Photo: Courtesy of Mon Cheri
Since 1991, Mon Cheri Bridals has been a leader in the wedding industry, offering many collections — from James Clifford, Sophia Tolli, and David Tutera for Mon Cheri. Mon Cheri's Creative Director Martin Thornburg is a veteran of the bridal world, and we sat down with him to discuss his history with Mon Cheri, designing with David Tutera, and his dream celebrity clients.
Thornburg joined Mon Cheri after responding to a newspaper ad(!) in 1996, and the rest is history.
"I was a newlywed in the mid-'90s, when I started designing custom bridal gowns from my home. Brides and their mothers were coming in and out of my home constantly! I really loved what I did, but I needed something a little less intrusive. I actually answered an ad for Customer Service in the newspaper — yes, the newspaper! — in 1996, before technology! Mon Cheri Bridals gave me a chance, they embraced and nurtured my talent for bridal and the rest is history. I am now the head designer for the David Tutera for Mon Cheri bridal collection. Working with David has and continues to be an amazing experience."
For Martin Thornburg and David Tutera, the inspiration often starts with real brides.
"Most of my inspiration comes from working with 'real' brides,'" said Thornburg, when asked about the inspiration for the collection. "David and I love working with brides at trunk shows. It is so fulfilling to have a bride's dreams come true with one of our dresses. I love hearing their thoughts and ideas about what they are looking for — that is the greatest inspiration." The greatest challenge they face in designing the collection? Choosing which styles to include for the season. "We design and make many more dresses than will be used for each collection, and they are all special to me. So to have to edit, to choose one dress over another, is very hard. I want to include them all!"
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Thornburg's favorite trend? Color, the trend Mon Cheri introduced to the world of bridal.
"My favorite bridal trend is color," said Thornburg. "Mon Cheri has always been known for adding soft color to the world of bridal. We were the first to bring a beautiful soft shade of pink to an industry that typically offered a palette of ivory or white. We called it 'Rum Pink' and that seemed result in the trend of many other soft color choices that are offered by other designers."
Martin's top style tips for brides? Identify the silhouette that is best for your body, and trust your instincts.
"Learn which shapes best flatter your figure and body type. It's also so important for a bride to find a style of wedding dress that reflects her personal style. Finally, once a bride has chosen a dress, it's important to be confident in the decision that she has found the dress of her dreams!"
His dream celebrity client is Jennifer Lawrence.
"I would love to create a dress for Jennifer Lawrence," smiled the designer. "We have seen her look so amazing on the red carpet in many different silhouettes. She has a great sense of style, and her personality is young and refreshing!"