I knew from the start that a traditional wedding dress wasn’t for me. I always envisioned myself walking down the aisle in a skirt suit, just like my mother did at her small wedding in Boston back in 1978. The image of her in that elegant suit resonated deeply with me, and I knew I wanted to honor that memory.
When I got engaged two years ago, I immediately knew who I wanted to design my own wedding skirt suit: Svitlana Bevza, the talented designer behind the Kyiv-based label Bevza. I had discovered her work at Ukraine Fashion Week in 2015 and was instantly drawn to her unique style. Over the years, we had become close friends, and I knew she would perfectly capture the vision I had in mind.
During our initial conversations on WhatsApp, I described my ideal look. I wanted a skirt suit that evoked the sharp, bold shoulders of my mother’s dress, reminiscent of Michelle Pfeiffer’s iconic white skirt suit in Scarface, but with a longer, more flowing skirt. It was important for me to strike a balance between modern style and the traditions of my Orthodox Jewish faith.
While no one explicitly told me I had to dress modestly for the wedding ceremony, I felt a strong internal sense that it was the right thing to do. Having worked for Rabbi Rodkin in Brighton, Massachusetts, during my college summers, I was familiar with the importance of modesty in Judaism. It was a practice that felt natural and respectful.
I knew that Bevza, with her inherent elegance and understanding of modesty, would be the perfect designer to bring my vision to life. On a beautiful May evening, she met me for dinner at Casino in New York City, where she was attending the Met Gala. In the middle of a crowded dining room, she took my measurements, bust included, and scribbled them down on a piece of paper.
Over the next few months, Bevza and her team in Kyiv worked tirelessly to create the skirt suit. It was a challenging time for them, as Russia had invaded Ukraine. Sirens blared and bombs fell in the capital, yet they continued to work with incredible dedication. I honestly doubted that the dress would even reach the United States, given the difficulties with mail and travel in Ukraine.
But to my immense relief, the dress arrived about two weeks before the wedding, sent by Ukrainian postage. When I put it on, it fit perfectly. Bevza’s innate understanding of tailoring ensured that the waist was cinched beautifully and the bust was allowed to flow freely. It was everything I had hoped for.
However, as I stood there, I realized that there was another important factor to consider – modesty. I couldn’t stand under the chuppah with my bust so prominently displayed. So, I turned to Ornela Flamuri, a renowned tailor in New York City, known for her family’s long history of tailoring expertise. She suggested adding a panel that would cover my collarbone.
With the help of my friend and former coworker, Anny Choi, now a top bridal stylist, we went to Mood Fabrics to find a matching fabric for the panel. Ornela expertly attached tiny snaps to the fabric and the dress, creating a seamless and elegant cover.
The final step was the veil. In Jewish tradition, the veil holds immense significance, symbolizing a transition from one life stage to another. I knew I wanted a veil that was both respectful and striking.
I immediately thought of Batsheva Hay, a talented designer whose wedding portrait featured a thick cloth veil, which she told me was her grandmother’s tablecloth. While I didn’t have any family heirlooms to use, I knew Hay would create something special.
With Anny by my side, we returned to Mood Fabrics and found a beautiful crystal embroidered fabric that would perfectly complement the sleek satin of the dress. Hay and her team expertly crafted the veil, lining it with mesh to ensure it would stay in place.
After the ceremony, I removed the panel and donned my jewelry: an ’80s-era pearl necklace, ring, and earring set from my mother and a natural pearl necklace from my mother-in-law. Following Ashkenazi Jewish tradition, I didn’t wear any jewelry during the ceremony.
Removing the panel revealed a completely different look – a touch saucier, I’d say. I loved how the skirt suit transitioned from modest to modern, showcasing the versatility of the design. It was a true testament to my unique style and the timeless elegance of a skirt suit.
As I walked into the night, with my loved ones by my side, I knew I had found the perfect balance between tradition and modernity. It was a wedding that reflected my personal style and honored my heritage. And I couldn’t have imagined a more beautiful and meaningful way to begin my new life with my husband.
