Designer Minds: An Interview With Ines Di Santo

One thing you can’t live without when you begin the design process?

To start, we identify the inspiration and theme for the collection. We then carefully go through the fabrics and beading. I get inspired by the materials and this is where my creative process for the dresses begin. As I am a couturier, I then pin the dress to the a mannequin to see if I like it first, and if I do, I proceed in creating the pattern which I then put on a model, it must first come to life on a woman, a body because that is where it will live. Countless steps before the sewing truly begins… To me, the most important thing is all the details.

Inspiration behind the FW25 collection?

Renaissance reimagined. The Renaissance Era sparked a revival of philosophical movements that explored the individual human experience and its vast potential. This shift led to art that portrayed people with greater depth and emotion than ever before in both subject matter and technique. 

My Renaissance Reimagined collection echoes the artistic spirit of the Renaissance by reflecting the desires of the modern bride and how she is perceived. I wanted to create a fusion of tradition and innovation that challenges expectation.

My aim is to evoke emotion through living ‘paintings’, immersing you in a world where art and reality become one.

If your style were a song/music genre, what would it be?

I can never be restricted to one genre of music… I am inspired by all: opera, jazz, pop, electronic, as well as loving international music. Music feeds my soul.

Do you have a particular piece that you favour the most?

I love all my dresses—they are like my children—so choosing a favorite is always difficult. However, one that stood out for me this year was Michelangelo in the gold burnout satin. I was captivated by the fabric and loved the dramatic train.

How do you make the final decision on the colour palette?

We always look for colors that match the inspiration for the season but there is a constant in each of my collections… an Ines Di Santo blue is always featured.

 What has changed as your designs have evolved?

I believe we are always evolving as humans and as artists and that reflects in my collections. I love creating colorful dresses and it’s something I have always done, but now brides are more open to them which in turn is letting me explore that more in my dresses. For example, my jewel box collection is my way of playing outside the box and rules of bridal colors and styles.. It’s a way to create something theatrical and can lend itself to a bride who is looking to celebrate and go all out for her wedding look.

Can you describe the Ines Di Santo bride in three words? What do they all have in common?

The Ines Di Santo bride is stylish, fashion-forward, and feminine. They’re all beautiful inside and out.

❤️

Photo Credit:

Ines Di Santo