Fluidity, elegance, and timelessness are just a few of the qualities that today’s brides look for in the search for their perfect wedding gown. Over the years, silhouettes and designs have changed from full-on maximalist sophistication to softer yet eye-catching shapes that evoke romanticism with a touch of cheekiness, which is what nordeen seeks to accomplish. 

Created by Taiwanese-American Queer designer Brenna Simmons as an ode to sustainability and nature, she envisioned Nordeen as an interpretation of water, turbulent but, at times, calm— which echoes the human mentality’s complexities. Simmons designed each piece to represent ‘those who have fought against the current, always feeling a little in-between.’  

Inspired by the earth’s diverse landscapes and natural elements, nordeen reimagines classic wedding attire for the authentic individual. The brand aims to create effortlessly luxurious pieces, distinguished by natural materials and subtle yet unexpected details that set each garment apart.

Since its inception, nordeen has continually evolved with each new collection, layering unique, interchangeable items upon a foundation of timeless classics. Each piece in the collection is designed to be cherished, embodying a signature ease and maintaining its beauty in any environment. By focusing on the intersection of tradition and innovation, nordeen offers brides a fresh take on wedding attire that is both timeless and contemporary.

In honor of AAPI month, Our team at Eletom had the privilege of speaking with Brenna Simmons exclusively about nordeen, her multicultural background, and inclusivity in the wedding industry. 

How has your journey shaped your approach to designing gender-neutral wedding attire? 

Attire, in general, is personal and specific to each human across the gender spectrum. Anyone and everyone should be able to wear whatever they want, whenever they want. Whatever makes them feel authentically themselves and represents who they are at their core. I am female, but not a hyper-feminine person. My partner is trans, and I have watched them navigate the journey of figuring out their gender identity within the gender spectrum. Being queer and part of the LGBTQIA+ community, I am constantly surrounded by different perspectives when it comes to gender and attire. These nuances in our personalities deserve space in our aesthetics, and that belief is what ultimately inspires my approach to reimagining classic wedding attire. 

How do you ensure your designs resonate with diverse couples, including those from different cultural backgrounds? 

With nordeen, I am constantly reimagining what classic wedding attire might look like while remaining authentic to the wearer. The brand pushes the boundaries of what traditional bridal wear looks like and embraces the idea of the anti-bride. With the collection, I am always trying to make this further by offering versatile attire that can be styled a variety of ways and worn for any event celebrating love — not just what is traditionally viewed in the mainstream as a heteronormative, western style wedding. Everyone comes from different cultural backgrounds and connects to a spectrum of identities. To this end, authenticity is personal and specific to each human. I am always open to listening and collaborating with my clients to help figure out what that looks like for them. 

What does nordeen mean to you from an artistic perspective? How does it reflect your design philosophy and aesthetics? 

I started nordeen with one idea of what I wanted it to represent — an authentic collection of wedding attire inspired by nature and a desire to preserve its beauty with each piece. This ethos will always be part of the brand, but just as the natural elements shift and change, so will nordeen. As I continue to

create bridal attire that echoes the stories of our natural surroundings, I want the pieces to echo the stories around those wearing it. I’m most inspired by human stories, emotions, and lived experiences, and I always want people to feel connected to nordeen on an emotional level. To do that, I need to be open to that vulnerable exchange and let my designs come from an emotional place.

The new Collection II was inspired by the concept of fluidity and how this idea is reflected in the various forms water can appear. It felt like a metaphor for life, and designing this collection allowed me to process some personal emotional turbulence I was going through. As I continue evolving as the designer behind the brand, I desire to continue pushing these creative boundaries. I hope what inspires me also resonates with my clientele, and synergy allows nordeen to blossom organically. 

How do you collaborate with clients to understand their vision for their wedding day, especially when creating attire that defies conventional norms? 

First and foremost, I always want to get to know them and ask to hear their story. Who are they, what defines them, and what does getting married mean to them? What do they like to wear, and what do they hate wearing? How do they want to feel on their wedding day, and how do they envision that day? Are there any cultural identities or traditions they would like to represent and pay respect to? From there, we can start building a foundation for their vision and pulling inspiration for their attire. 

Do you see your work as part of a more significant movement towards inclusivity and diversity within the wedding industry? How do you navigate this role? 

Absolutely. Many wedding industries look the same or are iterations of the same thing. These are proven things that work, so it can be hard not to get sucked in and hop on the mainstream train or the most significant trending idea. I am constantly questioning and rethinking what nordeen is all about. But standing by my values, giving myself time to play with new ideas, and taking moments to revisit my vision helps me maintain the intention I have for the brand and what I see represented in the future. 

Are there particular ways you blend elements from different Asian cultures into your designs to create a unique and inclusive aesthetic? 

Being half Taiwanese and having grown up in a bi-racial household, I have been thinking about this a lot more recently. But to be honest, it’s not something I have designed explicitly in my previous collections. However, one client remarked how some of the designs felt like a nod to her Nepali heritage. I believe having a multicultural background allows me to view things through a different lens. Whether or not this is intentional, I think it organically shows up in my work. 

This year’s AAPI month’s theme is innovation. As an Asian-American entrepreneur, what steps are you taking to amplify your voice in a competitive business environment? 

I am actively trying to connect and network with other creatives within the AAPI community. This business is so competitive, and it’s tough to go about it alone. I love collaborating and always feel inspired creating with other artists. By uplifting each other and providing support, we can help amplify each other and celebrate more successes as a community.

For more on Brenna’s work check out nordeenbridal.com