A gown to remember

One can't help but notice the display windows on the corner shop of Fourth Avenue's Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Luly Yang Couture just stands out. This timeless, elegant and classy bridal- and evening-wear boutique is a delightful example of what fairy tales are made of. Rows and rows of enchanting shoes and frills greet you as you walk through the door, almost distracting you from Yang's exquisite accessories and sumptuous gowns.

Luly Yang Couture is celebrated for its beautiful bridal and evening gowns, fanciful wraps and contemporary garments made of luxurious Asian and European silks and laces. Each gown is made with tender loving care and sparkles with sophistication and romance, and each allows women to express their individuality.

Yang's success has earned her frequent comparisons to Vera Wang, the popular fashion designer best known for her lavish bridal empire, as well as her expanded brand with fine jewelry, fragrance, eyewear, shoes and home collection. "It's a great compliment," Yang says." I'm flattered because she's incredibly talented and she has built an amazing business in a short amount of time."

Just like the incredibly talented Yang.

LULY YANG COUTURE

Papillon lace and leather studded corset with full tulle skirt; $4150.

Armed with her background in graphic and branding design, Yang came to fashion almost through osmosis. "I grew up with fashion in my family," says Yang. Luly Yang Couture began in 2000, when Yang wrote the business plan while planning her wedding.

"I started the business when I was a bride because I couldn't find what I was looking for," she says. "So I designed my dream experience."

What started as a small business with only her and one seamstress has now expanded to a staff of four, plus a few contractors and part-timers. A spring 2006 space expansion and additional locations are in the works as well. "I'm opening a men's couture department for special occasions," Yang says. "I want to be able to design for the whole family. It would be so fun."

Luly Yang Couture is also expanding its line of accessories and shoes for women. With this year's planned launch of the LulyWed collection for honeymoon wear — resort, lingerie, spa products, shoes, sandals and other lovely post-wedding items — Yang's boutique is on track to become a one-stop bridal shop and more.

"We want to continue to see our brides, even after the wedding,"she says.

Luly Yang Couture wedding gowns start at $2,000 and up. Brides can choose from the ready-to-wear gowns off the rack or have one custom made (with at least six months' advance notice). Sample sales are also held periodically.

Using only the finest textiles — including satins, silks and laces embellished with dazzling beads, embroidery and other trimmings — Luly Yang Couture specializes in more than your traditional white dresses. Now more than ever, women are looking for unique gowns in full color, gowns accentuated with a colorful sash and other designs outside of the norm. "We specialize in individuality because our brides are all very unique," says Yang. "We want to make sure that it suits her accordingly."

Even with a growing clientele around the country, Yang is happy to make Seattle her headquarters and loves designing for local women. "Seattle women are down to earth, but elegant and sophisticated in a quiet way. The gowns I design for our local clients reflect their sophistication," she says.

LULY YANG COUTURE

Monarch Butterfly silk taffeta corset and ball skirt, trimmed with ostrich feathers and Swarovski crystals; $25,000.

Yang's inspirations come from life itself, such as her current collection called "Metamorphosis," featuring butterflies and nature. "With this collection, my whole concept is to really value time and life. It's about celebrating change and balance."

Balance in life is something this 36-year-old knows well, juggling her growing business with her responsibilities as a wife and a mother to her two-year-old. She credits her family, particularly her parents, as a large part of the boutique's success: "My parents have a lot to do with making this dream come true."

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