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Designer Amy Michelson creates chic, sexy wedding gowns that are sure to flatter and dazzle.

Silk charmeuse mermaid gown with corseted bodice and Swarovski crystal accents, about $4,800.

Silk charmeuse halter gown with ruched empire bodice and jewel accents, about $3,950. Gowns by Amy Michelson; call 888-755-2553 for more information.

Q: What led you, as an eveningwear designer, to make the transition into bridal fashion?
A: Back in the mid-nineties, my assistant was getting married and struggling to find a gown she loved. At the time, the ballerina silhouette, with its tight corset and poufy skirt, was popular—but it didn’t suit her. Ultimately, we found a stunning white charmeuse vintage gown that I cut on the bias and reworked with beading. It had a glamorous, movie-star quality perfect for a bridal look—fresh and flattering, yet not too avant-garde. From there, I was hooked on bridal design.

Q: What inspires your designs, and what may we expect to see in your upcoming collection?
A: When I design a dress, I expect it to take my breath away; when I get goose bumps I know it’s right for a bride! And the fact that I try on the dresses myself really makes all the difference in the world: Does this dress make me look thinner? Is my bustline supported? Can I move freely and comfortably? I am drawn to soft, luxe fabrics, like silk charmeuse and satin crepe with lace overlays, as opposed to stiffer, more structured materials. I’m also adding fullness with mermaid skirts and ruffled petticoats to accompany formfitting bodices; it’s a sleeker, more modern look than the traditional princess gown. My dresses have “real girl” glamour to them—a relaxed elegance with a softness and ease that appear effortless on the part of the bride. It is my goal to make a bride feel gorgeous but still be completely herself.

Q: Many of your gowns are backless or have slinky, formfitting silhouettes. What draws you to these bold styles?
A: For me, the creative process is about taking risks and adding surprising touches that feel new but still express universal beauty. A woman’s back is the perfect feature to highlight since it’s a focal point during the ceremony. It’s so much sexier to show skin in the back than to have a plunging neckline in front. When a bride wears one of my dresses, her husband will be thrilled because it’s sexy and will hug her curves in all the right places. But a grandmother will also love it for being classic and in good taste.

Q: Any tips for a newly engaged woman who is set to go dress shopping but doesn’t know where to start?
A: She should start by compiling images and ideas that most appeal to her. Make it fun—invite some girlfriends over, grab a poster board and scissors and open a bottle of wine. Then pull out all those bridal magazines and cut out the images that speak to you and attach them to the poster board; everything from dresses to flowers to reception décor. Are the images lacy and romantic? Crisp and classic? If a woman discovers her individual essence before she goes shopping, she’ll be way ahead of the game.

Amy Advises Look at yourself for inspiration. A dress that’s amazing on your best friend may not highlight your unique style. The texture of your hair is also a great guide in choosing a dress. If you have long, straight hair, a sleeker fabric, like silk charmeuse would play off your natural assets. A gown with lace or luxe beading would flatter curly hair. I love bling, but use restraint. Bridal beauty isn’t about extensive dress embellishments or jewelry. It’s about the beauty that comes from inside. Visit our Wedding Dress Gallery to find more Amy Michelson gowns.