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Huide Devore Atelier

Huide Devore Atelier (pronounced Hi-D [a family name]) is a design studio that creates bespoke bridal and special occasion accessories made of high-quality silks, feathers, fresh water pearls and Swarovski crystals. Huide is currently focusing on bespoke cocktail hats, headpieces and belts embellished with hand cut and pressed silk flowers, and will soon be adding much more. Mahal Style was fortunate to work with Huide in capturing the beauty of her work in photographs. This collaboration was both fun and extremely productive. We hope you enjoy viewing just a sample of her items in these behind-the-scenes images. Look out for Huide to launch her shop in early June on Etsy (www.huidedevore.etsy.com) and later an online store front at www.huidedevore.com.

Bandeau and Bloom: Purchase the Devon Bandeau and Large Peony or Large Dahlia together and receive a discount!

MS: How would you describe your Mahal Style?
HD: I'm very inspired by color and mixing texture and patterns, and I'm a big fan of mixing things that feel both masculine and feminine. I don't like to take myself or fashion too seriously and want "fun" to be the consistent message in my clothes. Accessories also play a huge part in my personal style. I would say I might be an "accessories hoarder."

Double Dahlia:This lovely hairpiece can also be worn as a sash.

MS: What inspired you to start your business?
HD: During the planning of my own wedding in Texas in 2009, I was truly shocked at the expense of bridal accessories. I wanted to create something for women getting married that were both fun and affordable. This spawned my first lower- end line on etsy called Sweetpea & Fawn (named after my favorite flower and a baby fawn that my then fiance and I saw crossing the road at our wedding venue). I learned a lot about what brides from all over the world were looking for and had a lot of success helping them to create their wedding day looks. Like every creative person, change is important to stay inspired. The time had come for me to "take it up a notch". I learned how to create truly bespoke accessories including cocktail hats and started making my own hand cut and pressed silk flowers (rather than importing flowers from China to use in my pieces). Once I started making my cocktail hats, I realized that Sweetpea & Fawn wasn't the right home for them. I scrapped everything I had done in the past, sold off most of my inventory and started from the ground up with my new line.

Imogen Grande Bloom:Instead of a hat make a statement with this large floral headpiece.

MS: How would you describe your ideal customer?
HD: My ideal customer is a girlie girl who isn't afraid to take a risk. While I do cater to the conservative bride with simple, beautiful silk organza blooms or a mini birdcage veil, I love a bride who's not afraid to push the envelope. I love the idea that she might want to wear something simple and sophisticated during the ceremony and then sneak off to change into a fun party look ditching the veil in exchange for a fun cocktail hat.

Cate Flourish:A unique combination of ostrich, pheasant, and peacock feathers complete with silk flower.

MS: You love helping and styling brides to complete their look.
HD: What is the essential accessory for a bride to wear to look her very best on that special day? As I mentioned, a little accessory can truly complete any bridal look. I think a really special headpiece or a sash of different shaped and sized flowers could be a really important addition to a bridal look. The goal is to create a little drama, be it small or large!

Tiny Blooms Belt: The daintiest of the silk floral belts with three blooms. Customize your own with the variety of colors available.

MS: What advice do you have for aspiring designers?
HD: Don't give in to your fear of failure. This can be so paralyzing if you focus on it too long. It really is true that the more energy you give something (this could even be a single thought) the closer you will be to success. If I was experiencing a slow period in sales, I would start putting together my packaging or organzing my studio to keep that energy going. Give yourself a quick second to second guess yourself and then move on! I like to post little sayings on my inspiration board in my studio that keep me on track. They remind me to think that the world is conspiring in my favor and good will come out of whatever I'm working on.

Everleigh Flourish: A sweet double bow with Swarovski Crystals in the center.

MS: What have you learned that you could share to help your fellow entrepreneurs?
HD: You can't do everything you need to do (well) yourself. Be resourceful in finding others who are willing to work with you to help you hit the ground running. Without others to support and help you create your brand, market yourself and educate you on what they know, that amazing painting you agonized over might just be a pretty painting gathering dust!

Cary Bespoke Cocktail Hat: Made of pleated horsehair, this sassy and cute hat will most definitely turn heads.

We hope you enjoy this special feature on the brilliant art of Huide Devore. Be sure to check out the Huide Devore Atelier shop to check out more of her creations. As an extra bonus, check out these behind-the-scenes shots of our shoot!

Designer & Dog: The designer and her dog: so happy together!

Model & Makeup Artist: Mahal Style’s Chief Beauty Editor, Rochelle Huynh, transforming model, Janelle Manning, into a blushing bride.

Hair Stylist Focused On Hair: Hair specialist, Cheng Tan, keeps a sharp eye on the models hair in case she needs to make any adjustments.

Stylist & Model: Mahal Style’s Chief Stylist, Kiki Smith, coaching model, Janelle Manning, with how to utilize the glove props to highlight the hair product.

Dressy Dog: Mascot, Charlie, wants to dress up too. She is so lovely wrapped in tulle with a flower in her hair and a coy playful stare!

Article: Kiki Smith
Editor: Nicole Quiroz
Host: Kiki Smith

Models: Anna Weeks and Janelle Manning
Hair: Cheng Tan and Rochelle Huynh
Stylist: Kiki Smith
Designer: Huide Devore
Photography & Film: Minh Huynh
Music: Garrett Bradway