This Wedding Salon Is Giving Plus-Size Brides the Couture They Deserve
Yes, searching for a wedding dress is totally exciting, but it can also be super stressful. You have to keep in mind so many factors — shape, budget, other people’s opinions (have you ever watched those entourages on Say Yes to the Dress? Don’t get us started). But the one thing you shouldn’t have to worry about is whether the dress of your dreams comes in your size. Sadly, for too many women above a size 14, this is a reality, and the folks at California bridal salon Kinsley James want to change that.
Opened in 2013, Kinsley James’ co-owners (and wedding coordinators) Amber Silva and Dawn Silva Rigne saw a need for a high-end bridal salon in their East Bay neighborhood that catered to brides of all sizes. Frustrated that clients often had to travel out of town to try on gowns in their size and motivated by their own gown search experiences (typical bridal samples are size eight, which is actually a street size four), they wanted to make the salon experience more democratic. Silva and Rigne now carry 14 designers in their store, over half of which go up to at least a size 20. That includes swoon-inducing options from bridal power players like Anne Barge, Rivini, and Liancarlo. (Photo via Colson Griffith Photography)
“Our goal since we opened, and one of the reasons we opened, is that we want every bride to feel comfortable to shop within our store. It shouldn’t matter the budget, the style, the shape, the engagement time frame — we want everyone to feel welcome to shop and have an enjoyable experience. It’s important for us to have a range of styles and sizes to accommodate all body types,” says Silva. (Photo via Anne Barge)
In addition to their Walnut Creek salon, Kinsley James is in the process of opening up a second location in West Hollywood, hoping to bring their size-inclusive model to even more brides. Here’s to bridal shops everywhere following their lead!
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