THE BRIDESMAIDS WORE: KRISTEL YULO

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Know about having Kristel Yulo design your bridesmaids' dresses.

By Jae Pickrell Jun 23, 2010

She was one of the designers who had many a gal jonesing for party ensembles during Philippine Fashion Week Holiday 2010. Kristel Yulo served up an onslaught of girly, party-perfect frocks down the runway, proving to the audience that she knows just how to appeal to the inner (or outright) coquettes in every lady.

Kristel's play with eye-catching embellishments and flattering silhouettes guarantee a feel-good dressing up experience. Those who know her design aesthetic well won't be hard-pressed to say that she is fast becoming one of Manila's top go-to designers for bridal entourage dresses. She has that knack for producing an extremely cohesive lineup composed of varied pieces that each display an identity of their own.

We've interviewed her to find out all the necessary information you need to know about having her design dresses for your lovely bridesmaids for your upcoming wedding. We've also talked to Chris Yam-Daez, one of Kristel's former clients, to see how her experience with Kristel was like.

Continue to the next page for Kristel's interview, and check out the photo gallery to read what Chris Yam-Daez had to say.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN PHILOSOPHY AS A BRIDAL ENTOURAGE DESIGNER?
I would say that fluid draping is the key to my design philosophy. I give my clients a very feminine and modern romantic feel where they are ultimately comfortable in what they are wearing, plus they have the ability to move around while looking effortlessly chic.

WHAT IS THE SIGNATURE FLAIR THAT IMMEDIATELY CHARACTERIZES BRIDAL ENTOURAGE DRESSES DONE BY KRISTEL YULO? CAN THEY BE WORN OUTSIDE THE WEDDING THEY WERE DESIGNED FOR?
My pieces have movement and enough drama detail such as minimal twists and sporadic detailing that makes the bridesmaid want to wear her dress again and again.

CAN YOU TAKE US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF HAVING YOU AS ONE'S BRIDAL ENTOURAGE DESIGNER?
First off, I always meet with my client and sit down with her and understand what she wants. At times, the bride may have many ideas and that's all good and appreciated, but as her designer I need to see where she is going and then I will interpret her dream bridesmaids' dresses into something magical for her and her girlfriends.

I then sketch all my ideas based on her guidance and together we choose the fabric, where to put certain details, etc. It is absolutely necessary that the client is involved in the design and production process.

HOW EARLY BEFORE THE WEDDING DO CLIENTS HAVE TO APPROACH YOU?
Preferably, seven months to one year. Design and execution take some time to perfect so when it's spaced out, there is the ease and comfort of coming up with fluid entourage pieces.

HOW OFTEN DO YOU HAVE TO MEET/TALK TO CLIENTS REGARDING THEIR DESIGNS?
That would depend on how I perceive the bride's personality as well as her theme and motif. I make sure that everyone is ultimately happy so sometimes design sessions can go as little as one to as many as five sessions.

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Click here to view and read about the entourage dresses Kristel Yulo designed for Chris Yam-Daez.

Click here to view Kristel Yulo's Designer Directory.

HOW OFTEN DOES A CLIENT HAVE TO VISIT YOU FOR FITTINGS?
It all rests on the design–if it is something that is easily fitted, it takes about one fitting after the standard muslin fitting. But if I do a lot of draping and work with embellishment, it takes two to three fittings.

ON AVERAGE, HOW LONG DOES AN ENTIRE BRIDAL ENTOURAGE COLLECTION TAKE TO MAKE?
Around three to six months.

DO YOU ALSO HAVE TO DISCUSS DESIGN STRATEGIES WITH THE BRIDE'S WEDDING GOWN DESIGNER?
Since this day is usually all about the bride, it would be ideal for me to at least see a sketch of the bridal gown to ensure that the entourage pieces won't overpower it. The entourage ensembles need to be softly combined with the whole theme and look that the bride wants for her dream day.

WHAT ARE THE PRICE POINTS OF A BRIDAL ENTOURAGE COLLECTION BY KRISTEL YULO (INCLUDING THE ENSEMBLES FOR THE GROOMSMEN)?
I'm very flexible when it comes to price. I can work within a fair budget and make exceptions but I can also work with very expensive fabric that will surely make the entourage collection stand out.

OUT OF ALL THE WEDDINGS YOU'VE DESIGNED FOR, ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR ONES THAT YOU LOVE OR ARE DEARLY MEMORABLE?
Most of my weddings that I design for are all pretty memorable, but if there is one wedding that I felt was more special than the others was the one of Chris Yam-Daez. First off, Chris gave me complete and total carte blanche. It also helped that her girlfriends were so much fun to fit. They came and enjoyed the art that goes into it. That's what it's all about, really, the camaraderie shared between both sides and all their loved ones.

ANY POINTERS PROSPECTIVE CLIENTS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAVING YOU AS THEIR BRIDAL ENTOURAGE DESIGNER?
I am very thorough, and I try my hardest to see and understand what the client wants. I then give certain suggestions that amplify their idea into production. It's important to make sure that the bride is well-involved in the process to make her day even more distinctive and memorable.

Click here to view and read about the entourage dresses Kristel Yulo designed for Chris Yam-Daez.

Click here to view Kristel Yulo's Designer Directory.