Since breaking into the UK bridal fashion scene last year Daniel Chu has established himself as one of the country's most promising new designers. Dresses that speak to their wearer and seek to showcase a bride's confidence are his forte, and with bespoke being a popular option for many, we sat down with Daniel to really uncover what he's all about.

Gown hunting brides, if you're looking for a handmade wedding dress that represents you and you only, Daniel might just be your guy.

Talk to us about your background. When did your passion and love for dresses begin?

I guess I wanted to become a dress designer when I was around eight years old when I noticed the amazing looks at red carpet events on the TV. I always knew fashion was the direction for me and it soon it became a fascination, all be it slight obsession, of wanting to know how clothes were produced at the couture level. I started my fashion journey at university (Uclan) where I studied fashion design.

Why did you want to start your own label?

It was a way for me to embrace my own take on fashion and to find the signature Daniel Chu style. I wanted to be able to create what I wanted with no restrictions and have always looked up to amazing designers who have very distinct signature design styles in their own right, particularly the late and great Alexander McQueen, Viktor & Rolf and Valentino to name a few.

What inspires your designs?

The most random things that are around me, I tend to dream up a lot of my designs through story telling, locations and scenarios. As I work with all of my clients directly and individually, I take a lot of inspiration through their desires and aspirations in what they ultimately want for their wedding day.

What does bespoke mean to you?

I believe bespoke is an art form that is declining in numbers as new technology and advancements in the garment industry continue to grow leaving the traditional bespoke garment industry to diminish.

THE DANIEL CHU BRAND IS HERE TO RAISE THE SPIRIT OF BESPOKE AND KEEP THE ART FORM ALIVE IN THE NEW ERA OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY.

DANIEL

Trends you see being popular in bridal fashion for 2022/23?

Less is more is a big trend that I see on the rise. A lot of brides want to achieve the perfect balance of modern contemporary yet classic bridal look, and there is no better way to create that look by focusing on the silhouette, cutting and style lines to give off the effortless look that also isn't overtly minimalist.

Where do you hope your brand will be in the next 10 years?

I hope to expand the brand to eventually have its own stand-alone store where clients and admirers are welcome to come see the dresses and enjoy a cup of coffee.
I’d also like to eventually launch seasonal and exclusive collections that would be available directly through us or with stockists around the UK and Globally.

How would you describe your typical bride? Who is she, and what does she stand for?

They are individuals who are typically looking for something more than just a dress off the rail, and they take great pride in looking for a dress that is fits perfectly on them that also hides and disguises conscious areas, as this is something we would work around together when designing and create bespoke pieces.

ON SUCH STRESSFUL YET WONDERFUL DAYS LIKE A YOUR WEDDING DAY, MY GOAL IS TO WORK WITH CLIENTS TO GIVE THEM SOMETHING THEY FEEL COMFORTABLE YET CONFIDENT IN.

DANIEL

If you'd like to chat to Daniel about creating your dream dress, get in touch with him via the contact form at the bottom of his profile now. All clients receive a full consultation at Daniel's studio in Manchester, and a true fashion fanatic's expertise at your disposal throughout the process. What could be better?