Rebecca Engel started her career as a fashion designer in 2006. Since then she has worked as head designer for James Coviello, creating beautiful vintage inspired ready to wear collections. It was there that she first discovered her love for bridal. Wedding dresses and bridesmaid dresses were designed exclusively for BHDLN, and custom wedding pieces were created for clients from Coviello’s Lower East Side boutique.
Rebecca’s wanderlust next brought her to Rwanda, where she lived for three years and worked as Head Designer for the East African brand Mille Collines. “Rwanda changed my life forever. The hand craft and talent of individual artisans I witnessed will be a constant inspiration in my work.” While in Rwanda she was able to continue her love of bridal by making custom wedding dresses for individuals who found it hard to find their dream dress in East Africa.
The Journey Continues
After returning to the US, Rebecca and her husband moved to East Long Island in order to be close to fresh air and nature, 'feeding the soul'. Her roots are in the woods of New Hampshire, where she was raised, and nature is where her imagination is free to roam. The proximity to New York City provides constant inspiration and access to beautiful fabrics and talented collaborators. From her Amagansett Atelier, Rebecca sketches, makes patterns and creates samples.
Working with individuals to create a truly unique piece is something Rebecca has grown to love. She works closely with brides to make their wedding vision come true. It is a very collaborate experience, one in which the bride brings her ideas to the table, and sees them pushed to another level through Rebecca’s years of design experience. In addition to wedding gowns, Rebecca also provides custom designs for rehearsal dinners, receptions, and bridal party dresses. For a bride who wants to break with the tradition of a matching bridal party, but still wants the end result to be cohesive, a color story and theme can be created that allows each member of the bridal party to reflect their own personality, while maintaining a certain aesthetic.
There is a reason why weddings have stood the test of time, whether traditional or modern, they are a time for two individuals to express their love, commitment and happiness in front of the people that matter to them most. Rebecca’s goal is to provide an experience where the love and excitement felt within is reflected beautifully on the exterior.