The Perfect Wedding Dress for You

Now that you've found the perfect wedding venue, it's time to focus on a wedding dress. Somsi Couture is a San Diego bridal couture house created in 2000 by Somsi Nor. The beautiful interior of the studio is everything bridal including elegant gowns, accessories, and veils.  My favorite was a display with the cutest flower girl dresses that I have ever seen. Everything is made here in the USA. Sitting down with this vivacious designer, I was excited to interview her about her successful business.  

Q: How did you get started in this business?

A: I decided that I wanted to start at the bottom and work my way up so I would know about all the inner workings of the business.  I began by taking classes at Fashion Career College in fashion design and graduated with an Associate Degree in Fashion Design.  At the same time, I started working in the costume departments of local theaters such as the Lyceum, La Jolla Playhouse, the Opera, and the Old Globe Theater.

Q: How did you use these skills for a business?

A: I started a business in Hillcrest where I did a lot of alterations, custom sewing, and some designs.  This was a great learning step that led me to have a studio in Hillcrest where I developed a collection.  Then I moved to a studio on 5th Ave and production for wholesale in National City.  At the same time, I supplemented my income by working part-time with the local theaters.  I began doing wholesale with a store in North County for 5 years and also started attending trade shows in New York.

Q: There is so much competition in Bridal, how do you set yourself apart?

A: I have the Best Quality at Comparative Prices.  I incorporated a touch of vintage into my designs, which creates a delicate and sophisticated look.  Each gown is handcrafted with high-end fabrics and finished with beaded pearls, rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, and beautiful laces.

Q: How do you market your business and where do you see yourself in the future?

A: I love what I do so much and it shows in my work.   A customer lights up when they put on one of my creations.   They leave my studio and tell their friends.  This is the best form of flattery.  Word of mouth is also a great way to market your business.

In the future, I plan to expand and want to increase the amount I wholesale to stores. I also want to add additional products to my Etsy store. 

I love the concept of Zara, a retail store from Spain.  I would like to have something similar to them only made in the U.S.A.  They sew and sell all the garments themselves and have gotten rid of the retailer.  Pieces for the garments come from all over so people can’t copy them.  

Q: If people want to find you, where can they see your creations?

A: I am in Designer Loft in New York, Amanda’s Hyde Park Bridal, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and Here Comes the Bride in Mission Valley.  I also sell Children’s flower girl dresses on Etsy along with accessories.

Q: How do you feel about wedding gown trains?

A: I like them. Traditionally, excess fabric has been seen trailing behind wedding gowns. A "train" is this extra cloth, which can be worn around the shoulders, attached to the skirt, or worn separately. Trains are a standard for most brides and are what distinguish wedding gowns from long evening gowns. Why are wedding dresses made with trains? Furthermore, is it preferable to have a train for your wedding gown? Should you forego it, instead?

Q: I know people will be excited to see your designs how can they get in touch with you?

A: Somsi Couture & Studio 5 is located in Sorrento Valley and they can call me for an appointment: at (619) 855-5387 or visit me at www.facebook.com/Somsi-Couture.

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