Atlanta bridal gown designer addresses future brides at Long Island

Long Island Business News, Feb 18, 2005 by Adina Genn

Brides-to-be trying on gowns at The Wedding Salon of Manhasset received expert advice from Atlanta-based designer Anne Barge, who was on-site Feb. 12 for her only Long Island trunk show.

A creator of old-fashioned gowns with a nod to classic elegance favored by Audrey Hepburn, Barge made recommendations on gowns and alterations to The Wedding Salon clients.

It's a liberal education to meet with brides and see what they like these days, said Barge, adding that she and two of her company reps visit different shops simultaneously every weekend, 10 months out of the year. It's the only way to be in touch with today's bride, she said.

Nancy Aucone, who owns The Wedding Salon with business partner Susan Finale, said there's always a lot to learn when a designer visits the shop. We only do customizing changes when a designer is here, Aucone said. When they say it can be done and write the order, and do a sketch - a picture is worth 1,000 words.

Barge, a former dress-shop owner, empathizes with small-business owners such as Aucone. When a retailer says 'I need help,' it's an immediate reality, Barge said. Service is everything. You can't afford to miss a beat.

And that's helpful to Aucone. Other designers have no clue, she said. They live in a bubble.