From classic silhouettes to modern designs, Danielle Parish Drake Bridal has a wedding gown for every bride!
Today the owner, Danielle Parish Drake is sharing her approach to creating ethical and sustainable bridal fashion. Not only do her gowns look amazing, but a portion of sales go to support impoverished communities in Zimbabwe and a Domestic Shelter in Long Beach, CA. Read more about this amazing bridal designer and brand below.
- Name: Danielle Parish Drake
- Business Name: Danielle Parish Drake Bridal
- Founded: 2021 (but a long time in the making)
Describe your business.
Danielle Parish Drake Bridal is Elegant, Cultural, Spiritual & Ethical; encompassing a Global Impact. There is something for every woman with classic to modern unique silhouettes for today’s women. With Danielle Parish Drake Bridal you will look and live divine, just like a princess. Every dress goes to support impoverished communities in Zimbabwe and a Domestic Shelter in Long Beach, CA.
What did you do before starting your business in the wedding industry?
I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer. When I was really young I used to draw clothing designs on my grandmother’s kitchen table. Fast forward; I graduated from USC with a BA in Political Science. I planned to go to Seminary school and Fashion Design school simultaneously because I was focused on Faith and Fashion. Instead, I settled on moving to New York and attending Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York and took some classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology- NY and interned with a Senegalese tailor in Harlem.
While in New York I got to work and watch Fashion Shows at New York Fashion Week. With my M.Div I became a Hospice Chaplain and Bereavement Coordinator, always keeping my fashion design dream in the background. During the 2020 pandemic, it hit me that life is too short, and I need to pursue my passions. So I’m here now as the Founder and Creative Director of Danielle Parish Drake Bridal. Danielle Parish Bridal is Faith & Fashion in one through the ethical mission we are connected to here and in Zimbabwe. I still dabble in hospice, but I’m here to stay.
How long have you been in the wedding industry?
We just launched in March 2021.
How would you describe your style?
Elegant, Cultural, Spiritual and Ethical.
What motivates you?
Losing my father, five years ago helped me to realize life is too short. I don’t want my two young daughters to be afraid to take risks. The way my daughter watched me at our photoshoot was priceless.
Why should brides/grooms choose you?
We are an ethical and sustainable wedding fashion house, with impeccable craftsmanship. So not only do you look like a princess, but 10% of your purchase goes to support families and youth in Zimbabwe and a domestic violence shelter in Long Beach, CA. As a sustainable brand, we make each dress to order so there is never any waste. Additionally, we are partnered with @chikasclosetluv (on Instagram) and have partners in Lagos, Nigeria. So you are supporting black business and the African diaspora.
How does your company define and measure success?
By how much we donate and how big the community grows in Zimbabwe. There were more families and children during Passover and Holy Week and that were impacted due to our involvement.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
During a recent photo shoot, when I saw the visions in my mind made tangible on models, I literally cried because it was a dream come true.
Describe a proud moment while working in the wedding industry.
Having my application accepted from Muna Coterie in my first month of inception. I knew we had a quality product, and we were well received.
What’s the best compliment you’ve received for your work?
Every time a model is modeling our gowns onlookers will say to me “That’s a beautiful gown.”
What are your business goals?
I want to create lasting memories and change lives. I want people to “Look divine and love divine.”
What’s your favorite part of the wedding industry?
I love weddings in general. I’ve been a bridesmaid three times. I helped to plan weddings and they are just so beautiful and fun. It really is your special day, and your husband’s too, lol.
Where do you find the most inspiration?
From my life. This collection is based on Inspirational Women in my life. Additionally, I’ve been looking at Fashion magazines my whole life. Vogue, Instyle, Essence, Bridal Magazines, and Munaluchi Bride.
Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?
We are partnered with @chikasclosetluv (follow on Instagram) a Glam Modern take on Traditional African attire. When you make a purchase you are buying black and empowering women Stateside and in the African diaspora.
Also, stay tuned because in 2022 we will be opening a physical boutique in Hawaii with event space for rent for your special day.
Follow Danielle Parish Drake Bridal on Instagram
- Photographer: @thirtythreefifteen @wejumpedthebroom
- Models: Ziyann Dukes @doseofziy; Diami Dukes @livinlikeamiii; Ayrin Reed @ayrinreed
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