By SADE AWE, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The Bridal Circle

I am ever-inspired by the global world of fashion, bordering on obsessed, really. I particularly love looking behind the label of some of our most influential fashion designers, to better understand how they find their inspiration and what drives them. So when given the opportunity to chat with one of my dream designers, Mark Zunino, I jumped at the chance! Although not new to fashion, Mark seems to have taken the bridal market by storm over the last couple years. His ability to design sensual, dramatic gowns is simply astonishing and awe-inspiring! At last year’s Bridal Market Week, I have to admit my mouth dropped open at my first glimpse of his collection. Not only did it convey romance and elegance in every silhouette, but it was clear Mark Zunino was going to make a huge impact on the bridal fashion world. Here’s my interview with Mark Zunino. Enjoy!

SADE AWE: How did you get started in bridal fashion?

MARK ZUNINO: I have always done bridal in my custom business. It started back in the day when I was working in film and television with Aaron Spelling.  During the Dynasty show we always had weddings and the gowns had to be larger than life! So, I was used to doing very attention getting types of wedding gowns. It’s something I have always done. I have always been known for creating red carpet gowns. So why not give that red carpet to brides?

SADE AWE: Tell us about Mark Zunino, the fashion house?

MARK ZUNINO: We are very forward thinking and very diverse. I can go from apples to oranges.  The bulk of my business is very elite and internationally traveled, they are VERY into fashion and they wear clothes made by every designer in the world. So I am in tune with what looks great on them.  We are fortunate to be able to stay on the edge we stay at the forefront of that. I always get the girl that wants to push the envelope. The one thing that has changed for bridal is it’s okay to be sexy, to wear evening. The bride has much more flexibility. The bride is pretty much her own.  I love sensuality and every woman wants to feel pretty and sexy and I like to push the envelope from a sensuality point while still maintaining the elegance.

SADE AWE: How would you define your personal style, and does it play a part in your designs?

MARK ZUNINO: My personal style in my private life is very contemporary, I like clean lines. I’m very architectural as I have an architectural background. I dress very simply because I have no time for myself, I put my time into designing for women. Oh yes, my personal style definitely plays a part in my designs because I start from the inside out. I start with the structure whether it’s a foundation or lining. I can accentuate anything on a woman that will ultimately make her look beautiful.

SADE AWE: What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?

MAR ZUNINO: It was for Aaron Spelling to be used in Dynasty on Joan Collins a traveling costume. It was for a scene that was shot of her getting off a jet on a tamarack just returning from Europe. It needed to be extremely elegant, simple and have a wow effect. DRAMA! and it made the statement Aaron was looking for.

SADE AWE: What was the inspiration behind your 2013-2014 collection?

MARK ZUNINO: The collection was based on my 7-year-old niece. I was spending a week with her. She was reading the secret garden. She loves everything that is sparkly and cloud like. I took that light; kind of goddess feel and very dream like and came up with that collection.

SADE AWE: From where do you draw your inspiration and your ideas about fashion? {What inspires you? And does that change?}

MARK ZUNINO: Everything inspires me. I get inspired from traveling, the women I work with, and I could be sitting at the airport.  Mostly my inspiration comes from being aware. I am an observer of my surrounding.

SADE AWE: How do you define glamour, luxury and elegance?

MARK ZUNINO: I think they are sort of linked together. For one thing, luxury doesn’t have to mean expensive. It’s a feeling that can feel good against your body, it sort of heightens your personality. Glamour is a polished sophistication. It’s a woman who has put thought into what she is wearing.  Glamour, luxury and elegance can only come from a woman that has style but understands her OUN personal style and let’s it shine through rather than copying someone else’s.

SADE AWE: What won’t you travel without?

MARK ZUNINO: I don’t travel without my iPad, because I do everything on it from email to sketching.  I can scribble out on my iPad and send it to my office. Anything is possible when I have my iPad with me.

SADE AWE: Looking back through your life, whom have you looked to as style mentors and design influencers?

MARK ZUNINO: It was always Hollywood from the likes of Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn. When I think of sexy I think of Sophia Loren.  I always go back to Hollywood and notable women of fashion. Coco Chanel was brilliant and a revolutionary when it came to fashion. She went against the grain and changed fashion.

SADE AWE: We’d love to know what you wore for your most recent romantic evening out?

MARK ZUNINO: It was casual, an unlined Prada black leather jacket that fits like a glove, G star jeans and Lavin tennis shoes and a t-shirt. That’s kind of me all the time, rally.

SADE AWE: What is your necessary extravagance or guilty pleasure?

MARK ZUNINO: I love to travel.  I love to go to places that inspire me and are off the beaten path. My guilty pleasure is watching Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

SADE AWE: What are some of your favorite fabrics to work with?

MARK ZUNINO: I really love working with anything. I love the challenge with working with fabrics that are unusual. My latest obsession is ombre, I custom die it and I can control the fabric. Women love it, because you can make a woman look skinny and it flows beautifully on her.

SADE AWE: What is your all time favorite romantic movie?

MARK ZUNINO Meet Joe Black!

SADE AWE: HA! One of mine too! Knowing how busy you are, can you share with us how you start and end each day?  And how do you maintain your creative energy?

MARK ZUNINO: I start every day at the gym. I go to the gym between 4:30 and 5:30 in the morning. I end each day with a phone call to my mom just to say goodnight.  Also, I will pick 5 friends and stay in touch on Facebook.

SADE AWE: I LOVE THAT! Great idea about Facebook. What “must-have, can’t live without” product is an absolute must for you?

MARK ZUNINO: A facial crème called Sisley. In fact I have a case of it that’s on my desk and I panic when I run out of it. This stuff is amazing for me, because I love being outside any chance I can get to sketch outside… but that means my skin suffers so I have to protect it.

SADE AWE: What is one little known fact about you that would surprise us?

MARK ZUNINO: I wake up with food around me in my bed. I wake up to some weird food combinations and at times there is chocolate and cake in my bed.

SADE AWE: Better you than me that is hilarious!

SADE AWE: What’s next for Mark Zunino?

MARK ZUNINO: The sky is the limit. Right now I have more potential opportunities and more people knocking on my door than every.  The sky REALLY is the limit.

SADE AWE:  Thank you so much Mark! What a thrill to speak with you… you’re such an inspiration and I can’t wait to see you dream up next.

{All runway shots by Dan & Corina Lecca, Mark Zunino, Fall 2013}