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Therez Fleetwood: wedded to culture - designer who creates high fashion wedding gowns with an African influence - Brief Article - Interview

Bridal designer Therez Fleetwood marries African influences with haute couture for a stunning take on wedding gowns

Therez Fleetwood designs with an elegant, ethnic flair. She made a name for herself five years ago with her Phe-Zula Collection--tailored Afrocentric attire that took cultural dressing into the mainstream. Now she's marching her cross-cultural intepretations down the aisle, giving brides contemporary choices reflecting our heritage. We spoke to Fleetwood about her work (for more information, see Shop):

ESSENCE: What is the difference between a traditional African wedding dress and an Afrocentric wedding dress?

FLEETWOOD: It's all about the cut. Traditional African wedding attire is usually loose and unconstructed and requires a lot of wrapping. Afrocentric wedding attire uses African fabrics to create a more contemporary silhouette.

ESSENCE: How did this become your specialty?

FLEETWOOD: I made a dress that appeared in jumping the Broom: The African-American Wedding Planner by Harriette Cole. It got such a good response that the demand for bridalwear took over my other business.

ESSENCE: How often do you present a new collection?

FLEETWOOD: Each year I do about six new gowns. Two of the most requested styles have been the one in jumping the Broom, and the one on actress Erika Alexander in the February 1995 ESSENCE Table of Contents.

ESSENCE: How much are your gowns, and how long do they take to make?

FLEETWOOD: They range from $1,025 to $2,350. I like to have three to six months of lead time to deliver a month before the wedding date.

ESSENCE: Your headpieces are unique. Have they been created to make a dramatic statement?

FLEETWOOD: The headpiece is the crowning achievement of the entire ensemble. I make them from fabrics that complement the dress--like French beaded lace or ashoke cloth from Nigeria--then adorn them with a jeweled pin or a decorative fabric fan. They have a detachable veil.

ESSENCE: Are your dresses recyclable?

FLEETWOOD: Yes. They can be shortened, and some have removable trains.