Timeless and elegant, Anne Barge's gowns are created with the finest of materials. Today, with a studio and headquarters in Atlanta,Ga., Ms. Barge features three distinct collections: Black Label, Couture and La Fleur.

Timeless and elegant, Anne Barge's gowns are created with the finest of materials. Today, with a studio and headquarters in Atlanta,Ga.,  Ms. Barge features three distinct collections: Black Label, Couture and La Fleur. 

Her work is exquisite in detail with cuts that flatter the feminine silhouettes of today’s modern intelligent women.

While famous for her bridal designs, Anne also has one-of-a-kind, custom-made evening gowns available. The Anne Barge Bridal Collection is represented at the finest bridal stores throughout North America, United Kingdom, Europe and Asia.

Growing up
Ms. Barge’s dream of being a wedding designer started at the young age of three, but it wasn't what everyone else dreamed she would be. Her mother, an accomplished pianist, signed her up for piano lessons at the age of two. Her mother soon realized though her interest lied in design not music. 

Ms. Barge’s interest in fashion continued to heighten. When it came to post-secondary education, becoming a designer was not her parent’s first choice. They encouraged her to educate herself in a field that would bring her a secure income. In 1966, Ms. Barge attended the University of Georgia to pursue a career as an art teacher.

Taking a chance
Ms. Barge’s heart stayed true to her dream; in 1969, during a student teaching assignment in Atlanta, she learned that a well-known designer - Priscilla of Boston was coming to do a trunk show. On a whim, she convinced her teacher to drive her to the show. When Ms. Barge showed her sketches of bridal gowns, she was hired on the spot and started as an apprentice at Priscilla of Boston for head designer Jim Hjelm. 

Ms. Barge’s honed her skills in several facets of the fashion industry before she was beckoned for the position of Managing Director for billionaire mogul Richard Branson’s “Virgin Bride” store, based in London England in 1990.

 Anne Barge's interview with TheRingbearer.ca

Q. What type of bride wears your wedding gowns?
A. The type of bride that wears an Anne Barge gown is a classic, refined and elegant woman who believes that a good design is timeless.

Q. Do you have a signature style you are known for?
A. A-line split bateau neckline and museum quality accents of beading and embroidery.

Q. Are your brides requesting more than one dress for their wedding day?
A. Some of our brides wear a gown for the ceremony and change to another for the reception.  Usually, the second gown is short or straighter and lends itself to dancing.

Q. Can a bride customize a dress to suit her?
A. We customize gowns 80% of the time. We are happy to accommodate the wishes of a bride as long as we know the gown will turn out beautifully.

Q. If you could pick a celebrity to design a wedding gown for who would it be and why?
A. The celebrity I would most like to dress is Reese Witherspoon.  I think she fits the classic, timeless image that we have.

Q. Do you have a line for plus size brides?
A. We do not have a line for plus size brides because we can make any of our gowns in any size.  The styles of many of our gowns are great for plus size brides.