On the road to her wedding day, a bride needs more than just a fabulous theme or that ring of white gold around her finger. She also needs friends who'll help her through the stressful days of planning the most important day in her life. And just how much better can it get when one of her friends can give her the perfect wedding gown?
If there's one thing designer Ryan Madamba says his clients can expect from him, it's that he always bonds with them on a personal level. In fact he's so involved in the process of making sure the bride looks her best that he shares, "Most of the time, I'm the last person she sees and prays with as a single woman before she walks down the aisle!"
Looking at his textured yet architecturally stunning gowns, you wouldn't be surprised to know that Ryan's a stickler for details. What you probably don't know is that it was his sister who was initially into fashion design, although Ryan, being the better illustrator, would create a few pieces here and there for relatives and friends.
His big break came when he designed a wedding dress and that of the entourage's for a cousin. Although he wasn't keen on pursuing a career in fashion, good word of mouth about his style and craft soon made him realize that this was his true calling.
While Ryan's drawing skills helped propel his career, Ryan points out other experiences also helped him with his craft. Citing his influences, he says that his father taught him the value of good construction through their family-owned furniture shop. Just as precision and details are important to the craft of building furniture, Ryan believes that a well-constructed inner-wear and the use of the finest materials will result to a gown that looks good from the outside, too. Moreover, his mother's personal style has given Ryan's aesthetic philosophy a flair for the simple yet classic and sophisticated sensibilities.
Ryan's finished product is the best proof that aside from being a designer on the rise, he is also capable of becoming a bride's best friend. Ryan makes sure not only to listen to what his clients are saying, but also to how they say it, which gives him a better idea of their personality. He makes time to sit down and discuss details beyond the usual questions on theme, venue, and preferences.
According to Ryan, the final output is always something decisively simple but intricate. "I don't want to overpower my clients' personalities. I want them to shine. I want to highlight their assets and make them feel at their best and most beautiful on their very special day."
As of writing, Ryan is working on going global. And while he cannot divulge specifics about his plans, one thing's for sure, though: his clients-turned-friends will all be ecstatic the moment he achieves this goal.
