Podcast Summary: Bringing Individuality Into Bridal Fashion with Jackson Wiederhoeft and Christy Baird

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Who What Wear Podcast
• Host: Lauren Egertson, Editorial Director of Who What Wear
• Episode: How Wiederhoeft Designer Jackson Wiederhoeft and LOHO Bride Founder Christy Baird Are Bringing Individuality Into Bridal Fashion
• Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of The Who What Wear Podcast, Lauren Egertson sits down with two trailblazers in the bridal fashion industry: Jackson Wiederhoeft, founder and designer of the demi couture and bridal line Wiederhoft, and Christy Baird, founder of the Los Angeles-based bridal salon LOHO Bride. Together, they discuss their unique approaches to bridal fashion, the importance of individuality for brides, emerging trends, and invaluable tips to ensure a seamless wedding dress experience.

Guest Background and Beginnings

Christy Baird’s Journey into Bridal Fashion

Christy shares her unconventional path into the bridal industry:

• Passion for Fashion: Her love for fashion ignited in high school through sewing classes, where she honed her skills by reconstructing vintage bridal gowns and selling them online via Etsy.
• Founding LOHO Bride: At 27, after attending her first successful one-day pop-up event, Christy secured a small business loan to expand, creating a genuine and personalized bridal shopping experience.

Christy Baird [05:15]: "I started reconstructing vintage bridal gowns to provide brides with a unique and genuine experience that felt more personal and less salesy than traditional bridal shops."

Jackson Wiederhoeft’s Transition to Bridal Design

Jackson discusses his evolution into bridal fashion:

• Theater and Costume Design Roots: Initially focused on theater, Jackson brings a storytelling aspect to his designs, emphasizing emotional impact.
• Launching Wiederhoft: Founded in October 2019, Wiederhoft swiftly became central to his business, especially post the COVID-19 lockdown, leading to the establishment of a dedicated showroom.

Jackson Wiederhoeft [07:23]: "Bridal is one of the most important days of their lives, and it offers so much creative space for storytelling and beautiful design."

Formation of a Bridal Powerhouse

How LOHO Bride and Wiederhoft Collaborate

Lauren delves into the synergy between Christy and Jackson:

• Shared Vision: Both prioritize individuality and authenticity, ensuring each bride feels unique.
• Mutual Respect: Their collaboration began when Christy attended a dinner hosted by Danielle Frankel, leading to a mutual appreciation and partnership.

Christy Baird [11:16]: "When I walked into Jackson’s showroom, I realized this is what the bridal world really needs—a fresh, authentic perspective that honors individuality."

Emphasizing Individuality in Bridal Fashion

Design Philosophy

• Jackson’s Approach: Focuses on revealing the bride's true self rather than fitting her into a stereotypical bridal mold.

  Jackson Wiederhoeft [08:56]: "Bridal is about revealing who someone really is, not hiding oneself with too much information."

• Christy’s Curatorial Expertise: Curates hard-to-find, fashion-forward designers, often bringing ready-to-wear influences into bridal collections.

  Christy Baird [13:36]: "I love helping designers transition from ready-to-wear to bridal, pushing the agenda of individuality in every gown."

Emerging Trends in Bridal Fashion for 2025

Maximalism and Transformative Designs

• Volume and Sculptural Silhouettes: Large dresses and sculptural elements are gaining popularity, especially on the East Coast.

  Jackson Wiederhoeft [27:59]: "In New York, we see a trend towards more sculptural, fitted dresses, while in LA, bolder gowns are in demand."

• Transformative Veils and Accessories: Dresses that can transform or integrate dramatic veils and unique accessories are becoming a staple.

  Christy Baird [30:07]: "We’re having more fun with veils to create multiple photo moments and offer versatility to brides."

After-Party Looks and Second Looks

• Diverse Expressions: Brides are embracing separate, more playful looks for after-party festivities.

  Jackson Wiederhoeft [31:45]: "Second looks allow brides to express different emotions and styles, adding another layer to their wedding day."

• Storytelling Through Multiple Outfits: Changing outfits can narrate the progression of the evening and the bride’s journey.

  Christy Baird [31:45]: "Each look tells a different part of the wedding story, enhancing the overall experience for both the bride and her guests."

Memorable Bridal Moments

Christy’s Most Memorable Experiences

• Wiederhoft Bride Success: Christy recounts a successful trunk show where a bride embraced the Wiederhoft Ocean Floor Pearl Embroidery gown, highlighting a seamless transition from runway to aisle.

  Christy Baird [19:27]: "Seeing Maeve Riley fall in love with Jackson’s Ocean Floor Pearl Embroidery and bringing it to life on the beach was unforgettable."

• Personal Story During COVID: Christy shares a heartfelt moment where meeting a bride coincided with her own labor, creating a lasting memory of support and resilience.

  Christy Baird [21:45]: "Elizabeth Olson's visit during my labor and her subsequent support kept me going through the challenging COVID days."

Jackson’s Epic Bridal Projects

• Comprehensive Wedding Styling: Jackson describes styling an entire wedding party with 30 custom looks, marking a significant milestone for Wiederhoft bridal.

  Jackson Wiederhoeft [22:31]: "Creating 30 looks for PJ McGurko and his partner was a thrilling way to showcase Wiederhoft bridal to a wider audience."

Essential Tips for Brides

Shopping Timelines and Planning

• Start Early: Both Christy and Jackson emphasize the importance of beginning the dress selection process well in advance to accommodate potential delays.

  Christy Baird [24:26]: "Please shop on time. It’s a luxury to have time, and having a buffer can alleviate a lot of stress."

• Maintain Momentum: Avoid taking extended breaks during the shopping process to ensure all outfits are ready on schedule.

  Jackson Wiederhoft [34:02]: "Wrapping up orders while you’re still in the momentum makes the process smoother and less stressful."

Embracing Versatility and Customization

• Custom Designs: Jackson encourages brides to trust the designer’s vision, allowing for unique and personalized gowns.

  Jackson Wiederhoeft [18:29]: "With custom pieces, letting us do our thing results in the best possible gown, tailored specifically to you."

• Accessory Integration: Utilizing accessories to transform looks and enhance the bridal experience.

  Christy Baird [30:37]: "Using accessories to create different moments with your photos adds depth to your wedding narrative."

Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Lauren wraps up the conversation by highlighting the significant impact Christy Baird and Jackson Wiederhoeft have on the bridal fashion landscape. Their commitment to individuality, creativity, and authentic experiences positions them as leaders shaping the future of bridal fashion. Listeners are encouraged to explore LOHO Bride and Wiederhoft to experience their unique offerings firsthand.

Lauren Egertson [35:16]: "Who What Wear is so grateful for everything you're doing. Our editors are huge fans, and we're excited to see what's next for both of you."

Key Takeaways

• Individuality is Paramount: Both guests prioritize creating unique, personalized experiences for each bride.
• Early Planning is Crucial: Starting the wedding dress and accessory selection process early can prevent last-minute stress.
• Embrace Trends with a Personal Twist: Incorporate emerging trends in a way that reflects the bride’s personality and story.
• Collaboration Enhances Creativity: The partnership between LOHO Bride and Wiederhoft exemplifies how collaboration can elevate bridal fashion.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Christy Baird [05:15]: "I started reconstructing vintage bridal gowns to provide brides with a unique and genuine experience that felt more personal and less salesy than traditional bridal shops."

• Jackson Wiederhoeft [07:23]: "Bridal is one of the most important days of their lives, and it offers so much creative space for storytelling and beautiful design."

• Christy Baird [13:36]: "I love helping designers transition from ready-to-wear to bridal, pushing the agenda of individuality in every gown."

• Jackson Wiederhoeft [18:29]: "With custom pieces, letting us do our thing results in the best possible gown, tailored specifically to you."

• Christy Baird [24:26]: "Please shop on time. It’s a luxury to have time, and having a buffer can alleviate a lot of stress."

• Lauren Egertson [35:16]: "Who What Wear is so grateful for everything you're doing. Our editors are huge fans, and we're excited to see what's next for both of you."

This episode of The Who What Wear Podcast offers valuable insights into creating a bridal experience that celebrates individuality and personal style. Christy Baird and Jackson Wiederhoeft’s dedication to authentic, personalized bridal fashion serves as an inspiring model for the industry and ensures that every bride can find a gown that truly reflects her unique essence.