WinsDesign
Growing up Le Wins always knew she wanted to be in fashion. From embroidering with her aunts to curating her own custom couture gowns, Le has not only honed her craft, but developed an ethereal style all her own. We sat down with the European inspired gown artist to chat dresses, trends, and romantic inspiration.
Le, thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us - for those of us who haven’t discovered you yet, tell us a bit about yourself:
LW: I am a couture and bridal gown designer based in Toronto (currently transitioning to PEC). Fashion designing was always a love of mine growing up. My family, especially my aunts, created gorgeous embroidery on dresses and blouses and that started everything for me. The vibrant colours of threads, the intricate designs, and the full finished picture brought true joy for me that I knew I wanted to be in the fashion industry. After trying out many styles, the evening dresses and bridal gowns seem to suit my vision best. Winsdesign came to be about 8 years ago when I wanted to share my art online, especially on Instagram.
CBG: How magnificent. It sounds like this was a long time in the making. You speak of having a love for vibrant colours and intricate designs, is that how you would describe the Winsdesign style?
LW: Winsdesign is soft and romantic, with lots of embroidery and florals. Our bridal gowns tend to be more colourful like blush, grey blue, and they tend to be extra long. However, we are doing some short and fun versions this coming year.
CBG: Oh that’s so exciting! We love how you’re really letting your style evolve and grow as both the brand and vision do. Where do you get the inspiration for your pieces from?
LW: Travels and old movies! I love France and Europe so after my travels there, I always have a fresh take on my own work. Old movies also bring many ideas like the stunning fashion on Grace Kelly in Rear Window.
CBG: She certainly had great taste, that’s for sure. What is your favourite thing about being able to do what you do?
LW: To be able to express fashion art and execute my visions.
CBG: Well you certainly execute them well. What we love about your art is that it’s got such a distinct ethereal style. What do you feel gives Winsdesign that certain "je ne sais quoi" appeal? Are there any signature design elements?
LW: Winsdesign is very feminine and soft in its design and we embrace being delicate and being pretty without any apology. Signature design: long gowns with embroidery and sew on flowers.
CBG: How magical. Having worked with so many women in such a variety of aspects, we’d love to know, who do you see as the typical Winsdesign bride?
LW: New bride in her 25-39, looking for a romantic couture look.
CBG: Totally. We completely see it. Now, given your experience, what do you feel are some great tips for brides looking to either find or curate that perfect custom gown?
LW: I would suggest that the bride do some online shopping first to find her style and to check for a price point she’s comfortable with. Then, once she’s done that, make appointments to try out her choice of dresses. After a few test fittings, she will have a strong sense which dress/style suits her best and she can narrow the list down. If she prefers a bespoke gown, then contact a designer for a consultation to see if the dress/gown can be created within her budget and within her given time. The great news is that you now can wear a few dresses on your wedding day, so with that in mind, just have fun with the process.
CBG: Those are great pieces of advice! What are some questions you ask brides during the creation process? Anything specific you or they need to take into consideration?
LW: Brides tend to come to me with a few inspo images of the dress design they have been wanting, so the questions would be what kind of budget and when does she want the finished gown. Other questions would be what kind of fabric is preferred and how many details would she want to have on the dress. Winsdesign would be happy to create a bespoke design with the bride, but we do not recreate design from another designer or brand.
CBG: So they really are all custom pieces! With your finger on the pulse of all things fashion, what do you predict will be the next big bridal trend? Are there any specifically going on that you love?
LW: Given the current climate of living in the Covid19 year (or years to come), a simpler and shorter design has emerged and may stay for a while. I do love the tea length wedding dresses I have been seeing of late.
CBG: Totally, they are so fun and flirty and really suit a lot of these micro-weddings that we’ve been seeing perfectly! With so much influencer on the wedding industry as a whole, and, more importantly, on so many amazing and unique brides, what do you hope your Winsdesign legacy or mark to be?
LW: I love my work, love the people who have come into my life because of Winsdesign, and I love the creative process of creating fashion that I don't think of my mark. If I have made anyone happy or inspired them from my design then I feel I already have accomplished my goal.
CBG: How wonderful. Well thank you so much for taking the time to chat with us Le. We loved getting the chance to explore Winsdesign with you and cannot wait for so many more beautiful creations to come.
Photographer: Wang Yao | @photographerwill
Photo Assistant: Winnie | @weinii_bear
Planner: Destiny Weddings | @destinyweddingsca
Florist: Simple House | @simplehouseflowers
Hair and Makeup Artist: Joanne Cheng | @muajoannecheng
Bridal Gowns by: Winsdesign | @winsdesign
Bride model Erin | @erin_locke_
Groom model Hamid | @hamidrk100
Location: The French Farm House in Prince Edward County | @frenchfarmhousepec
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