In the fall of 2001, in the shadow of the disastrous event of the destruction of the World Trade Center, Mark Ingram launched the Atelier. Given the time and season, logic and economics would advise anyone put their dreams on hold but not this man. It was audacity that commanded curiosity in luxury gowns as a child. It was audacity that seeded a desire to work only for elite retail establishments. It was he same audacity that fueled a relentless desire to work alongside Amsale, a brand who would later inspire his business model. It was still the same audacity that created a fearlessness to fill a void in the Bridal market.
Mark Ingram took careful assessment of his 23 years in the fashion business, made a financial investment in himself to become the premier upscale multi branded specialty boutique in New York. Most important to note, his parents, those who emboldened and saw his vision, matched his investment and co-funded the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier. As a symbolic homage into his world, Mr. Ingram’s atelier opens up into a decorated wall frame by photos that represent pride in family, excellence in life, appreciation for culture and of course distinguished fashion. Simply by standing in the guest area, you are drawn into an intimate space of what is near and dear to Mr. Ingram’s heart; his family and his gowns.
Mark Ingram is 3rd generation NYC Harlem resident whose family are key influencers in his elevated taste in fashion. In his early childhood, he thrived in performing arts at what is known today as Fiorello H. La Guardia High School yet under the strong influence of his parents, later pursued his degree at NYU for Business Marketing and Management. As the first young person of color represented in the executive staff at luxury department store, Bonwit Teller, Mr. Ingram began his audacious career in retail in the 1980’s. Years later recruited by another luxury department store, the prestigious Bergdorf Goodman, would have Mr. Ingram on a trajectory towards entrepreneurship in high-end fashion.
Mr. Ingram’s unique eye for luxury design had been brooding from the time he would watch the procession of weddings at Harlem’s historic landmark churches, “Mother Zion” African Methodist Episcopal Church and Abyssinian Baptist Church. However, it wasn’t until orchestrating Wendy’s wedding, his dear sister, did Mark Ingram’s passion awaken. He explains using his business acumen to work with all the vendors necessary to accomplish a wedding was a blessing in disguise. Whatsmore, all his exposure to couture fashion from around the world brought an effortless joy to selecting a gown for her big day. This spectacular event, captured at Central Park’s Tavern on the Green, was in fact the main catalyst in launching Mr. Ingram’s into the luxury bridal field.
Intentional and still audacious, in 1996, he pursued Amsale Aberra, the most iconic couture brand, among others in the modern bridal market. After six relentless months of interviews, Mark Ingram was now the Global Sales Director for his dream company. Although this role in retail was evident advancement, his exposure to elevated and sophisticated product was consistent all these years. Contributing to opening stores, global travel, trunk shows and being on the selling floor were key in developing his knowledge in sales, brand benchmarks, and most importantly why certain product sells. He mentioned, “designers today miss” these “key parts” in product design and development. Working for and alongside Amsale was the pinnacle of Mr. Ingram’s experiences as it allowed him to see his future role firsthand.
Mark Ingram Atelier represents an authority in the high-end bridal business. Long standing relationships with iconic industry professionals such as Martha Stewart, Darcy Miller, Monique L’Huillier, Anne Barge, Peter Langner, Le Spose di Gio and many more speaks to the fruit of his integrity, dignity and professionalism. For nearly 18yrs now, Mark Ingram has traveled the world to offer his clients a private experience showcasing upscale-curated gowns from top brands such as Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang, Adam Zohar, Naeem Khan, Reem Acra and other notable designers. The Atelier draws a sophisticated woman, much like our World Bride reader, who is educated, values love, family and marriage, understands the dignity in work and practices financial stewardship. This woman is thoughtful in planning relationships, businesses, a family and her finances. This thought also goes into making informed decisions regarding the most important day of her life.
As your wedding concierge, we bring you vetted brands that offer a sophisticated product or service. Mark Ingram’s Atelier is one of these services. For more information, visit www.markingramatelier.com and be sure to mention WORLD BRIDE MAGAZINE.