Every bride knows the feeling of wanting everything to be just right on their big day, especially when it comes to that dream gown. New York-trained fashion designer Colene Yap Barretto knows this well. It’s the reason why she decided to get into bridal design.
Colene's journey to bridal design didn't start in a studio; it began with her own wedding planning process. From designing her own after-party dress to creating bespoke gowns for her entourage, she was hands-on every step of the way. But one of the highlights of the experience? Trying on dresses in New York and Los Angeles in search of "the" dress.
As Colene ventured into bridal fashion, she had a bigger dream than just crafting beautiful dresses. She wanted to create a space where brides could feel the same joy and excitement she experienced, without any of the typical pressures of a bridal appointment. A warm and inviting space that feels more like playing dress-up in your best friend’s apartment rather than just a store. That dream became a reality with the launch of her bridal studio, COLENA.
With luxurious fabrics like silk and lace sourced from around the world, COLENA showcases Colene's modern yet timeless, effortlessly romantic, and simply breathtaking design aesthetic—just like the bridal gown she designed for Monika Sta. Maria!
Ahead, read Preview's exclusive interview with Colene about her journey as a fashion designer and how she started her bridal studio!
Creative Spotlight: Fashion Designer Colene Yap Barretto of COLENA Bridal Studio
Did you always know that you wanted to be a designer when you were younger? When did your interest in fashion start?
"I knew at a young age, the way my friends who wanted to be doctors knew. I can't pinpoint the exact moment, but it was probably when I was 12. It was around the time fashion bloggers started to become a thing, and Project Runway first aired. I would also spend hours creating looks on Polyvore. My mom will tell you however that I've been interested ever since! When I was 5, I was already asking her to buy me specific shoes to match specific dresses. Before any formal training, I would also make dresses for my friends to wear to all the debuts we had to attend back in high school."
Why did you choose to specialize in designing bridal wear? Were there other areas of fashion that interested you before deciding to focus on bridal design?
"I've always loved designing for special events! I love the effort people put into dressing up and looking nice. I focused on this while [studying] at Parsons, [and on my] internship at Marchesa. But during my last year there, they offered their first activewear course.
Next to fashion, working out is my obsession, so I connected with that deeply, while wedding dresses felt like a long time away! I was an activewear designer in New York for Bandier, designing for many of our in-house brands including collaborations with ALC, Solid and Striped, Sincerely Jules and Something Navy."
"I took a break after about 5 years as an activewear designer to plan my wedding. During the pandemic, it seemed like there was a new activewear brand every month, and it no longer excited me.
Aside from being extremely hands-on with every aspect of wedding planning, I also designed my after party dress, and individual dresses for all six of my bridesmaids, mothers, and ninangs. That was the moment I knew I had to do this full time, so I decided to launch COLENA. Though the two seem disconnected, fabric and fit are pillars of active and bridal, and there are so many things that carry over designing for both!"
Bridal fashion often carries emotional significance for both the designer and the wearer. How do you incorporate sentimentality and meaning into your designs?
"I get very invested when I design for brides specifically. I poured over every detail at my wedding, so I know the feeling of wanting everything to be perfect. While some people have dreamt about their wedding dresses since they were young, most people don't know what they want to wear–myself included. I loved the experience of running around New York and LA, trying on dresses and actually seeing them on me, and seeing my friends' and mom's reactions. I picked the wedding dress that made us all tear up!"
"With COLENA, I encourage my brides to come in with their friends, look or try on the collection, even if they want to do something custom. I also love learning about their personal style outside of bridal, who they follow, favorite brands, what music they listen to. I really want them to know they have a friend in me."
Is there one rule or value you always stick to when making your creations? What pushes you to keep pursuing your craft?
"It can get confusing to design now, with information being shoved in your face from the moment you wake up and look at your phone. There is a constant feeling that you have to know the trends, and design for it, otherwise you're not being a good designer. While it's important to be informed, as cliche as it sounds, I think it's important to stick to your vision and style."
"Whether in active or bridal wear, I've always kept an understated, romantic handwriting. I guess one rule I stick to is to always listen to my gut. What pushes me to keep designing is not a want to be the best, it's simply my love for it."
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