Interview with Jose Dias: Designer for Justin Alexander Bridal

In celebration of this weekend's upcoming trunk show for Justin Alexander Bridal, we decided to ask the principle designer, Jose Dias, about his inspiration for this incredible international collection. Here is what he had to say:

Would you say there is a key feature of design that defines your signature style?

I love to have your eye gently glide over the dress and come to rest on what is the most important feature on my gown...the bride's face. Be it a strapless corset, a halter neck, and off the shoulder, or an asymmetrical neckline, what is most important is seeing her and not having the dress distract from looking into her eyes.

If you could design a gown for any style icon, who would it be and what would it look like?

I would say Audrey Hepburn. To me, she epitomizes both external, but more importantly, inner beauty. I would have loved to design something with a bateau neckline, plunging V nack adorned with a jewel trim...yet the silhouette would have been simple with a dropped waist and a box pleated skirt all in fine raw silk. I see her petite stature being elongated by the bodice and volume skirt flowing from the high hip to the ground. Her sparkling eyes would have been her only accessories. A tasteful fingertip veil in silk tulle would be accompanied by fresh gardenias in a chignon hairstyle.

What is the single most important piece of advice you would give to a bride about choosing a dress?

Be you. If you are a casual person, go for a relaxed or destination look. If you like dressing up, go for a more formal or a dramatic look. You should not lose yourself by going for something you are not. You should wear the dress, and not let the dress wear you. Look at what best fits your body type and remember, this is your biggest day. All eyes are on you, so you want to walk that aisle like a movie star, and you need to feel the part.

As a designer, what has been your greatest moment?

I really feel it's when you see a bride cry with joy, and when she is so moved by your dress. A double pleasure is when her mom, family, or friends cry along with her.