Inspiring Conversations with Marie Cordella

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marie Cordella.

Hi Marie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?

Hi! I’m Marie  I’m a Designer Dressmaker and the owner of Cordella Bridal. I’ve always had a love of design and am intrigued by the concept of total design. For example, Frank Llyod Wright practiced total design. He not only designed the house but also the furnishings within; light fixtures and silverware included. I believe that I’ve expanded this concept into my own business, as I strive to design and create an entire experience for each client. I don’t just make or modify your gorgeous gown. My team and I get involved in everything from how you want to feel in the garment to selecting the shoes, flowers, jewelry and all the rest. We design a cohesive system that makes your wedding uniquely yours.

I majored in women’s literature and graphic design for my undergraduate education. While learning graphic design, I learned something about myself; that I didn’t want to end up sitting behind a computer doing 2D designs. In response to that realization, I started experimenting on my own, in my apartment, designing different things with various media and materials. Really, everything from painting to woodwork. Whatever inspired me in the moment. At one point, I actually taped up plastic tarps on the walls, brought in various power tools, and turned my apartment into a woodworking studio. That entire period resulted in me passively creating a portfolio of 3D designs.  At the time, I didn’t even realize that was what I was doing. I’m glad I did- because it led me directly to my Masters education. I applied and got into all top 5 product design programs in the country (at the time).

After grad school, where I majored in industrial design, I had to make a fairly serious practical decision about what path to take professionally. Like many young people, I had to consider what I would be passionate about doing while being able to support myself financially. At about that time, a friend’s grandmother gave me a sewing machine; a 1919 Singer portable electric that only sewed straight stitches. It turned out that I had an immediate knack for sewing, specifically understanding special/complex pattern design. I focused onmastering stitching (machine and hand) and learning about materials. Basically, I was trying to become the most competent seamstress that I could be. This early attention to craft  really helped me as I evolved into focusing on the importance of aesthetics within successful designs. I not only had a vision of how a dress would look on a mannequin, but also on how to structure it so it would still look and fit beautifully on a real person, in motion. 

How did your upbringing play into your identity as an artist?

My family raised me to be a designer. Having grown up in Silver Spring, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Northern Virginia, I was exposed to the arts and international cultures from day one. Ushering at Arena Stage, attending exhibits at The Smithsonian, travelling and visiting as many historic sights as possible (galleries, graveyards, churches and so forth) was the way we lived.

My mother was an antique china and linens collector. She was extremely passionate about the arts and made a point to have me spend my evenings and weekends attending plays, museums, concerts, taking drawing classes and interacting with influential artists and musicians. Admittedly, I found it laborious at the time; but in hindsight, it shaped me as a person and an artist. There were beautiful framed prints all over my childhood room, ranging from original Prada prints to the Versace exhibit at the MET. I’m confident that my mom intentionally infused a love of fashion into my being. 

(Note: My mother suggested that I start a bridal alterations business to support myself while pursuing whatever I felt like in my free time. Ultimately, I did. I’m a total designer who particularly loves textiles, sewing, fine artisan crafts and interacting with other people.)

My father was an engineer and a tool designer. We spent our time together working on math problems, woodworking, reading anything from short stories (we both love Roald Dahl’s Omnibus) to James Gleick’s thoughts on Chaos Theory. Long talks about literally anything (i.e. how to bend light) were highly influential in my decision to pursue a master’s degree in industrial design. Originally, I was torn between the American School of Crafts, where I’d specialize in mastering carpentry, and Rhode Island School of Design for product design. While talking with my dad, I realized that NCSU’s Master of Industrial Design program encompassed both schools of thought. As you probably guessed – that’s where I went.

My uncle (my mother’s brother) was actually the choirmaster/organist at both The National Cathedral and St. John’s Laffiette Square (The President’s Church). He was extremely instrumental in making sure that music, art and travel were prevalent in my life. Lunch at the Women’s Museum in D.C., evening concerts at the National Cathedral, holidays spent in Europe, etc. We didn’t vacation – it was always a trip. Waking up and walking or using public transit to see as much as we could each day was just the way it was going to be. I’ll never forget that when I opened my first location in Raleigh’s North Hills, my uncle drove down from D.C. with my mother and flew back that same day just to make the event. 

Those three people shaped me, my education and my work ethic. Without them, there wouldn’t be any story to tell.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I’d say it was a bumpy road that evolved into a smooth adventure. Launching my studios on my own was quite challenging as I didn’t have any previous experience in such a massive undertaking. I had to really take some time to understand myself and the goals of my business. I also had to teach myself how to handle the financial and business sides of a successful career. Really understanding the clients’ expectations vs. my vision and the ultimate product was a lesson. Staffing and team building was an iterative experience that I learned via trial and error. 

As far as Cordella Bridal is concerned, I have made a conscious shift from being the most competent seamstress on the team to focusing on what makes the business unique. My sense of design and style, along with a deep understanding of how garments are fitted and constructed are paramount. I have offloaded most of the day-to-day sewing and making to my amazingly competent staff so that I can focus on developing my personal portfolio and brand. This is what really excites me. It’s an incredible gift to be able to live a life expressing my ideas and seeing them come to life while also running a successful business. 

I’ve had experiences such as teaching Creative Strategies with Digital Media on a master’s level to being a Store Visual Designer for Nordstrom. I’ve held artist’s residencies and exhibited my work on multiple television platforms, including Lifetime Television. I’d say that when I want something, I tend to get it. I’d also say that I get what I want because I work my ass off to get it. Nothing has reallybeen handed to me.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

Cordella Bridal is my bridal alterations/modifications/redesign/heirloom restoration/custom bridal business. In 2012, I partnered with a local bridal shop in order to start altering their dresses. At that time, I was sewing everything myself and working out of my home. Within about six months, I’d saved enough money to start my own business in a luxe retail location. In 2013, I hired my first few contract seamstresses, each of whom worked onsite in my shop. The business has grown and I’m thrilled to have the most amazing team of people working with me to give each bride a unique experience and a custom bridal system. By “system”, I mean a collection of garb that works as a beautiful and cohesive collection on their wedding day. We don’t just alter your dress; we help choose earrings, make custom veils, and all the rest.

What I (my team and I) deliver in the end is making clients feel great about themselves and the way they look on what could be a day of high expectations leading to high anxiety. Helping to ease their anxieties and achieving the objective of looking and feeling uniquely great on a special occasion is massively satisfying for me. I want to make sure I emphasize how special the experience for each bride is. 

Marie Cordella is my second business. I, personally, design and create high-end gowns and garb for any and all occasions. It was a dream of mine to create intricate couture gowns and I feel extremely lucky to be living out that reality. In 2018, I moved the business into a gorgeous historic landmark house in downtown Raleigh. The bottom floor of the building is Cordella Bridal and the second floor of the building is Marie Cordella. In this building, we do our best to get to know each client, their family, and their bridal desires. I also genuinely think the beautiful building that houses the studio is part of the allure of working with us. Not to mention the whole team is funny, lol.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books: The Roald Dahl Omnibus: by Roald Dahl. Chanel: biography by Axel Madsen. The Year of Magical Thinking: by Joan Didion.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: mariecordella.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariecordella/
• Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/cordella-bridal-raleigh-nc-659925

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