Heidi Elnora is a busy woman; the Alabama based bridal designer is an entrepreneur, TV personality, wife and mother to two sons, Jack and Bo. In 2002 Heidi graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her schooling trained her in the best couture techniques that are used throughout the entire fashion industry. She began her post-grad career in Atlanta where she auditioned for the second season of Project Runway. After her reality television career started to wind down, she decided to make her own dreams a reality. Finally, in 2006 Heidi moved back home to Alabama and created her very own self-titled brand, Heidi Elnora. Her design esthetic typically includes hints of her own southern heritage while still appealing to a wide array of brides. Today, she offers clients three distinct collections, build-a-bride, Hello Darling and Heidi Elnora.
Meeting up with our good friend Heidi each April and October for New York Bridal Market is like a family reunion twice a year. We met Heidi in 2010 in Atlanta and have been big fans ever since. From “Project Runway” to her own series “Bride by Design”, Heidi always keeps it real by truly listening to her brides for what they dream and cherish about their wedding gown.
Heidi Elnora’s Fall 2017 bridal collection features distinctive wedding dresses and separates ranging from voluminous ball gowns with ethereal tulle skirts to an ultra-contemporary pant suit with functional covered buttons along the back of both legs. Heidi’s illusion work is very delicate and feminine in style yet trend forward in a contemporary way, which interestingly enough works into a traditional fashion as well. The change in her collection for Fall 2017 is the new direction of beaded bodices fully encrusted in pearls and rhinestones. Heidi embraces the intricate beading, outlining lace and embroidery throughout this collection. Clearly a perfectionist in many ways, Heidi has an eye on everything to make sure her stamp of approval is on every bridal gown, which is why we love her so much. And as we always say when we see each other – it’s been very chill.
