THIS STYLIST TEAMED UP WITH A NEW YORK COLLECTIVE TO CHANGE HOW WE SEE BRIDAL FASHION

By: Erica Commisso 

Stylist Alysia Cole is a seasoned expert in the fashion industry, with a keen eye for trends and a deep understanding of design. Having attended a plethora of fashion shows and countless viewings of wedding dresses, she has honed a sharp sense of style. Yet, as a plus-sized consumer navigating the world of fashion, she has encountered her fair share of frustration—especially when it comes to bridal events. Despite her extensive experience, the industry's limited options and lack of inclusivity have been a personal challenge, one that fuels her commitment to creating a more accessible and diverse fashion landscape.

“So much of my job as a personal stylist who works with plus size brides-to-be is to advocate for size inclusivity, and being in spaces where the size 6 model is considered ‘curvy’ is incredibly frustrating,” she says. So she decided to use her voice to change it. 

Credit: Kathryn Tay

At New York Bridal Fashion Week this past October, Cole partnered with The Fringe Collective, hoping to promote size inclusivity and highlight body diversity. “My hope was that I could act as a connector between buyers and the designers showing at Fringe, specifically plus size and size-inclusive boutiques who might not have dipped their toe into independent designers yet,” she says. “I talk with nearlyweds every day, and so many of them are looking for designs that reflect who they are - and they aren't seeing those available in plus size! I wanted to help amplify these incredible designers and show boutiques that there is a deep need for unique wedding attire made responsibly.” 

For her part, Marteal Mayer, the owner and designer for Loulette Bride, was excited to further her mission with Brooklyn, New York-based The Fringe Collective. Established in 2015, it is a sustainable and inclusive bridal market curated by Mayer and her team to support and highlight emerging or independent designers. “This year, we pivoted to become the destination for inclusive and sustainable bridal design,” Mayer says. “We were inspired to further curate a space where designers who were putting their energies and talent towards things that are so needed in the bridal industry - inclusive and sustainable design - to have a space where they would be celebrated, and not overshadowed by larger designers at other New York Bridal Market shows.” 

Credit: Kathryn Tay

Having Cole represent The Fringe Collective, Mayer says, felt like a natural fit. “We asked Alysia to represent The Fringe because she is an incredible bridal stylist with a strong focus on inclusivity, so we knew she'd be the perfect representative for our market,” she explained.  

Cole echoed the sentiment. “Fringe was always on my do-NOT-miss list when it came to NYBFW, and I often send clients to Marteal and Jillian at Loulette Bride, which meant I already had a relationship with Marteal and Fringe Collective. So, when they invited me to play host this season, I was so excited!”

At its core, Cole says, fashion is a form of self-expression - and she believes that no one should be excluded from displaying their personality. But, she feels the industry is still falling flat on that belief. “Fashion is a part of everyday life - we all get dressed, to whatever degree you may choose, but having access to clothing that fits us, that is made responsibly, that is shown being worn by diverse communities, these elements are key for us as a society. For bridal specifically, representation at these markets and runway shows has real, direct effects on our clients. At the end of the day a bridal market is mostly for buyers to pick up new dresses,” she says. “And then when they don't see any gowns above a certain size, or any illusion tulle in any skin colour but white, they take on additional risk if they buy that dress in different specifications than the sample, because they don't know how it will look or if the designer can even manufacturer it well.” 

The issue, both Mayer and Cole agree, applies to anyone who does not conform to a stereotypical sample size - and boutiques are often full of small sample-sized dresses made for people with light skin. 

“The average woman is not a 25" waist, which is most of what you see on models during NYBFW,” Mayer says. “Brides shopping at boutiques come in every shape, size, colour and gender expression, so actually displaying inclusivity at market is so incredibly important.”  

The typical bride is often not the sample size or the size of the mannequin, Cole agrees, but only sees dresses that fit one body type. “Anyone who does. not fit into that box comes into a shop excited for what is supposed to be such a happy time and instead is asked to ‘imagine’ what the dress would look like on them,” Cole says. “And while there's always going to be some imagination necessary when shopping for a dress that has to be altered for the perfect fit, not being able to step into a gown is demoralizing, and it happens quite often. When we have a diverse showing in fashion - on runways, in markets, in brand imagery - we help make it literally more possible for people to wear what feels right and to have access to options that work for them. And when you're dealing with a garment that holds as much value as a wedding dress, that means a lot.”