Meet Alyssa Dahl | Bridal Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alyssa Dahl and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alyssa, why did you pursue a creative career?
To me, that was the only option, I’ve always just felt different… After I graduated high school I went to a community college. I was there for a couple months, and I just said to myself why are you here? This is not where you need to be. And I quit and went to Fashion School.

I’ve never been the girl who would do anything if I wasn’t passionate about it. Anything I do I put my heart and soul, and all of my effort into it. To me, doing something meaningful is what matters. I don’t want to just live everyday getting by and not feeling fulfilled, I want to serve a purpose.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I started out as a fashion designer in the young contemporary market. I did private label where I sold my designs to big companies and my designs would go under their labels, and I also designed for brands. Not only was I just designing and developing clothing, I also was taking on tasks such as making my own graphics, designing prints for fabrics, going on sales meetings with buyers, etc. By wearing so many different hats I developed a skill set that you typically wouldn’t get from just working in a corporate structure. I worked with small businesses to big corporations where I learned what I did and did not like, and where I would want to take my career. I was the first one in to work, the last one out. The fashion industry is very tough, I was overworked and underpaid. I want to inspire, to bring meaning and purpose.

It started by my sister asking me to design her wedding dress. It is such an incredible honor to contribute to someone’s most important day of their lives. A feeling I couldn’t shake, and that’s when I knew this is what I was meant to do.
While shopping for my own wedding dress in 2018, I felt a void in the bridal market. I loved the intricate details and quality of the couture designers but couldn’t afford the price tag. I felt the designers within my budget lacked detail and craftsmanship. I always felt like I was in between and wanted something different. So I decided to make my own wedding dress.
While sewing my dress piece by piece. I put it back on my dress form and stared at it as I began to sob. I couldn’t believe I could create something so beautiful and that was the first time I’ve ever really felt proud of myself entirely. That I made this, and I can do this, I just have to keep believing in myself. After making my own wedding dress I realized this was my niche.
I design for the unconventional bride who wants to express her own individuality, rather than follow traditions. I specialize in unique designs, high-quality fabrics, and couture detailing at a more approachable price point. Every design is committed to quality and acting in a daring and feminine way.
I am constantly learning and iterating on my own designs, from designing my own laces and appliques to my elaborately conceived stories which my creations come to life in. Not following any one recipe or formula, I immerse myself in the stories and craft my garments with this inspiration. Creating photoshoots to bring the stories to life, my approach to design is not something I was taught, it is just who I am. I don’t just design gowns, I also tell stories.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I grew up in Agoura Hills, so Malibu was a short trip down through the canyon. I would definitely spend the day there hiking, or shopping at cross creek, and local eats. Besides that I would say:

Coffee:
Verve

Restaurants:
Eataly
Nobu Malibu
Bestia
Bavel
Rappahannock Oyster Bar

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My sister. If she didn’t ask me to design her wedding dress, than I wouldn’t of changed from fashion design to bridal design. The switch from fashion to bridal is what gave me that sense of purpose and meaning in my life.

My husband. It’s hard to put in words, but he just lets me be me and believes in me. He is my biggest supporter and I wouldn’t be where I am at today without him.

Website: www.dahlcollection.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dahlcollection/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DahlCollection/

Other: https://www.pinterest.com/DahlCollection/

Image Credits
Forest and Ocean Photography: Shiloe Noelle Photography