Tell us the company’s history, how you started and how the brand has developed.

Casablanca Bridal was established in 1997 by husband-and-wife team, Kevin & Gloria Lu. Despite not having formal backgrounds in business or bridal fashion, Kevin, a general surgeon from China, and Gloria, a fine arts college student, merged their diverse talents and passion to carve out a remarkable niche for themselves. This unique blend of medical precision and artistic vision propelled them to become one of the industry’s most rapidly ascending brands, earning them widespread recognition as innovative designers and bridal manufacturers. Their unconventional journey underscores the power of combining disparate skills to achieve extraordinary success in the competitive world of fashion. Kevin and Gloria Lu received many nominations, but within the first five years of business, they won “Bridal Designer of the Year” and shortly after, the DEBI Awards for “Bridal Manufacturer of the Year” as well. After 25 years of business, Casablanca Bridal is proud to have launched three additional labels, each with unique characteristics. Beloved by Casablanca Bridal is for the free spirited bride looking for youthful, fresh, and light designs. Amaré Couture is for daring brides who are not afraid to step out of their comfort zone. And our Le Blanc Collection is our newest brand created for the modern bride who appreciates chic and minimalistic designs with luxurious fabrics that truly speak for themselves.

What sets your bridal designs apart from others in the industry?

Throughout the past 25+ years, Casablanca Bridal has consistently empowered brides to infuse their wedding attire with their distinctive personas. Our commitment to customizations has allowed us to assist brides in bringing forth their true selves. However, with the heightened desire for individuality on the rise, especially in regards to wedding celebrations, we’ve noticed an increasing number of brides enthusiastically embracing our extensive customization capabilities. By seamlessly blending elements from multiple dresses in our collection, brides fashion entirely new styles that remain exclusive to them. Our advantage lies in our private manufacturing facility, affording us the capacity to offer these bespoke designs at competitive and affordable prices. This approach captures the very essence of Casablanca Bridal: honoring tradition while highlighting individuality. We want to ensure that every bride not only finds her dream dress but also an expression of her identity that resonates beyond the wedding day itself.

What is your brand’s proudest achievement? 

At the heart of our bridal company’s proudest achievements stands our very own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This remarkable building is a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing high-quality bridal gowns. We uphold ethical practices and embrace sustainable manufacturing processes in everything we do. Our entire manufacturing staff can enjoy walking through our indoor garden and koi pond with high glass ceilings, recreational activities such as ping-pong & basketball, and even catch a movie at our indoor theater. Our factory also allows us to craft exquisite gowns in a way that ensures every intricate detail is brought to life using the most sustainable methods. Our holistic efforts, from harnessing renewable energy to embracing made-to-order styles, embody our dedication to environmental consciousness while treating each bride with the exceptional care they deserve.

Can you share any sustainable practices or initiatives you incorporate into your designs?

Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility allows for us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint, leveraging our fabrics and laces across all our brands to effectively minimize microfiber and fabric waste. This goal is supported by the following initiatives:

Renewable Energy Source: Our manufacturing facility relies on solar panels, thereby drastically reducing the energy consumption of our operations. This solar-powered approach not only champions sustainability but also aligns with our commitment to take care of our environment.

Made-to-Order Philosophy: At the core of our sustainability ethos lies the principle of made-to-order production. This means that each gown is meticulously crafted only after receiving an order, eliminating the need for excessive and wasteful mass-production. By embracing this approach, we minimize excess inventory and its potential disposal, a stark contrast to the industry’s common practices.

Never Discontinuing: Unlike retailers who often discard significant inventory due to discontinued styles, we take a different approach. We proudly maintain an inventory of dress styles spanning 25+ years, ensuring that brides can access an extensive selection and even customize their chosen gown.

Can you tell us three interesting facts about the brand? 

Unique Love Story That Started It All: Casablanca Bridal Co-Founders Kevin and Gloria Lu got married within only seven days of meeting each other. Gloria’s parents first met Kevin on a train ride in Asia. They (finally) convinced their daughter to fly from California to China to meet him and the rest is history! Prior to starting Casablanca Bridal, CEO Kevin Lu was a general surgeon in China. He never imagined he would be applying his knowledge of anatomy and expert threading from healing the human body to now tailoring dresses.

Comprehensive Expertise and Customization: From initial concept to product development, our holistic approach affords us unparalleled command over quality, pricing, and shipping logistics, ensuring that each gown exudes the excellence we’re renowned for. At the heart of our brand’s identity is the ability to weave individuality into every dress. Our self-sustained manufacturing process empowers us to offer an array of extensive customization options, tailoring each gown to the bride’s personal taste. Moreover, this approach empowers us to shatter industry norms by never discontinuing a style over a span of 25 years, granting brides access to timeless designs.

Innovative Retail Partnership: Our commitment to never discontinuing styles results in a symbiotic relationship with our retailers. Bestselling designs continue to flourish in stores as repeat orders, delivering retailers an impressive 10x return on pieces they invest in. We are redefining traditional inventory practices while strengthening the foundation of our brand’s success.

What inspired your latest collection, and how do you stay current with bridal fashion trends?    

Introducing "Luxe Romance" by Casablanca Bridal – a collection that whispers tales of royalty and aristocratic elegance, designed for the bride who lives and breathes quiet luxury and dreams of an idyllic lifestyle. This collection is imbued with light Coquette influences, embodying the unapologetically beautiful pretentiousness reminiscent of an Ivy League/Oxford, mingling with a country club aura. "Luxe Romance" pays homage to timelessness with vintage beading and pearl embellishments, alongside handcrafted 3D florals that bring each piece to life. Drawing inspiration from the captivating charm of Old Hollywood glam and infused with iconic 90’s fashion elements—think square and scooped necklines, dramatic drop or Basque waistlines, and the structured sophistication of corset boning styles, including exposed boning, pointed, and illusion necklines. This collection gracefully revisits delicate vintage nuances that made Casablanca a household name in the 90’s, offering a modern take on classic elements for today’s discerning bride. "Luxe Romance" is a celebration of love, legacy, and the unending pursuit of sophistication.

Describe your latest collection in three words

Royalty, High Society, Quiet Luxury!

Can you describe the creative process, from initial concept through to final product?

The journey from initial concept to the final product of a dress is an intricate process. We like to explore fabrics, textures, and embellishments to best bring our vision to life. During this process, it is noteworthy to mention that the mastermind behind our brand, Mrs. Gloria Lu, suddenly became legally blind due to an unknown virus and has since then had to rely on touch and texture aids in refining styles. She also relies heavily on our talented design team and her daughter Crystal Lu who has stepped up to lead the creative process. Crystal offers a fresh perspective on modern bridal fashion which seamlessly aligns with today’s contemporary brides. Our talented team begins each dress with a sketch and mood board creation. The silhouette, details, and overall vibe of the dress are developed from there. Once the concept is refined, we move to the pattern-making phase. This is the backbone of the design, where we translate the two-dimensional sketch into a three-dimensional form that will eventually drape elegantly on the bride. Fabrics, laces, and embroideries are carefully chosen to complement the design while ensuring comfort and wearability. As the design takes physical form, our skilled artisans begin crafting samples. Throughout this process we make adjustments to ensure the design aligns with the initial vision and offers a flattering fit. Fittings and consultations with the design team are critical. Feedback from our team is always integrated and adjustments are made. Once the sample perfectly embodies the original concept, we create the final piece. Hours of handwork, delicate stitching, and precision embellishments come together to complete the final product. Our design process results in a gown that not only captures the essence of the original vision but also represents the dedication and passion of our entire team. It is an honor to witness this transformation and bring a bride’s dream dress to life, a dress that will stand as a cherished memory on one of the most significant days of her life.

What design trends have emerged from the collection (silhouettes, materials, embellishments)?

Art Deco Style Vintage beading, Pearl Beading, Hand Crafted 3D Florals, Old Hollywood Glam influences, 90’s square and scooped necklines and drop or Basque waistlines and corset/boning styles, exposed boning, pointed necklines, Illusion necklines and delicate vintage influences from iconic Casablanca styles in the 90’s!

Is there a single piece which embodies the vision of the whole collection? Can you tell us more about it?    

2567 HEPBURN by Casablanca Bridal embodies the vision of our “Luxe Romance” collection. Inspired by Old Hollywood glamour, this tulle ball gown features a 90’s scoop neckline with a folded, pearl-beaded lapel. HEPBURN offers versatility with detachable spaghetti straps, allowing for a customizable touch to your glamorous look. Her satin corset bodice and eye-catching Basque waistline create a flattering silhouette inspired by vintage Casablanca styles. Up the drama by adding her gathered tulle opera gloves, reminiscent of her iconic namesake to complete the look. HEPBURN can also be paired with her matching, pearl-trim fingertip veil. Accessories sold separately.

Why is Bridal Week so important to you?

Bridal Week Harrogate is the pinnacle where creativity and romance intertwine. The event serves as a tapestry of traditions and modernity, where each gown becomes a testament to a bride’s unique journey and can be celebrated by retailers and designers. For Casablanca Bridal, Bridal Week encapsulates the essence of love, artistry, and meticulous craftsmanship. Like our company, it celebrates the profound significance of marriage and working in the bridal industry while also pushing the boundaries of design. It’s an opportunity to witness the transformation of visions into garments that embody emotion and elegance. Our devotion to Bridal Week stems from its ability to weave narratives through fabric, and we are committed to contributing our unique styles to every nuance of this enchanting showcase. We hope to share the heart of our company in a way that resonate with our beloved retailers and eventually brides-to-be!

What does the future hold for you? Do you have any exciting upcoming plans you can share with us? 

At Casablanca Bridal, we believe there’s a difference between designing a dress for your wedding and designing a dress for your marriage. Over the next 25+ years, we envision a journey that transcends the wedding day, transforming it into the cornerstone of a dream marriage. Our co-founders, Kevin & Gloria Lu, are at the forefront of this vision, driving a non-profit initiative known as “Celebrate Forever”. This endeavor offers free education and resources to empower newly married couples, cultivating healthy relationships and families that stand the test of time. Through Celebrate Forever, we believe that fostering individual growth triggers a ripple effect, enhancing relationships, nurturing families, and fortifying communities. As we embark on this path, we’re committed to the idea that healthy marriages cultivate a thriving world—a core philosophy that epitomizes the essence of Celebrate Forever.

What is your stand number, and how can retailers get in touch to book an appointment with you at the show?

Stand M19/M25

Please contact Michelle Blackburn to book with Casablanca Bridal at the show.

Tel: 07935 156275

michelle@casablancabridal.eu

Find out more

To view the Casablanca collections and claim your free pass for Europe’s first bridal buying event of the year, register by clicking here.