High Fashion in the High Elevations

Angela Kim’s path to couture began in South Korea, where she completed all of her formal study, including a four-year bachelor’s degree in clothing and textiles, and a two-and-a-half-year master’s in fashion design.⁠Later, in Auckland, New Zealand, she gained many years of experience in the fashion industry, including production, merchandising, and designing. She eventually found her way to the mountains of Asheville, and Angela Kim Couture was born in 2017 as part of her pursuit to use her entire skill set. “Working closely with clients on a personal level is deeply fulfilling for me. It’s not just about creating beautiful clothes; it’s about helping women appreciate their unique beauty and finding joy through thoughtfully designed garments that enhance their self-image,” Kim says.

Starting this fall, Kim will be offering complete head-to-toe custom bridal service, including custom shoes and bridal accessories to complement her existing dress designs. “This expansion allows me to create cohesive, personalized looks for brides, ensuring every detail from veil to shoes is perfectly coordinated. It’s an opportunity to bring a unified vision to each bride’s entire ensemble. I’m looking forward to this new chapter and the creative possibilities it brings.”

We sat down with the talented designer to discuss the design process, get her take on current and upcoming bridal fashion trends, and all things wedding couture.

WNC Weddings: How long does the design process take, from initial sketches to a completed gown?
Angela Kim (AK): I take on a limited number of clients each year to ensure every bride receives my undivided attention. The entire process typically requires 10 -14 months. If you wish to have custom fabric created, an additional three months is needed.

WNC Weddings: What has been the most memorable dress you’ve created thus far, and why? 
AK: I spend about a year with each bride, listening to their love stories, discussing wedding plans, and witnessing beautiful moments between brides and their loved ones in my studio—moments often filled with happy tears. I remember all my previous clients and their beautiful stories and they are all memorable. But if I had to pick just one, it would be the very first custom wedding dress and mother-of-the-bride dress I created for a North Carolina bride and her mom. That experience marked the beginning of AKC.

WNC Weddings: What are some wedding gown trends you’ve noticed or would like to see more of?
AK: I’m thrilled about the diverse range of styles available in bridal fashion today. The incorporation of colors and prints into wedding dresses adds a refreshing twist while maintaining an elegant and romantic bridal aesthetic. With endless possibilities, brides can choose any color or print that speaks to their unique style. 

WNC Weddings: Any noteworthy trends for 2024 and beyond?
AK: Floral motifs are a prominent trend in 2024 bridal fashion, offering countless opportunities to infuse this element into your dress design. From delicate accents to bold statements, there are myriad ways to incorporate flowers into your bridal ensemble. 

I’m also personally fond of dresses with detachable components. Whether it’s detachable sleeves, overskirts, neck collars, or skirt bottoms, these versatile pieces allow brides to adapt their outfits for various parts of the wedding day. With multiple events like the grand entrance, ceremony, reception, dance, and after-party, having detachable components offers a clever solution to seamlessly transition between different wedding moments while maintaining a cohesive and stylish look. 

WNC Weddings: Do you have a favorite material to create with?
AK: I’m absolutely in love with delicate European laces, especially Chantilly and Alençon. These laces are perfect for brides who want a romantic and graceful bridal look. I’m also a big fan of intricate hand beading. It adds such a beautiful touch of glamour and allows for incredible customization. Each bead is like a tiny work of art, and when they all come together, the effect is simply stunning. 

Luxurious silk fabrics are another favorite of mine. They not only feel amazing against the skin but also give gowns that perfect, smooth silhouette. Tulle is a very versatile fabric for bridal gowns and I use it a lot—it’s fantastic for creating those dreamy, floating effects that make brides feel like they’re walking on air. Lastly, I incorporate custom embroidery a lot. They offer endless possibilities for creating unique, eye-catching designs that really personalize the gown. All of these materials come together to create my signature look—graceful, sophisticated, and timelessly elegant. 

WNC Weddings: Any tips for brides aiming to hone their wedding day look?
AK: While I hold traditions in high regard and appreciate current trends, I’m excited about the prospect of weddings that are planned to reflect the personalities and tastes of the couple. I urge everyone to embrace their imagination and creativity fully. Embrace the opportunity to express your individual style by curating a cohesive wardrobe that transitions seamlessly from pre-wedding festivities to the honeymoon. Strategically plan your attire for each occasion, including the bachelorette party, rehearsal dinner, ceremony, reception, and honeymoon, to create a unified ensemble. This thoughtful approach guarantees that every moment is impeccably documented in the photographic narrative of your wedding journey.

Find Angela Kim Couture angelakimcouture.com