her vision into multiple collection under her umbrella. Not only are her bridal collections stunning, her bridesmaid collections have truly taken the world by storm by incorporating matte sequins and flattering silhouettes into her Modern Metallics line." -Bill Brennan

Visionary designer, Matthew Christopher's love and admiration of fashion have manifested a celebrated career in the world of bridal couture – the one facet of the industry that still spotlights the glamour and dimensions of love, celebrating something that is pure and timeless.

As a young boy growing up on a farm in Iowa a million dreams were keeping him awake. He fantasied of beautiful gowns in amazing fabrics and silhouettes. He learned how to sew from his beloved grandmother. Fast forward to high school where he was captain of his track team, he would literally run home from practice to sew friend's prom gowns.

He attended the Art Institute of Chicago and Iowa State University where he perfected his craft, knowledge and passion for fashion. He was afforded many opportunities along the way, working for Demetrio's, perfecting his craft with one of a kind couture bridal designer, Candace Solomen, reaching head designer status of the well know Galina, and then taking part in opening the bridal collection for Watters and Watters. By 2002, Matthew was truly dreaming with eyes wide open developing his own signature architecturally inspired gowns that fit a women's body unlike anyone had ever seen. He creates works of art not only for brides, but celebrities including: Debra Messing, Kristin Chenoweth, Carli Lloyd, Megan Hilty and Kelli O'Hara just to name a few.

Matthew Christopher has received nominations as a top couture bridal designer and recognition form the Distinctive Excellence in Bridal Industry in the following categories: Designer of the Year, Distinctive New Comer and Style Innovator. His love and admiration of fashion has manifested a celebrated career in the world of bridal couture.

"Matthew's designs are timeless with a mix of vintage glamour from yesteryear with modern details that make every bride feel confident and beautiful. A master at creating dresses that hug a bride in all the right places, Matthew designs dresses that are extremely figure flattering on all body types. He creates exquisite bridal collections that feature everything from intricate and embellished lace overlays, to modern, sensual draping and effortless, classic silhouettes." -Bill Brennan

Susan G. Allen Couture is Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee's accessory sponsor and every model on our runway is dressed head to toe in her exquisite jewelry collection. Susan G. Allen's curiosity and love of all types of stones started when she was just a child. Her love affair with precious and semi-precious stones followed her all the way into adulthood when she started her jewelry line in 2003.

After being drawn to the bridal industry, Susan decided to work solely in the bridal business using cultured freshwater pearls and crystals to create classic, unique and timeless jewelry pieces. Her designs provide every bride with some extra sparkle and an air of beauty as she walks down the aisle. Susan also features a line of hand embroidered veils, sashes and headpieces giving brides the freedom to create a complete look for their wedding day. As a mother of two girls, Susan raised them to be kind, strong, empowered and confident. Susan loves to play a very active role in showing every bride how they can look their very best and feel confident in the selection of accessories that accent their natural beauty.

Working one-on-one with a bride is where Susan really shines! Seeing a bride's smile after she finds her accessories for her wedding day is magical, and sharing in every brides' vision is extremely rewarding to Susan G Allen Couture. They also pride themselves on providing an exceptional level of personalized service for their customers during trunk shows at local authorized bridal retailers that share the same values as her company. At all of the salons they work with, you will find stylists experienced in their designs and can assist you with customized pieces if desired.

"By far and away, Susan G. Allen's accessories are of the highest quality, craftsmanship and embody everything a bride should feel on her wedding day. I can't imagine any bride not wanting to feel and look her most beautiful, and these accessories are simply exquisite. Susan is one of the most talented, genuine and creative women in the industry and we are proud to feature her collections exclusively on our runway" -Carol Tardi

Chicago:
207 E. Ohio Street, Suite 410 * Chicago, IL 60611 * (312) 427-4325
Suburbs:
400 River Ridge Drive * Elgin, IL 60123 * (847) 428-3320
Chicago:
207 E. Ohio Street, Suite 410 * Chicago, IL 60611 * (312) 427-4325
Suburbs:
400 River Ridge Drive * Elgin, IL 60123 * (847) 428-3320
Home      Bridal Shows      Get Tickets      Exhibitors      Galleries      Runway Sponsors      About      Contact

© Copyright 2024 - Bridal Expo Chicago + Milwaukee - All Rights Reserved    /     A KD Interactive Website