Linvina Bridal Offers Customized Gowns Without Hefty Price Tag

Back in 2010, the founder of Linvina Bridal, Wu Lin, couldn’t find a bridesmaid dress for her friend’s wedding.

“Getting an evening dress from overseas was really expensive, yet most of them were actually made in China,” she says.

So, Wu created her own brand, making customized wedding and evening dresses at affordable prices for people around the world.

“Our prices are really low compared to overseas, around half the price,” the manager and designer says. “I really love designing and have been dreaming about making pretty dresses my whole life.”

What began as an online store turned into a brick-and-mortar shop last year, the founder tells us: “Online customers from Beijing wanted to meet me in person and talk about designs, so I started the shop in Beijing. Now I have a design team and around 20 employees.”

Linvina specializes in classic, elegant and form-flattering designs, with shapes including A-line, fishtail and sweetheart necklines. High quality satin and chiffon materials are available in an array of candy-colored and neutral tones.

“I like the [curve-enhancing] fishtail shape because I think it enhances our natural shapes. There’s no reason to hide them,” Wu says.

Apart from wedding dresses, Linvina also creates prom, ball gowns and, more recently, suits. Wu relishes the responsibility of helping to create memories for shoppers. “I love hearing feedback from my customers that we’ve made their dream dresses.”

It’s not all fairytale wonder though. Despite the timelessness of formalwear, Linvina is still subject to individuals’ aesthetic tastes, Wu says. “People’s style preferences change so fast, so we have to keep learning.”

However, one thing remains constant. “I hope we can always provide high quality yet affordable customized dresses,” Wu says.

Linvina Bridal; Tue-Sun, 10.30am-7.30pm (appointments in advance preferred); dresses RMB2,500-12,000 (evening dress sale price from RMB300); Kuntai International Apartment, 21/F, room 2107, Yi 12 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区朝外大街乙12号21层2107 (www.linvinabridal.com; 185 1077 5296; WeChat ID: 532667243)