I’ve always loved heirloom items and things that have belonged to family or carry a history. I love pieces with a background older than myself—items passed down from generation to generation—and I want my gowns to be that kind of item.

I have a love of velvet, and I know I’m not alone. Although sometimes heavy, silk viscose velvet feels elegant and reminds me of Victorian times, when velvet was used by those who had the means to make it into something luxurious.

I’m constantly inspired by vintage clothing and designers who brought together classic looks with a contemporary aesthetic. I’ve also always loved classic designers in both fashion and design:

• Edith Head

• Madame Grès

• Jean Dessès

• Alexander McQueen

• William Morris

There were two gowns in particular that truly inspired me before I ever put pencil to paper for this collection: the 2017 deep-V embroidered velvet gown by Alexander McQueen and the sculptural pink silk velvet evening gown from Madame Grès. Both gowns exude femininity while maintaining a classic silhouette, and that’s exactly what I wanted to achieve with this collection.

Since this is my first collection, I also wanted to introduce black into a world where white is king. I know not all women want to wear black on their wedding day—some prefer full color, colorful embroidery, or something else entirely. Even my sister wore grey to her wedding, and she looked fantastic because she knew white would wash out her skin tone while grey suited her better.

But when it came to black wedding gowns, what I found were mostly pieces that leaned kitschy or relied heavily on lace and tulle. I wanted to elevate the black gown—bringing it to another level of elegance and sophistication.

When I started designing my debut collection, I knew I wanted these gowns to be more than dresses for just one day. They’re meant to become pieces that hold meaning and can live on long after the wedding day—rooted in history, built from fabrics that feel rich and enduring, and designed with silhouettes that nod to the classics while still speaking to today.

Whether in black or white, each gown is made to tell a story, to feel deeply personal, and to become as timeless as the heirlooms that inspired them.

If you’re a bride searching for a gown that goes beyond tradition—whether it’s the timeless beauty of white silk velvet or the bold sophistication of a black wedding dress—this debut collection was created with you in mind. At Trotter Bridal, every gown is designed to feel like an heirloom, blending classic elegance with a modern, personalized touch.

My 2026 collection, VELOURÉ, is for brides who want a wedding dress that tells a story: one that feels unique, meaningful, and unforgettable. Whether you’re drawn to the romance of vintage silhouettes, the artistry of devoré velvet, or the rare elegance of black bridalwear, these gowns were made to help you feel like yourself on your wedding day—elevated, timeless, and entirely your own.

Explore the collection and discover how your gown can become more than just a dress—it can be part of your story.