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WEDDING ESSENTIALS:
In an earlier conversation, you told me about your
early experiences. Will you share that with our readers?
INES DI SANTO:
I began making dresses when I was very young. I was
five and made dresses for my dolls and for my younger sister.
Quinceañera or Sweet Fifteen in Argentina is a very special time for young
women; when I reached that age I made dresses for all of my friends for
the celebrations--I feel that was the beginning of my career. I had
learned how to sew in grade school, taught by nuns. We learned intricate
techniques like sewing, embroidery, beading and cut-out design.
WE:
When did your passion for designing bridal gowns take hold?
INES:
I studied at an Art School in Buenos Aires under teachers Antonio
Cavasso and Lagarrige. They both helped develop my love for fashion and
specifically for couture. Lagarrige had interned at Dior; he was amazing
to work with and very inspiring.
WE:
Brides have told me how much they enjoyed working directly with
you to design a gown that is perfect for them. How do you make a
collaborative process like that work?
INES:
Making a bride's dream come true is the best part of my job. Some
have dreamt of that day since they were five years old. They have no idea
what it will feel like to wear a couture wedding gown. I love seeing the
reaction when they first see the dress.
WE:
What is the process?
INES:
I need to see every dress come together as it is being made. I am a
perfectionist and need to see how things fall and are coming together. If
it isn't right, I correct it. I usually begin with a muslin (a test garment
made from muslin fabric, not the actual gown fabric), and then create the
gown from there. Then we have a few fittings to perfect the design.
It must fit like a glove and look that way. When you wear one of our
gowns, you need to look and feel amazing. This is what I feel makes an
Ines Di Santo creation stand out--style, design, and fit.
WE:
Ines and Veronica, how do you fit together...professionally
and personally?
INES:
Veronica is very special to me and plays a big role in the company.
She manages all the sales and marketing and travels to all the stores that
represent the collection to help build the brand internationally. She
always keeps me grounded and reminds me of what is important in life.
Working with my daughter makes me happy because I get to combine my
home life and career together into something very special.
VERONICA DI SANTO:
My mother has always represented strength,
innovation and courage for me. She was always very driven and ambitious
and determined to make something of herself and provide me with all the
finer things in life. I will always be appreciative for her efforts and her
dedication to me as a mother. She inspires me to do the same and to have
that very same work ethic to apply to my family and my career. It is so
special to have such a talented mother. To be able to experience that,
collection after collection, is truly a very special experience.
behind the scenes