Introducing Asian-American Wedding Gown Designer, Brenna Simmons
As a queer, bi-racial woman, Brenna Simmons set out to create a brand that is personal to her, aligning with her own beliefs and love story. Inspired by her own wedding, Simmons created nordeen, a bridal brand incorporating nature's elements and sustainability.
Photography: Cedar + Pines
nordeen captures personal stories with collections reflecting real life brides, their love stories, and their wedding photos. These personal stories give the audience an intimate representation of not only the dress itself, but the person wearing the gown.
nordeen is a culmination of everything Brenna Simmons stands for. After a complicated relationship with the fashion industry she found her calling when she was at the alter with her partner in 2019.
Photography: Cheyanna De Nicola
Brenna’s wedding was an outdoor endeavor, featuring vows on a secluded mountain in Colorado. She found herself struggling with finding a dress that meshed into the natural landscape of the wedding - something fitting for the outdoors nuptials. Through her bridal dress debacle she realized that many others may struggle to find options for outdoor weddings. She was then compelled to create a bridal collection for people like her.
Photography: Cedar + Pines
Brenna’s values include living a conscious lifestyle, therefore, her brand commits to sustainability. Her brand falls into the slow fashion sphere, with an emphasis “less is more” and conscious consumerism.
“As a queer, bi-racial Asian American woman, I grew up unsure of how to connect to my multifaceted identity. Despite my uncertainty, there are two things I have always known since the age of twelve - that I would create my own brand and the name of that brand would be nordeen. The name stems from a family surname, passed down from my great-grandfather, Robert S. Nordeen." –Brenna Simmons, founder of Nordeen
Brenna’s goal for her brand is to “preserve beauty.” Each gown is accompanied by an immersive description on her website, inviting the audience to imagine walking through a forest or organically experiencing nature. The dresses are simplistic yet elegant, featuring silky capes and loose silhouettes. The styles are versatile - two pieces, short dresses, pant opinions, unique necklaces, and bow details.
With stunning options to choose from and a commitment to sustainable fashion, nordeen is now set to make its debut during New York Bridal Fashion Week at the NYC Bridal Market. To learn more and view the collection, visit nordeenbridal.com.
