Our Exclusive Interview with Fashion Designer Ines Di Santo

What current or upcoming trends do you believe will truly influence the way brides dress in 2025 and beyond?

A wedding dress will always be a deeply personal choice, with brides seeking styles that reflect both their unique personalities and the celebrations they envision.

In 2025, however, we’re seeing a strong shift toward more meaningful and unique designs. It’s less about following a specific silhouette and more about the artistry in the details. Brides are increasingly drawn to personalized elements—such as hand-painted fabrics, intricate custom beading, or other one-of-a-kind touches—that make their gown feel truly their own.

Photos by Barb Simkova

How do you select a seasonal theme, and how do you keep it fresh from one collection to the next?

Inspiration is everywhere—I find it in nature, during my travels, through art, and even in everyday interactions. Each season, I sit down with my team to explore new fabrics and materials, and often that initial tactile experience sparks the idea and direction for the collection.

By staying open to the world around us and allowing the creative process to begin with curiosity, we’re able to keep each collection fresh, evolving, and distinct from the last. But above all, it’s the brides themselves who inspire me most—their stories, their dreams, and the vision they bring to their wedding day.

Photos by Barb Simkova

You’ve dressed brides around the world. Have you noticed cultural influences shaping requests or customizations in different regions?

Absolutely! Traveling and working with brides from different countries has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. I often say that my time in Dubai in the 2000s was especially formative—it gave me a deep appreciation for the grandeur of weddings there, with lavish jewelry applications and voluminous skirts. That experience continues to influence how I design today.

Cultural preferences play a significant role in shaping brides’ choices. For example, the Asian market tends to favor ballgowns, while the North American market is currently embracing a more minimalist aesthetic. That said, bridal fashion is always personal—there are brides in the U.S. who still love a dramatic ballgown, and brides in Asia who gravitate toward sleek, understated designs. But overall, cultural context absolutely informs the requests and customizations I see around the world.

Photos by Collin Pierson

What is one detail—whether a fabric choice, silhouette, or embellishment—that you believe instantly elevates a bridal look from simple to unforgettable?

I was trained in Haute Couture and studied in Paris, Milan, and Buenos Aires, so I approach every gown with the true couture philosophy. To me, a gown is like a work of art—it must be perfect from the fabric selection to the very last stitch. I’ve always believed that the inside of a gown should be as beautiful as the outside, because when a bride slips it on, she feels that craftsmanship immediately.

Ultimately, it’s the confidence a bride feels in a meticulously made gown that elevates her look. A well-crafted dress doesn’t just look extraordinary—it speaks for itself.

Photos by Barb Simkova

Accessories are becoming statement pieces in their own right—what trends do you see emerging in veils, capes, or jewelry to complement bridal gowns?

I’ve always believed that accessories are essential in completing a bridal look. Overskirts, for example, are becoming increasingly popular because they allow brides to enjoy two looks in one. The veil remains a timeless favorite, but we’re also seeing brides daring to explore new directions—like dramatic bridal capes, which add a sense of modern elegance. Bows are another favorite, offering both a playful and romantic touch.

Photos by Barb Simkova