Our Interview with Bari Jay

We have some VERY EXCITING NEWS to share today! We've teamed up with one of our designers, Bari Jay, to collaborate on a Pinterest competition. That's right, you and your bridesmaids have a chance to 'Repin to Win' a VIP shopping experience at your local Bella Bridesmaids, and receive 20% off your Bari Jay dresses!

In honor of the Pinterest competition launching today, we sat down with the two head designers, Chimere and Marteal, to discuss trends, fabrics, styles, and why you should love Bari Jay just as much as they do!

Bari Jay Designers Marteal and Chimere

Tell us all about Bari Jay! What is the brand essence?
At Bari Jay, we concentrate on making pieces that flatter all women, and make them feel confident and beautiful on their best friend's wedding day. We also think about the option to "wear it again." We want you to love every piece for its quality and styling but also because you can wear it well after the wedding. We design the styles to be both current and relevant seasons after the wedding.

Who is the Bari Jay bride?
She's fun and fashion forward, but not overly trendy. We have made pieces that reflect current trends in bridal, but are still classic, and most importantly, won't force a bride to go over-budget!

Bari Jay Customer Favorites

What was the inspiration for the latest collection?
We are known for our Chiffons, but this season we were inspired by Metallics and Lace. Style-wise, we set out to offer the classic Bari Jay look, updated with statement backs and slimming silhouettes.

Can you give us a sneak peek of the next collection? What can we expect from Bari Jay?
Styles that are easy to wear if you're a size 6 or 16. Each piece will be both figure flattering and comfortable.

The mix and match look is a major trend right now! How would you recommend styling Bari Jay dresses to achieve this look?
We recommend starting with color and tones. Once a bride has her color story, she can select styles that have different silhouettes and necklines for her bridal party. We design with this idea in mind, and for example, we have styles BC-1606, 1609, and EN-1627. These dresses work well together in 3 different fabrics and come in similar colors. We have also added Sequins to the mix. Styles 1601, 1613 and EN-1626 work beautifully together in colors Shadow and Steel.

Bari Jay New Styles in Shadow and Steel

What are your favorite styles of the moment?
This season our favorites are 1601, 1609, 1612, and 1631

Bari Jay Styles 1601, 1609, 1612, and 1631.

Tell us about the design process at Bari Jay. How do you get from an idea to the finished product?
We do a lot of research and sketching. We start with a design concept and then begin sketching. For Spring 2016, our design concept was texture and statement backs. We pick the best sketches and make samples. When the samples are delivered to the office, we have a mini-fashion show so we can pick the best samples for the collection and then have a photo shoot.

What is your favorite part about your job?
Chimere: I love the entire process, but this season my favorite part was the photo shoot, that's where the dresses really come alive.
Marteal: My favorite part is seeing pictures of our real brides and bridal parties. It's a great feeling to see your work chosen for a bride's special day!

Bella Bride Alex Krueger and her bridesmaids wearing Bari Jay Style 555 in Tulip Bella Chiffon Photographer: Britt Chudleigh

What is the most challenging?
Chimere: Cancelling dresses. I love them all so it's hard to get rid of dresses that we've been working on!
Marteal: For me, I would say the most challenging part is balancing new trends with classic wedding looks, so our collections are always new with just a little something different.

Any advice for brides and bridesmaids when they are shopping for the perfect dress?
Chimere: Have Fun and we hope you love Bari Jay as much as we do!
Marteal: Definitely what Chimere says, and also to not take it all too seriously! It's easy for the bride to get overwhelmed but dress shopping with you girlfriends and family should be totally fun and stress-free!

Bari Jay Styles in Eggplant and Raspberry

Be sure to check out our Bari Jay Pinterest Competition starting TODAY through September 23rd! Repin to win a VIP shopping experience at your local Bella Bridesmaids including champagne and sweet treats, plus 20% off your Bari Jay bridesmaids dress order! GOOD LUCK!