Interview With Couture Bridal Designer Tony Ward

Tony Ward, a designer we love here at Celebrity Style Weddings, for bringing out the siren in every bride with his uber-feminine and sophisticated wedding dresses and evening gowns. His glorious creations are coveted by celebrities, royals and every woman who seeks exquisite and sublime elegance.

Born to a well known couturier based in Beirut, the famous designer grew up surrounded by enough inspirations that would later see him pursue a career in fashion.  At the age of 18 he enrolled at the Fashion Design school in Paris, “L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne”, leading him to work with Claude Montana at Lanvin, Gianfranco Ferré at Christian Dior couture then with Karl Lagerfeld at Chloé – for 7 years. He learned the secrets of Haute Couture techniques up to the highest standards, from these iconic designers and was soon ready to launch his own brand. We had the pleasure of interviewing the amazing designer recently, he told us about the inspiration behind his 2015 Bridal collection ‘A Leaf of Faith and more.

Celebrity Style Weddings  We’ve always been inspired by your breathtaking gowns that maintain authenticity through each collection. What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

Tony Ward  It was a jacket!

CSW   You’ve worked with undoubtedly some of the most powerful and successful designers in the past, such as Karl Lagerfeld, Gianfranco Ferré and Claude Montana. Did you always know that you would launch your own brand?

TW  After graduating from L’Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, I deepened my knowledge of Couture techniques at Dior, Chloé, and Lanvin for over seven years in Paris before creating my own label. I transformed my family’s couture house, established by my father in 1952, into an international brand, and thrived to create collections that combine innovation and masterful cuts and lines.

CSW   So many women including Hollywood A-listers love your gowns. Is there an actress who defines the Tony Ward woman for you?

TW  I really enjoy Royal weddings; I like the exacerbated ceremonial aspect of it, in all of its traditions. I would love to see Charlotte Casiraghi, daughter of the princess of Monaco, in one of my wedding gowns. Sarah Jessica Parker’s style is also one my favorites.

CSW  What is your favorite wedding dress across history?

TW  The Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, in her Alexander McQueen Wedding gown. Just perfect and so spot on.

CSW  What is the inspiration behind your 2015 Bridal collection ‘A Leaf of Faith’?

TW  Getting married is in itself a “leap of faith”, trust in a future that you have to create with your significant other. As this Collection has many recurrent floral elements, I couldn’t resist the witty wordplay. I gathered my inspiration from as many beautiful flower names as the extraordinary women I have had the chance to dress, and created a Collection where romance and sophistication reside side by side to immortalize many magical moments. It is a very aerial Collection, built around light, flowy silhouettes.

CSW  Do you have a favorite piece from the collection?

TW  I have to say I have a secret preference for style number 25, Arôme. I just find it so simple yet it has so much presence and the fabric is exceptional.

CSW  Are there any fashion designers or icons that you grew up admiring?

TW  My father. I grew up in family Atelier, in the effervescent world of Fashion. He was (and still is!) Beirut’s most talented tailor. His makings truly are flawless, he gave me the sense of detail.

CSW  You started off your own brand with a couture line. What inspired you to create a Bridal line?

TW  Three years after launching my Ready to Wear Collections, I entered the Ready-to-wear Bridal market. I felt there was a big demand from my clients who had a great appeal towards my Couture Wedding gowns but needed something more affordable.

CSW  What does Tony Ward do when he’s not working?

TW  My first and foremost priority is my family. They are my pillars; they keep me balanced and allow me to reach my full potential. I spend as much time as I can with them.

CSW  What’s next for Tony Ward?

TW We have been developing a new accessory line, I am definitely seeking to expand in this area, but I like to do things properly so I take my time to make sure it is all being done with the highest standards. I always try to thrive and reinvent myself. Success is something that you constantly reevaluate. I am happy to be where I am today, I have worked a lot for that, but I still plan to continue on my endeavors and create new challenges.