Meet the Designer – Prea James

Words by Kristy Kyi / Images by Jack Steel
April 30, 2018

New South Wales designer Prea James has become known for her relaxed, modern designs and understated silhouettes in luxurious fabrics. And if you’re a Sydney or Melbourne bride, you now have the chance not only to view the designer’s current collection, Halcyon Days, but also to meet her and chat all things fashion at a couple of very special trunk shows at The Bridal Atelier.

Prea says she always wanted to become a fashion designer and had an obsession with clothing from a young age. After studying fashion design and working with Karen Willis Holmes, her label began when she started creating wedding gowns for friends who wanted something fashionable but more relaxed than the traditional gown.

The Halcyon Days collection is filled with flattering cuts and designs which are modern, yet have a timeless quality about them. She shares, “Generally I am inspired by art, architecture, nature and style icons, past and present. I feel today’s modern woman wants to be sexy in an understated way that isn’t so in-your-face obvious and I try to cater to that. Subtle details that give that feminine touch. I often work with fabrics to create the designs, as I like to see how they fall best to then decide how I want to use them.”

When asked what she loves most about what she does, the designer’s passion is evident. “I honestly love every single part of it!” she shares. “From meeting the brides, to creating the gowns, receiving my brides’ wedding photos on email (that’s actually so exciting), putting together styling ideas to inspire my brides, creating amazing photoshoots, making spreadsheets late at night, it’s my dream, so I love it.”

As for what a Prea James bride can expect, the designer explains, “For Couture brides, it is a completely made to measure service, starting with an initial design meeting where we look at fabric options and design details. Couture brides will need approximately 5 fittings and I work with them through the entire process to make sure they walk away with the perfect gown. For the made to order collection, as they are all made in the studio in Wollongong, they are individually hand cut and sewn with real attention to detail. I am always here to answer my bride’s questions, whether they ordered from my studio or a stockist – it is such an important purchase and I want to make sure each and every Prea James bride has the best experience possible.”

Prea is now seeing brides by appointment at her Wollongong studio. If, however, you’re in Sydney or Melbourne we suggest heading along to The Bridal Atelier – the designer will be in the Sydney store on Saturday 12th May and Melbourne store on Saturday 19th May with her full collection, including the crown veils she designed in collaboration with JY Jewels, for two very special trunk shows. Bookings are essential and can be made by contacting The Bridal Atelier using the details below.

Sydney: [email protected] or (02) 9363 0889
Melbourne: [email protected] or on (03) 9529 2222

Modern bridal designer Prea James - Sydney and Melbourne trunk shows Modern strapless wedding dress
blush backless wedding dress
blush backless wedding dress
Modern bridal designer Prea James - Sydney and Melbourne trunk shows Modern halterneck wedding dress by Prea James modern bell sleeve wedding dress
modern bell sleeve wedding dress
modern bell sleeve wedding dress
polka dot floor-length bridal veil polka dot floor-length bridal veil
backless long sleeve lace wedding dress
modern wedding dress with lace bell sleeves

Credits

Images Jack Steel | Header image Kiri McPherson | Hair & Makeup Phoebe Fever | Jewellery JY Jewels |


Leave a Reply

Stay in the loop!