Fashion Week Columbus' Wedding Runway Show: Meet Melissa Koch
Fashion Week Columbus begins Oct. 3, and the annual Wedding Runway Show is Oct. 8. Leading up to the event, we're featuring the designers whose collections you'll see at the bridal fashion show. For more, visit theFashion Week Columbus website.
Meet Melissa Koch
Age: 23
Hometown: Cincinnati
Background: I earned my fashion design degree from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, CA. While I was in school, I worked across the street from Dior on Rodeo Drive; this was around the time Raf Simons took over the house. Seeing his first collections at that store, with its redefinition of Dior's "new look," really helped me define my own aesthetic. Although I knew I would be a fruitful designer, I made the decision to start my career in technical design and pattern making so that I could fully understand fit and construction of clothing. It was important to me to know how a garment was made so that I had the skills to execute my designs.
Approach to fashion: My approach to fashion is a progression into simplicity. Matte textiles with subtle embellishments are my go. I believe clothing is made to enhance the body rather than hide it; this is apparent in my collection.
Style is … beyond what we wear. Style is all the little things we do that define us; nothing that we say. It is everything that ends up on the book cover.
Most looking forward to … I am looking forward to showing my designs. I'm the first person to design denim wedding gowns; that being said, there aren't many unique textiles available. I had to make my fabrics through embroidery and destruction. I hope that Columbus, along with the other fashion capitals, will gain a new appreciation for denim and realize what this versatile fabric can do for the bridal industry.
My Fashion Week Columbus collection in five words or less: Sophisticated silhouettes in delicate denim
The celebrity I'd most like to dress: Fan Bingbing
The Columbusite I'd most like to dress: Anyone who is getting married!
The worst fashion faux pas: Wearing leggings as pants; there is a big difference between effortlessly chic and effortless.
I never leave home without … my Balmain sunglasses.
My favorite local boutique: Thread
My hope for Columbus fashion: What I love about Columbus fashion is that even though it has a small industry, it has an abundant amount of passion. This is a place where a new designer, styling, or boutique owner can be received with open arms and is encouraged to succeed in developing their brand. My hope for Columbus fashion is for growth while maintaining this supportive environment.
Photos courtesy Fashion Week Columbus