For Irina Donner, the creative lead behind the much-loved Diane Legrand brand, the moment she stepped into bridal it was impactful. “The moment we saw how a gown could transform not only how a woman looks, but how she feels confident and truly herself, was when we knew we should be in bridal” Irina shares, “that emotional impact was unforgettable and became our mission.”

It’s a mission that has guided Diane Legrand through collection after collection of romantic silhouettes, timeless details and, of course, empowering designs. Asked to sum up the appeal of the label in three words, Irina doesn’t hesitate: “Romantic. Timeless. Empowering.” For the fashion house, these words don’t just reflect aesthetic choices – they are emotional pillars. Each gown is designed not just to be seen, but to be felt.

We know that the tasted and desires of modern consumers are ever changing, and that is no different in the world of bridal – trends are ever-evolving. Thankfully, change is something that the Diane Legrand label embraces with intention. “We’re loving the rise of lightweight organza gowns and beautifully textured fabrics,” says Irina. “There’s something so effortless and romantic about the way they move.” At the same time, she’s ready to leave behind the overly structured looks of the past: “Designs that feel more restrictive than celebratory. A bridal look should feel as beautiful as it looks.”

Diane Legrand: Reflections

While many designers draw inspiration from icons of the industry, Irina turns inward. “What inspires us most is our own journey. Each collection reflects where we’ve been and becomes the foundation for where we’re going,” she explains. “Our latest designs always hold the seeds of the next. It’s a continuous evolution, shaped by our brides and our passion to grow with them.”

That personal connection to the creative process, to the brides and to the boutiques is central to fashion house’s philosophy. “Watching a bride see herself in her dress for the first time; that spark in her eyes never gets old,” she says. Behind the scenes, it’s these relationships that fuel the work: “One of our biggest sources of inspiration comes directly from brides and bridal boutiques. The honest feedback, the emotional stories, the little details they notice – it all shapes how we design.”

Dispelling Bridal Myths

When creative blocks arise, Irina looks beyond the bridal world. “We turn to the timeless elegance of classic fashion, the work of the greatest designers in history, and the emotional depth of art and music,” she says. “Sometimes it’s a vintage silhouette, a brushstroke, or even a single melody that sparks an entire collection. True inspiration often lives outside the bridal world.”

Dispelling bridal myths is another part of her job, particularly the idea that emotional validation must come in the form of tears. “That you need to cry to know it’s the right dress?” she says. “Some brides just feel calm and certain, that’s just as powerful.”

One piece of advice that’s stuck with her over the years? “Don’t just follow trends, create moments. The best designs tell a story that lasts far beyond one day.”

As for dream projects, Irina would adore a creative collaboration that blends fashion with performance art. “We’d love to create a couture capsule collection with a ballet company; uniting grace, movement, and bridal elegance.”

Some moments in this journey have taken her by surprise, none more so than hearing how deeply a gown can impact someone’s healing process. “A bride once shared that our gown helped her feel beautiful again after surviving cancer,” she recalls. “That moment reminded us why we do this.” As the bridal industry continues to shift, Irina sees the next era as one of personal expression. “The future of bridal is individual,” she says. “Brides are writing their own rules and we’re here to help them express every part of who they are.”

Words Anna-Marie DeSouza