In our weekly Featured Shop series, we shine a light on a standout shop from Etsy’s talented seller community, offering readers a behind-the-scenes look at their process and story.
Traditional or modern. Solemn or playful. Romantic and soft or crisp and minimalist. For generations, women have chosen a single aesthetic for their wedding ensembles, whether or not that look reflected their actual day-to-day style. But in Texas-based bridal designer Smitha Menon‘s world, there’s no need for any of us to hem ourselves in. “Brides today are experimenting more,” says Smitha, who’s carved out a unique niche with her line of veils, accessories, and mix-and-match wedding separates. “I have classic brides who are looking for that wow factor, and they’re going for dramatically embellished cathedral veils. I have modern brides who choose a very simple gown, then add a Juliet cap veil to recreate some vintage ‘50s magic.”
Explore the Smitha Menon Bridal collection
A graduate from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in New Delhi, Smitha opened Smitha Menon Bridal in 2011 and began exploring ways to help her customers approach their wedding day apparel with a little less structure—and a lot more oomph. Using old-fashioned beadwork and precision hand-stitching, Smitha built a beautiful, modern collection in a completely reimagined palette of golds, pinks, and blues. The key to finding the right combination for you? “Use your imagination, work with your designer, and make it happen,” Smitha says. “Make it special, and make it your own.”
Read on to learn how Smitha makes her line ultra customizable, and shop the Smitha Menon Bridal collection.
Can you tell us about your creative roots?
I was born in a small, laid-back village in India, where there’s no fashion whatsoever. All you have is the pictures you see in magazines and your imagination. I used to point to an outfit in a magazine and say, “This is what I’d like,” and my mom would go to the local store, get some fabrics that looked similar, and sew dresses for me. And I was one of the trendiest girls in my neighborhood! I was so happy with those outfits.
Was it your mom who first taught you to sew?
I asked her to, but she never taught me because she thought her process was wrong, and she didn’t want me to learn the wrong way. But I think maybe she should have. Because really, the tailors back in India are the most talented, creative people I’ve ever seen. They can just look at you without taking any measurements and make your garment perfect.
I want to be able to do that, to understand the body just by looking at it, but when you go into the fashion world and learn the technical way, like I did, it’s hard to go back to that casual way of just marking up a piece of fabric and making it fit. And my mom used to do it with such ease. I’m hoping that with more experience working with more body types I can get there.
What are some of the qualities that distinguish your bridal line?
Most gowns currently on the market are in the ivory range, with a little bit of champagne coming in too. When I realized that a hint of color was making its way into bridal wear, I decided I wanted to create a unique gold lace top, a blush pink skirt, and a blue wedding skirt. I designed them as separates so you can not only wear them for your wedding, you can mix and match and use them later in life as well. I’m also very particular about the quality of my fabrics and materials. It’s such a special day, and I feel like the bride should be wearing something that rises to the occasion. I want it to be a cherished piece—an heirloom that she can pass down through generations, and tell the story of how it was made.
What are some of your considerations when designing for a bride?
I appreciate the understructures of traditional bridal gowns, but I don’t want my bride to be uncomfortable on her wedding day. I would rather have a gown that’s less structured—just free, simple. Gown designs overall I think are trending that way. Brides are more comfortable in their own bodies, and they’re okay with wearing a dress without much support, so there’s been a movement away from using boning or corseting inside the dress. That’s my focus: exploring the freedom of a simpler silhouette, but with lots of embellishments.
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
Coming from a land where beading, embroidery, embellishment, and gold work are all so valued, I guess that’s been my inspiration my entire life. I’ve always seen these things all around me—the craftsmen sitting at their tambour tables, hand-sewing each and every bead, never tiring of the work. And the beading and embroidery they create are so wonderful. I want to incorporate that into my pieces. I’ve been trying to connect with some artisans back in India to get panels that I can use in my designs. I have some samples that I had made combining French laces with that intricate hand beading from India, and I don’t even want to use them because they’re just so precious.
Aside from fabrics, how do you select your materials?
All the crystals and pearls that I use on my veil embellishments are Swarovski, and I always use Czech beads, which are precisely cut in a specific shape. When you use regular beads from the market, each one is a different size, so when you go to do a tambour or embroidery with it, the calculations or the spacing varies. So it makes a lot of difference investing in quality materials.
What are some of the ways brides can customize your designs?
The blue gown has the outer layers—that luxurious, beaded lace. And then because it’s see-through, the inside is 100 percent silk, with a matching color. So I can make the shade of that a little darker or lighter, or put ivory inside, and it will completely transform the whole look of it.
Sometimes a lace is only available in white and I’ll hand-dye it to the bride’s liking. I have brides send me swatches of colors in the shade they want, and I match the color using a natural dye made from tea. I’ll send them three or four options in slightly varying shades, and they match it with their gown and let me know which one works.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
That it’s all 100 percent hands-on. When I send my products to a bride, I know the whole process. I know each and every order that I have in hand. I know my bride’s name by heart. And I don’t want to ever get away from that. I want to continue that very personal, made-with-love kind of thing.
Also, when brides take the time to write really elaborate feedback—my gosh, it’s superb. I send them a message saying that it just made my day, my entire month, maybe. I think every day becomes special when you get good feedback for the work you’ve done.
Follow Smitha Menon Bridal on Instagram and Facebook.
Model photography by Connie Balluff. Studio photography courtesy of Smitha Menon Bridal.
69 comments
Nadi Renardi from NadiRenardiUA said 1 year ago
Pretty master and such a wonderful story. I remember my wedding. I had a classic dress, very beautiful, but so uncomfortable. At that time I didn’t even think about looking for some alternative. And there were a lot of variants. If I came to the choice of dress more thoroughly, I would be able to wear it now. Very cool when a hobby from childhood becomes your profession.
Татьяна from HandmadebyTassiya said 1 year ago
Oh, my God, what a beautiful and gentle work. They simply shmkarny. I fell in love.
Kristina from KrisluxuryStore said 1 year ago
How lovely! Dresses are so delicate and luxurious, and embroidery is gorgeous, I also love to embroider beading beauty! Very talented and beautiful master)
Karina Sobelman from TinyHugsToys said 1 year ago
So beautiful bridal collection!
Svetlana from Svettikflowers said 1 year ago
How beautiful it is! Very delicate and sensual work! I love these things and admire the masters. The wedding theme is very close to me. I love to create jewelry for wedding hairstyles. Brides all over the world should always look great! This is a major day! We deserve it!
Anna Sypalo from XstitchbyAnna said 1 year ago
Tender and soft colors, delicate work - beautiful gowns and talented artist! Thank you!
Nataliia from FluffySoulStore said 1 year ago
You create beautiful clothes! This is amazing! Very nice dresses.
Tatyana from CrochyUA said 1 year ago
God, why am I already merried? I want to be a bride once again, when I look on these beautifull dresses... Love them!
EverydayFolkCo from EverydayFolkCo said 1 year ago
I love the aqua blue, cream and subdued gold colors - a modern fresh romantic approach to a wedding outfit. Fresh feminine and elegant without going over the top with mass ruffles and lace.
Viktoria from Viktoriatoyscrochet said 1 year ago
A wonderful story about the Master who is in love with his business. Thank you for the new acquaintance in this magical girl !!!
Mary from CrochetGiftByMary said 1 year ago
So gently! I wish that my wedding dress was something, like that "IRIS" dress! If I`d seen it before...I like it!
cherryZO from cherryZOvintage said 1 year ago
Congratulations on the feature! Gorgeous store and items!
Daria from MyCrochetFriends said 1 year ago
This is amazing! I admire talented people! Smitha Menon and her work are great. I would be happy to get married in her clothes, but, unfortunately or fortunately, I'm already married) I was particularly impressed a blush wedding dress belt with gold flowers and crystals.
Beaded Fun from TheBeadedFun said 1 year ago
Yes, now there are less conventions and therefore more opportunities for designers of wedding clothes. That's good..after all, this means that every girl getting married, there are more options for choosing a wedding dress. After all, every girl wants to be especially beautiful and unique on her wedding day
SimplyCuteArt posh from SimplyCuteArt said 1 year ago
Love every design! Congratulations :)
Tatiana from InLoopsPattern said 1 year ago
Your dresses are delightful! I am sure that a lot of work and souls is enclosed in them! I love my work too! And for me it is important to receive feedback. It gives excellent mood and helps to do my work even better.
Maria from MaShawl said 1 year ago
Amazing! I admire people who can do such fine work! Very nice! Inexhaustible inspiration to the author! Bravo!
Irene from BabyEcoToys said 1 year ago
Such amazing stories are very inspiring! Very elegant and luxury dresses from Smitha. And the embroidery is fascinating. So you need to really love your work to create such beauty... Thanks for inspiring and thanks for the story, Jackie!
Anastasiya from byKiama said 1 year ago
So beautiful!!! I want to get marriege again))
Julia from MikoshaLinenWool said 1 year ago
Very beautiful work, the girl is great! My journey into sewing, too, was because of the lack of the ability to purchase beautiful quality items!
Olga Sokolova from MiromadeBlythe said 1 year ago
This story about childhood is close to me. Very beautiful floats are obtained, light, magical, you can feel like a princess.
Tatiana Kirienko from ooccttoobbeerr said 1 year ago
Incredible beauty! Her view of how each thing should be special is so close to me. I want to once my things were as amazing as the work of this woman!
Anna from AnnaAndBarbaraToys said 1 year ago
Very interesting story and fresh ideas. I remember my wedding ☺️ My wedding dress is hanging at my wardrobe👗 . I like an idea of some colorful wedding dresses , which can be used for other occasions 👘👠
Ekaterina from MagicAcornShop said 1 year ago
This process is similar to real magic! So many beautiful details! When you look at these dresses you want to dance in them with beautiful music!
Jennifer Tyson from LadyInPurpleBoutique said 1 year ago
Congrats on the feature Smitha! Your pieces are simply stunning! I love the dusty blue skirt!
AnnaVinogradova from Interierdollsandcats said 1 year ago
Very impressed with the work of the master. The simplicity and sophistication, vintage and modernity, the combination of different texture of fabrics makes these works unique and inimitable.
Irina from ToyscrochetCo said 1 year ago
I admire the work of this talented master! Such people inspire me to new directions in my work. These are very, very beautiful dresses! I am very glad to know about such a wonderful master!
Smitha Menon from SmithaMenonbridal said 1 year ago
Thank you so much for the kind and sweet words! Means a lot coming from the talented and creative minds here in Etsy.
Jane from BoxingglovesDesign said 1 year ago
What cute dresses! Embroidery is wonderful, very skillful. Every girl will be happy to have such a dress
Nadin from NadinArtCraft said 1 year ago
Everything is done with great love! Thanks to Smitha for sharing the creative process. And the dusty blue skirt is incredibly beautiful!
Olga Nuzhdina from FlowersForEverShop said 1 year ago
They are so beautiful! The master is amazingly talented. You can dream about such a dress! Wedding is a very important event, everything should be perfect!
Ekaterina Chesnokova from ChEkaterinaJewelry said 1 year ago
This is a very beautiful dress! I love floral print dresses. I have collected a small collection. These volumetric flowers in dresses are gorgeous!
Ekaterina Zykova from KatyaToysShop said 1 year ago
Very beautiful dresses, charming, the author is a great master, creative, unusual
Julia Verulashvili from JuliShvili said 1 year ago
Such an magical life story! It is very interesting to read about creative way of Etsy sellers! I`m a little bit sad, that I have been married 10 years ago, and my dress was not so comfortable as it describe Smitha Menon.
Kate Cherkasova from CherkasovaStudio said 1 year ago
Minimalism! I like it! But I would to add only one bright element to those looks. A little bit red for example. Or blue. Or green. It's too many colors in the nature to forget about them.
Сергей Игоревич from Friojanestudio said 1 year ago
It's magical!! Absolutely unreal appearance! Thanks for the inspiration!
Nicole from KarmaCodeOne said 1 year ago
Beautiful inside and out ~ Cheers to much continued success
Margarita from LiliaArtShop said 1 year ago
Ohhh, wedding dresses are my weakness. As soon as I see this gentle cloud, it immediately takes me to another world and to dreams. Great work, just no words.
Marina from MyHobbyTimeTMN said 1 year ago
Very beautiful dresses, original models: not overloaded with a large number of details, just moderate. Each dress has its own zest. Thank you for showing backstage in your workshop, it is always interesting to watch this.
Anastasiia from CrochetToysBabyGoods said 1 year ago
I have no words to describe my impression! Dresses looks so gorgeous! I regret that I’m already married, I want to do it again, but in another gown. I fell in love with blue wedding skirt! So talented master! I think this talent is inherited from her mother!
ClassicMemories from ClassicMemories said 1 year ago
Lovely items and lovely shop. Congrats on the wonderful feature.
Jennifer Richardson from HeartthrobStudio said 1 year ago
I am in total awe of how exquisite these dresses are... such delicate work!
Nadezhda from AlekseevaKnitting said 1 year ago
Wedding is great. To create magnificent wedding dresses, to see the joy of customers is happiness.
Fiona Guo from MomoPatternStudio said 1 year ago
It's beautiful, it has a fairy touch, it makes the wedding more sacred and beautiful, I love it.
Sujata from TreasuredMemoryLane said 1 year ago
Beautiful bridal collection! Congratulations on the feature!
Olga from Houseinthevillage said 1 year ago
These dresses are matchless! such easy and graceful, I in admiration! Thank you that gave an opportunity to glance in a behind the scenes sacrament!
Olga from dollinjoy said 1 year ago
Beautiful gowns and talented artist! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Tatyana from KnittedMittenRU said 1 year ago
How beautiful it is! I wanted to be a bride again👰🏼! Especially liked the blue skirt with small flowers! Very tender!
Yana from KnittingStyleByYana said 1 year ago
What a beauty!!! Tenderness, lightness, style. Everything is fine! There is also a desire to become a bride again.
Ekaterina Kobyuk from DollyVelvet said 1 year ago
Beautiful!
Angella Seagal from AngellaCrafts said 1 year ago
What a beautiful dress! It was interesting to learn the secrets of their birth. Thanks
Oksana from AmigurumiJoys said 1 year ago
Stories about such talented people inspire. All works are incredible))))))
Rosita from pillowlink said 1 year ago
Love the process!
Tatyana from MOMsBirdie said 1 year ago
I love a blue dress 💕 Oh it's a hand-dye lace!!! Great!!!
Tatyana from MOMsBirdie said 1 year ago
I love a blue dress 💕 Oh, it's a hand-dye lace!!! Great!
Piper Pixie from PiperPixieDesigns said 1 year ago
Wow! 😯 This woman’s super power is patience and a steady hand. AMAZING WORK!
Anna Nicolaeva from AnniesGurumiStudio said 1 year ago
Looking at these luxurious dresses, I wanted to be a bride again!😍
Darya Prozerpina from felttoysfinds said 1 year ago
Nice one! You’re doing really well.
Ludmila from PRUTCRAFT said 1 year ago
How beautiful it is! Just breathtaking! All these laces, beads, flowers, handmade in every fold of these magnificent works! Thank you for the inspiration and the wedding mood!
Anna from FairyToysWorld said 1 year ago
These dresses are so beautiful! They are important part of one of the most important day. They are amazing!
Cathy from msbijouxbeads said 1 year ago
Beautiful shop! Nice feature
Natalya from CozyHouseNatalie said 1 year ago
What a beautiful dress. So much lace and embroidery. Light, delicate as the bride herself.Admiration for the master. And the wedding dress isn't necessarily white and it's great.!!
Serena Genovese from serenagenovese said 1 year ago
Awesome!
Mary Lin from LaettaArt said 1 year ago
Oh, you are so attentive and reverent to their work. A dress without a frame is a miracle... It is very important to feel free and easy on such a day. I love India and its trends have not left me indifferent.I was struck by your reverent attitude to the desires of each bride about the very dress. that's great! You're very talented.
Luybi Arctium from ArctiumStudio said 1 year ago
I absolutely like it. So inspiring and beautiful!!
Kristy from NanaBettysHouse said 1 year ago
Amazing stunning designs, if I was getting married I would love a dress you created
TropicalGarden from TropicalGarden said 1 year ago
The bridal collection is simply gorgeous! Congratulations on the feature!
laura1girl1 from laura1girl1 said 1 year ago
This is really a wonderful bridal shop. I love all of the different ways that this designer expresses her great talent in creating beautiful gowns, skirts, and veils for the bride to be. I am eighty years old and have never seen such talent in the making of these beautiful creations. Her creations make the bride look beautiful. I wish for you only success in your dealings to the brides to be in the future.
Morgane C. from PrintableWordsFR said 1 year ago
now i need to find the man to marry ! wonderful, very talented