Therez Fleetwood saw a need and filled it. Therez’s bridal collection combines the exotic and romantic with the modern and structured. Inspired by color, shape and texture, Therez creates a unique collection of gowns that combine stylish silhouettes, gorgeous fabrics, exquisite details and creative design patterns made from beads, trinkets, embroidery, shells and lace. "Our society is a melting pot of various cultures," says Therez, "we are choosing to express ourselves and our individuality in all aspects of our lives including our wedding attire. For a long time, brides wore traditional wedding dresses that did not represent their diversity."

Therez started designing bridal gowns in 1996 after being asked to create a wedding dress exclusively for “Jumping The Broom, The African-American Wedding Planner,” by former fashion editor of Essence magazine, Harriet Cole. The success of the book brought overwhelming attention to Therez’s gown and provided encouragement to expand her collection.

Many brides like Therez’s gowns because her designs are unique, sexy and fun, allowing them to make a personal statement on their wedding day. Therez moves against the trends and expresses her fashion sensibilities while breaking the modern wedding mold. As a custom designer, her wedding dresses have received rave reviews from brides all over the world and her bridal collection has been shipped to clients in Germany, Egypt, Italy, Tanzania, and Australia.

Therez's gowns have been featured on the pages of InStyle Weddings, Brides Noir, Wedding Dresses and the Knot. The popularity of her bridal collection caught the eye of executives at American Express, and she was asked to appear in the nationally syndicated television commercial entitled "Portraits."

The designer is also an author, and her book “The AfroCentric Bride, A Style Guide,” provides clear, concise and helpful information for brides who want to reflect their cultural heritage in their wedding attire. Even the bride of Walt Disney’s Mickey Mouse, wore a Therez Fleetwood design. Therez designed the first Afrocentric costume for Walt Disney World.

Therez's entrepreneurial spirit and the success of her designs will long be admired. Her bridal designs have been on display in the "New York Gets Married" and "Black Style Now" exhibits at the Museum of the City, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City (the college in which she attended), in honor of the Black Fashion Museum.

View some of Therez Fleetwood’s amazing designs at http://www.therezfleetwoodbridal.com

Click here to hear Therez explain her process of working with clients and what inspires her to design such beautiful and unique bridal gowns.

Click here to see recent runway footage of Therez's latest designs