“There is no greater joy for me than watching a bride gaze at herself in her wedding dress. She feels absolutely beautiful and just can’t stop staring at herself…It is the happiest part of my day!” Ali of Made by Anatomy makes the kind of gowns that you thought only existed in your dreams. Somehow she seems to read the minds of her brides and then creates exactly what they want, truly making their dream a reality. When all is said and done, the only person that might be happier than the bride is Ali herself, solely because of how beautiful her client feels in her designs. On top of her creative ability, the drive that Ali has is seriously inspiring — she’s the kind of person that just knows what she wants and then makes it happen. It was an honor getting to work with Ali at the third NYC NotWedding, and we are always looking forward to her next creation.
“Ali’s gowns are just incredible. Her custom gowns are so unique and she really can do anything you dream of for your dress. Her work is perfect and meticulous and it shows in everything that she crafts!”
The NYC NotWedding Team
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Tell us a little bit about the inception of Made by Anatomy.
Made by Anatomy started off as a lifestyle brand store concept in Buffalo NY, where I showcased my ready-to-wear collection, made-to-measure collection, locally sourced accessories and gifts as well as antiques. Similar to the way Anthropologie fits everything in your life into one space, I created a space that was Buffalo-centric with the same ideals.
I have evolved to cater to the needs of my market, locally and on a broader scale which is how I found myself re-located inside the beautifully restored Hotel at the Lafayette creating beautiful custom wedding dresses, reconstructing old wedding dresses and offering an array of alternative and fresh bridal accessories.
Who or what inspires you?
I’m very inspired by the women I work with. They each have their own distinctive style and personality. Any designer will tell you the style comes from within, and it’s not about dressing head-to-toe one look but inventing your own. That’s the main reason I was drawn to the world of bespoke bridal wear.
What is the happiest part or your day?
There is no greater joy for me than watching a bride gaze at herself in her wedding dress. She feels absolutely beautiful and just can’t stop staring at herself! That’s my secret little moment of, “Yes! Nailed it!” It is the happiest part of my day!
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken?
I’m pretty sure I’ve done nothing but taken risks since I’ve opened my doors in 2010! It was right after the economy went under and everyone was telling me to wait. I heard, “This is not the right time to start a business” a lot. But here in Buffalo there is such a sense of local pride and support, I felt as long as I hit the right spot with my consumers, I would be just fine. After a couple of years that spot became clear to me, and I’ve adapted to where I am today inside the Hotel Lafayette making custom and alternative wedding dresses.
What is your favorite part of The NotWedding experience?
Since my brand of wedding dresses is alternative in the silhouettes and style, I’ve been looking for more creative ways to market my pieces to a larger audience. When I found The NotWedding I knew it would be a chance for me to get my designs out there and in the most creative light possible. I loved how the team came up with a theme for all of the vendors to follow and all of the pieces just magically and beautifully fall into place! I felt totally free to create whatever I wanted within that concept. Of course, my real favorite part is the party itself! These girls know how to throw an incredible event! They are also really fun and supportive of small businesses, so it’s really amazing to be surrounded by that.
Photo Credits
City Lights Studio Photography (1 + 4) | Ayres Photography (2, 3 + 5)
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