This Georgia peach is a true adventurer of the fashion kind. Anne Barge was a budding design diva at the early age of three, when she was already creating gowns for her paper dolls. Little did she know, years later, she would be creating bridal dresses for celebrities, socialites and real women who appreciate sophistication, glamour and elegance.

After graduating from college, bridal maven Priscilla Kidder hired Anne as an apprentice to Jim Hjelm. After a stint with the legendary design house, the Georgia native returned to Atlanta as the Fashion and Display Coordinator and Group Merchandising Manager at Rich's Department Store. Anne, a jack-of-all-trades, was doing almost everything, including designing the entire wedding of the daughter of the Governor of Georgia. Anne had arrived, on the bridal scene that it is, but she wanted more. It was only a matter of time before she opened Anne Barge for Brides in the chic, upscale Buckhead section of Atlanta.

Anne’s boutique reflected her innate style and love for both European and American designers; she carried only the top names. Her boutique attracted a sophisticated clientele that shared her appreciation of timeless glamour and her name was buzzing in the bridal industry. She had built a successful enterprise based on her impeccable taste and knack for finding the extraordinary. With savvy business skills it was no surprise when New York’s bridal giant Kleinfeld’s began courting her, making an offer she could not refuse. Kleinfeld’s acquired Anne Barge and she stayed on board managing their Saks Fifth Avenue Bridal Salons.