Evening and bridal designer Nardos Imam burst on to New York Bridal Fashion Week this April, staging an elegant runway show, but it’s certainly not her first rodeo. Born in Eritrea, Africa, Nardos became intrigued with fashion by the constant hum of her mother’s sewing machine, which she heard every day of her young life. After immigrating to the USA, she knew making beautiful clothing was her calling and set out on that path. Her first career move was working for a textile company, followed by a long stint as the In-house fashion designer at the legendary retailer Stanley Korshack in Dallas, Texas. Her clientele and following grew, and in 2012 she broke out on her own and started Nardos Couture, a collection of architectural evening and bridal dresses with a feminine flair. She quietly built her empire based on personalized service and exquisite designs. She held her first bridal showing at New York’s iconic hotel—The Plaza. Today celebrities like Jane Seymour and Kameron Westcott, Joanie Leeds, and more wear her designs.
What was the design influence for your bridal collection?
My design influence for this collection was Enchanting Garden. It is ideal for the modern and offers a fresh perspective on timeless styles. Each gown is crafted with delicate floral accents and bold architectural elements.
Why did you decide to have your first bridal show at the Plaza Hotel?
We decided to have the show at the Plaza because it perfectly represents a timeless and luxurious hotel. We wanted to bring our Bridal Show to the iconic hotel and create a lasting impression for our debut runway show with NYLBFW.
Describe the bride that comes to you for gowns.
My bride wants a perfect mixture of traditional and trendy. She desires to be graceful, timeless, and elegant with a fun twist. We took elements from both Victorian and American periods for this collection. Brides come to us looking for fresh florals, exciting appliqués, embroidery, and modern laces.
How long have you been designing bridal?
I have been designing bridal for around 15 years, and it is an honor to be a part of such a special moment in a young woman’s life and create something that will make her feel beautiful.
Where can brides buy your gowns?
Brides can book an appointment at our two salon locations in Dallas, Texas, and New York City. We also have several new wholesale accounts presenting our collections to even more brides in Fall 2023.
