I first met Nicole Mcneil in a classroom at university three years ago. We were frazzled, a little confused about the class we were both taking, and we both stood out like soar thumbs with our Burberry and Marc bags as backpacks, Blackberrys (then iPhones) and coffees in hand. I remember she told me she was planning on opening a bridal boutique with her sister, all while I was saying Im planning on moving to Vancouver to work in the industry there. But three years has flown by and since that first encounter Nicole and her sister Ashley have paved the way for Edmonton brides-to-be by opening Delica, a gorgeous new bridal boutique in the south end of Edmonton.
Recently I had the opportunity to use some of their dresses for a photoshoot I did with Amanda Diaz here in Edmonton. Numa models represented these looks. After drooling over the Dior inspired editorial I realized something… I want to feature the two young women who are putting Edmonton on the map, as far as bridal couture goes, people need to know about them.
So I interviewed the two lovely sisters, Nicole and Ashley, last week so we can get to know a little bit more about the two who are dressing the brides of Edmonton…
I cant live without:
N:
- Family + friends
- Lip-gloss
- Cell phone (team iPhone!)
- Starbucks
A:
- YSL shocking mascara
- Biotherm Aquasource face moisturizer
- Blackberry
- Uggs
Describe your style in six words or less:
N: Girly with a touch of sass!
A: Trendy
New York or Paris:
N: New York
A: New York
Vogue or other:
N: The Knot
A: The Knot
Who’s your favorite designer?
N: For bridal it would definitely have to be Monique Lhuillier. Her gowns exemplify the essence of sophistication and enhance the femininity and delicate beauty of a woman.
A: I love Alvina Valenta; her gowns are so timeless and have impeccable lace detailing.
Who is your favorite fashion celeb or icon?
N: Is this even a question? Lauren Conrad.
A: Olivia Palermo
What is the best part about owning a bridal boutique?
N: Everything! I love being able to interact with brides, and learning about their wedding. You develop a bond with your brides, you really get to know them and build a unique relationship with them. It is so rewarding helping brides look and feel beautiful.
A: Seeing all the new bridal trends enter the market, and seeing how our brides react to all the new trends!
About Delica:
Why bridal? How did it all begin?
N: Ashley and I always knew we wanted to do something together. We both have a love for fashion and when Ashley approached me with the idea of opening a bridal boutique I couldn’t say no. At first I was so intimidated- I was so young…I had no idea how to run a business. But thank god for Ashley. I have learned so much from her over the past two years about how to run a business and just about life in general.
A: Bridal is a fashion based industry that is heavily influenced on today’s fashion trends and pop culture. It is exciting for us to hear about the bride’s vision for their wedding, and how they want to look on their wedding day. We love getting to be part of it!
What inspired the store name Delica?
A: We wanted to have a name that was unique but still soft and dainty. We feel Delica is perfect for this as it sometimes sounds like “delicate” and has the meaning of elegance.
Where are your gowns from? When you are buying for each season, are you looking for specific looks that are missing in the Edmonton Wardrobe?
A: Majority of our gowns are directly produced in New York City which reflects the high quality and rich fabrics. We also have an amazing line produced from Vancouver called, “Lillen Collection.” This brand is very exclusive and allows brides more custom options than other bridal designers.
N: When it comes to buying, we are always thinking about what our brides want. We specifically look for gowns that are unique and different- we want gowns that reflect who we are as a boutique.
Who is the ideal Delica bride? At what point did you realize that you are helping women make a decision for one of the most important days of their lives?
N: The Delica bride is modern, trendy and is in search for something ‘different.’ She appreciates quality fabrics that have exceptional fit. She is looking for the whole bridal experience, and enjoys working one on one with a bridal stylist in a private fitting room.
What does the future have in store for Delica?
N: We are so excited for what the future has in store for us! We can’t wait to expand on our collection of high-end, luxury designers. The future is limitless.
—-JC
To Check out Delica click here
Black dress Photography by Amanda Diaz, Styled by Jessica Clark, MUA by Renee Rampersad, Model Jordan from Numa, Stylist Assistant Samantha Carter
