Allen County
Founder Profile
Esther
Andrews
Business
Esther Andrews Bridal
Founded
May 2020
$500 Grant Date
September 2020
Idea
Handcrafted and sustainable knitwear for elegant winter brides.
Hours of love and care in every stitch.
Summer is commonly known to be wedding season, but when COVID-19 stuck in 2020, many summer brides began pushing their weddings back to the winter in hopes of keeping their friends and family safe.
The problem is, many bridal companies only cater to summer brides. Sleeveless, silky dresses are not the most practical for cold weather events.
Esther Andrews worked for several years as a knitwear design consultant in New York City for clients including Diane Von Furstenberg, Victor Glemaud, and Spencer Vladimir before moving back to Fort Wayne. She realized that her experience in knitwear could help fill this gap in bridal apparel.
Esther Andrews Bridal apparel is artfully designed using timeless silhouettes, unique stitches, and intricate hand-crocheted embroideries. Their collections include hand and machine knit cardigans, shrugs, wrap tops, crop sweaters, and expands into full dresses and gowns that are light-weight and comfortable for brides of all ages and sizes.
Esther’s primary aim is to create sustainable Northeast Indiana jobs in knitwear production, create beautiful and innovative designs, and be an inclusive brand for clients that is as unique, diverse, thoughtful, and caring as they are.
Business Updates
Meet the Fort Wayne-based fashion designer knitting her own path in the bridal industry
Speaking with a tone of true Midwestern humility, Esther Andrews doesn’t see herself as a disrupter in the bridal industry. But her work is certainly bucking trends by today’s fast-fashion standards.
The Millennial fashion entrepreneur and boomerang resident of Fort Wayne is the visionary artisan behind Esther Andrews Bridal, a forthcoming line of sustainable knitwear for brides.
Fort Wayne Fashion Designer Launches Line of Winter Bridal Knitwear
Each year the art community in Fort Wayne continues to grow. A designer is hoping to find success launching her first winter bridal knitwear fashion line.
Esther Andrews is originally from the area, but recently moved back after going to school in New York. She found her passion in knitwear and wanted to give winter brides more options.
