Give us a short insight into your bridal history journey.

After many years of working as a contemporary RTW designer in the New York City garment industry, Rebecca entered the bridal industry in 2010. Initially, she worked only with private clients who flocked to her Brooklyn design studio for her vintage-inspired, whimsical yet understated gowns. By 2013, Schoneveld began selling her collection to notable boutiques across the US and has garnered a solid reputation for her commitment to size-inclusivity, her focus on high-quality materials, and her easily customizable, diverse collection.

What do you consider to be signature design elements of the brand?

As a size-and-age-inclusive studio, we create refined, vintage-inspired pieces that celebrate the wearer without overwhelming her. Our deep focus on supportive, comfortable, and flattering shapes, as well as our use of quality fabrications (such as Italian satins and hand embroideries), define our style. Over the years, we have developed an extensive library of popular silhouettes and fabrics, all of which we encourage our brides to mix and match to easily create fairly priced, custom looks. 

What is the brand’s greatest achievement?

Since the brand’s inception, we have been thinking outside of the proverbial box. Embracing minimalism years before it became mainstream, creating a collection of mix-and-matchable designs, strongly advocating for non-discriminating size-inclusivity, and experimenting with non-traditional details and colours – these are just some of the ways the Rebecca Schoneveld brand has been a pioneer in the bridal market over the past 12+ years. Innovating fresh perspectives on our cultures’ bridal fashions and influencing the direction of this industry has been an honour and a privilege.

What’s next for Rebecca Schoneveld?

Just recently, we have been thrilled to launch our very first eveningwear collection, which features fresh takes on traditional silhouettes, polished tailoring, and gorgeous textiles for the perennial sophisticate. By late Spring 2023, we plan to launch a virtual 3D design space where users can digitally interact with our library of designs and fabrics to create their own custom gown designs. We are confident brides and retailers alike will find this tool endlessly fun and extraordinarily useful for visualizing the one-of-a-kind pieces we are known for making!

What inspired the current collection?

Our current collection is a love letter from the artist in me to my brides. In 2019, I finally met the love of my life and he has helped me find a rootedness I previously did not enjoy. Through these love-filled yet tumultuous years, I have taken inventory of my life and my business and have ushered in a renewed focus toward all that felt most important to me. This has resulted in an evermore authentic, detail-rich collection, which you are sure to see more of in the coming seasons.

What design trends have emerged from the new collection?

My 2023 signature collection boasts an array of hand-draped luxurious fabrics, 3D embroideries, and a whimsical palette of colour against traditional bridal whites. These are the same elements we consider to be inherent to the Rebecca Schoneveld brand and less trend-minded. However, we are thrilled that brides of today are embracing the things we have always loved: fashions that speak to the individual over the hive mind, a willingness to break free of traditions, and a more playful approach to minimal fashion. I absolutely adore our Ophelia gown, which is a flurry of a statement in watercoloured floral silk. Ophelia features an inner-corseted construction that cinches the waist and supports curves in the best ways. The Brienne is a blush-hued, hand-embroidered design complete with botanical, three-dimensional organza motifs and hand-draped ballerina tulle. Last but not least, the Arya is an iconic gown that wins the day with her exquisite inner corset and perfectly fitting draped stretch satin that all together creates a statuesque, bombshell effect for women of all sizes.

What do you predict will be the next big trend in bridal?

I predict an emergence of thoughtful, artful, evocative designs as an antidote to the ultra-minimal or super-boho trends of the past few years. Before Covid, it was understandable that in the constant hustle of life, an extremely simple wedding gown felt refreshing and modern. But now, after years of being starved of in-person celebrations, brides are more deeply appreciative of the rarity of having a wedding at all and are wanting to express their emotions visually through their gowns. Over the past decade, brides craving a little rebellion found the “rock-n-roll” or “boho” look fierce and new. However, I have a strong feeling that brides of today are focused more on what feels representative of themselves personally and are looking for unique details that do not necessarily speak to a specific, pre-prescribed trend.

Why is White Gallery so important to you?

We are bringing a showcase of designs that celebrate individuality with an American pioneer spirit which definitely appeals to the British sensibility. Our world-class embroideries are being chased down by American brides, and we are so thrilled to offer them here now.

British brides have been loving Rebecca’s work since she began making gowns in 2010. Indeed, countless flights across the pond have been booked by brides seeking her design services at our New York atelier. We are thrilled to now make a more conscious partnership with our friends overseas in an effort to cater to individuals seeking a deeply supportive, creative, and personal experience in their bridal gown shopping experience. We cannot wait to meet you!

Rebecca Schoneveld will be exhibiting on Stand 314 at White Gallery 2023. Click here to register for the event.