Behind the Scenes with Barbara: A Year in Review
I recently found myself staring at the calendar in disbelief that there are mere DAYS left of 2022. Wow, what a year it has been.
It’s so easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of life. Between wrangling fabric and wrangling kids (#MomLife), the opportunity to dive into who I am as an artist thanks to my upcoming art exhibit, the launch of TWO new collections, exploring new business opportunities, and working with so many amazing brides to create their dream dress— PHEW. It’s all about balance, baby. 💁♀️
Despite the chaos it felt at times, I look back and feel incredibly proud. It’s this feeling of completing something, finally taking a step back to admire it all, and saying, “Damn, I DID THAT!” 🙌
This year I created two bridal gown collections, Modern Heirloom and Fairytale Dreams. Each collection has its own story, bride, and style. Modern Heirloom is an homage to a passed-down tradition with a contemporary twist, while the Fairytale Dreams collection is a romantic menagerie of styles for the modern heroine deep down in all of us.
Both are authentic expressions of my creativity, showcasing the duality of myself as an artist. I feel so often, we as artists try to put ourselves in a box, confining ourselves to a signature style or “look” instead of allowing ourselves the freedom to create authentically. I really allowed myself to do so with these collections.
Furthering my deep dive into embracing who I am as an artist, I’ve been able to devote time to a couture collection to be featured at my solo art exhibit this May at the Banana Factory in Southside Bethlehem, PA. These avant-garde pieces have been a dream to create, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase them in a few short months. (Stay tuned for more reveals on our socials!)
2022 seemed to be the year of connecting. Earlier this year, Barbara Kavchok Couture hosted the first of its kind, Horizon Bridal Pop-Up Shop at our Bethlehem atelier. We collaborated with some amazing independent designers and brought the best of indie bridal to Bethlehem and Lehigh Valley brides.
Then there was… (insert drum roll here) NYC Bridal Market! ✨
It’s been quite some time since we’ve been able to attend #NYBM in person (thanks, COVID 😭), and spending several amazing days in NYC this October was everything. We debuted the Fairytale Dreams collection and showed some Barbara Kavchok favorites, met so many wonderful people and opened the doors to new partnerships. Yep! You read that right; we’ve acquired new stores to carry the Barbara Kavchok brand. Check here to find a store near you!
I absolutely love showing at the Horizon Bridal Market, a true collective of indie brands (#IndieBridalRules), where you can develop some great new relationships with fellow kick-ass designers.
And if that wasn’t enough wins… I met with a record number of brides at the Barbara Kavchok Atelier in Bethlehem this year and at the few trunk shows I was able to attend hosted by our retailers across the U.S. That’s a record number of bridal gowns made. A record number of dream dresses we made a reality. 💭
But this year did hold a few bittersweet moments. I had to say goodbye to a beloved team member, Cora, who moved on to a new opportunity. However, that opened the door to welcome the lovely Erin as our new social media and marketing manager.
After reflecting on all that 2022 had in store for me, Barbara Kavchok Couture, and what it all means, my takeaway this year is this: if you stay true to your beliefs and ideas, things will eventually work out. Consistency leads to success, and doing what you love makes that all possible.
Corny… I know. But it’s all true.
So here’s to the New Year! New designs, new brides, new opportunities! I am so excited to see what 2023 holds for Barbara Kavchok Couture. 🎉
I hope you join me for the ride.
-xoxo, Barbara
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