Ever wondered how some designers manage to always have such great collection while others only dream of it? I wonder the same. And I can’t figure out how Joy Teiken always manages to give her brides the best look ever.

Since I can’t help but falling for her designs, I thought I’d better ask her some questions so I would know exactly what I’m dealing with here. And you know I can’t help but tell you all I know… so… here are her answers.

1. When did you decided to become a designer and why did you find this domain interesting?

I wanted to be a fashion designer as a child.  I would sketch out Miss America Pageant dresses when I watched the Pageant on TV.  That is when I first decided it was what I wanted to do.  I get to use my natural talents when working in this domain.

2.  Talk us trough the first years of you work. Maybe you could tell us what did change in time? Are your designs different from the beginning?

The basic concepts of my clothing are the same.  I’ve always used classic lines, lovely fabrics and fun details in my garments.  What had changed is the overall quality of the pieces.  
3.   Why should a bride-to-be choose one of your gowns?

They are going to get something unique and classic that fits the body beautifully.  They will feel special because the dresses are hand-made, and I believe that when things are hand-made a lot of personality comes through the dress. 

4.   How long does it take to design a single wedding dress?

It depends.  Sometimes dresses come really quickly because I’ve had a dream of the dress, and the vision comes through.  Other times they can take months to design a single dress because I work and re-work the dress until I’ve come up with the final design. 

5.  Do tell us a bit more about your inspiration sources for your collection.

My inspiration source is women who are unique and confident.  They want something different but that will still stand the test of time.

6. Do you also work with brides or you just try to give them the best of your designs in your collections?

I work a lot with individual brides.  I believe that its important that a brides personality comes through her dress, so allowing for custom details is very important to me. 

7.  Have you got any gown you’ve created and that has a very special meaning for you? Can you describe it or can show us a picture?

Yes.  See the above picture.

8.    From your point of view, how should a perfect bride look like?

She should look like herself.  She should choose a dress that shows her personality so that in then years when she sees her photo’s it looks like her.

9.    And tell us what would you give her and, maybe, other brands can’t.

I can give her a unique wedding dress that shows off a particular style of women.

10.   Can you give us an insight on your new Collection? What where your inspiration sources, what did you opt for as materials, shapes etc.

For this particular collection I use a lot of subtle texture and color that is very beach and outdoor party friendly.

11.  Do you like a more traditional approach or do you try to create a different image of the traditional bride?

I try to give my brides a different option to the big poofy dress.  I like much more classic, clean and body flattering.

12. Last but not least, do you have any advice for FashionBride readers? 

Stay true to your personality.  Find a dress that shows who you are and wear your hair the way you normally wear it.