Brides-to-be all over the Metroplex now have a new designer option to shop for their wedding looks. Paulette Martsolf of Allie-Coosh has partnered with Dallas designer Norma Villanueva to launch AC Couture Studio. This new line will specialize in couture evening gowns, special occasion wear, bridal gowns and mother-of-the-bride wear. Materials will include novelty textiles such as silk crepe, silk georgette, beaded and embroidered silks and laces, doupioni, organza and other exotics. Pricing varies depending on the design and time committed yet begins at $1500.The Studio will also offer custom jewelry designs to accessorize the couture gown. The materials utilized to hand craft the couture offerings are inspired by the coastline of Newfoundland known to Paulette and other natives as ‘The Rock’. This appreciation for natural elements blended with her late husband’s influence as a paleontologist results in necklaces, bracelets and earrings constructed of dinosaur bones, mammoth tusk, antique ivory, raw amber, black jade, pyrite, raw crystal, Ethiopian silver, Mali prayer beads, coral, wood, leather, feathers and other elements of the earth.
Over the span of 22 years the Allie-Coosh brand has evolved from pajamas to every day wear, special occasion wear, a collection of hand crafted jewelry and now couture. Much of Paulette Martsolf ’s loyal following has shopped her style sense and quality for their daily wardrobe, society events and mother-of-the bride-attire, trusting her to the most important moments of their lives. It was in 2011 that Paulette hired who would soon prove to be her couture design colleague—Norma Villanueva. Norma, an El Centro College graduate of fashion design had been creating couture designs for years prior to her engagement at Allie-Coosh. “Her pattern savvy, rare sewing techniques, a deep knowledge of textile dynamics and an effortless ability to translate a client’s need sets her apart.” Paulette shares.
Allie-Coosh is located at 6726 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205; 214.363.8616; 10:00 am- 6:00 pm; Mon-Sat; http://www.allie-coosh.com/.
