In the Fall 2018 issue of MunaLuchi, we had the pleasure of producing a fashion editorial shoot in tribute to the late Amsale Aberra. The Editorial featured new wedding gown designs by 4 prominent black wedding gown designers. Each designer also had the opportunity to discuss how Amsale has influenced their careers in the fashion industry. For the past few days, we have been sharing each designer interview with you, as seen in the Fall 2018 issue. Take some time to get to know these talented designers.
Our next designer spotlight is on Andrea Pitter-Campbell of Pantora Bridal
Andrea is the youngest designer in our spotlight series, and she’s making major waves in just a short period of time. She recently opened up an additional fashion studio for her highly popular Pantora Mini designs. Read the interview to learn more about this dynamic designer.
When did you begin designing wedding dresses?
I designed my first commissioned wedding dress in 2009. It was a cotton maxi styled sundress fit for a very casual wedding in central park, very different from my current contemporary aesthetic.
How do you describe your design style?
My design style is based on classic silhouettes with the use of modern textiles. I prefer not to distort a woman’s figure by design but rather embellish it with the use of textile furnishes.
How do you define the line between gown and wedding gown?
A wedding dress gives you a transitional feeling. It’s a physical thing that ties you to a life altering event signed off by love. A gown ties you to any event.
Do you remember the first time you saw an Amsale gown?
I remember being obsessed by Amsale herself. Her gowns were strikingly clean and overwhelmingly effortless, like she was. Amsale was authentic.
Amsale’s design drive was in creating transcending fashion statements. When thinking of fashion that transcends, what immediately comes to mind? How do your own designs transcend fashion?
When I think of fashion that transcends, I think of it crossing barriers, mending brokenness. I’m not sure that my body of work does. I also think that’s ok. I feel like my work is currently filling in gaps, maybe when I am more mature in my presence and in my work I will view it differently.
Amsale believed that true style is timeless. What design elements do you find to be timeless?
I believe emphasis on the body and letting fabric do the work is the definition of timeless fashion.
In 1985 Amsale began her journey into the world of fashion with wedding gowns. In a time marked by inflated forms and elaborate details she went against the grain with clean, elegant designs of “quiet impact.” How has you work gone against current trends?
My current work goes against the grain by fitting women who would often be considered a hard fit. By providing women, specifically those who look like me, the type of “fancy” that isn’t relatable in mainstream bridal fashion.
How do you define “quiet impact?”
Quiet impact is the idea of just doing and letting work stand alone.
How has Amsale directly or indirectly influenced and inspired you and your own work?
Amsale was a storm. She revolutionized the idea of bridal simplicity in a time where it was popular to be anything but. She inspired me in the way that she worked, humbly.
Amsale’s first step into the industry came out of necessity. How has necessity shaped your own path?
I have always needed to march to the beat of my own drum, often off beat, out of tune and off pitch. I needed outlets to keep me occupied and problems to solve. Fashion was this outlet for me.
What do you love most about an Amsale design?
I love that Amsale’s designs were effortless. I love that her simplistic design aesthetic made her an anomaly.
To learn more about Andrea, visit his website at www.pantorabridal.com
Read the complete story in the Fall 2018 issue of MunaLuchi Bride magazine and purchase your limited edition foldout cover copy here!
Creative Team:
Photography: In His Image Photography
Assistant Photography: Nana Annan
Hair: Glamour by Shaniqua
Makeup: Juicy Looks by Abby
Earrings: Headpiece Heaven
Styling: James R. Sanders
Cinematography: Yamean Studios
[…] husband has always been vigilant in finding black owned vendors and companies, so he actually found Pantora Bridal who designed my dress. My experience was top tier. They were extremely professional, passionate, […]