Learn More About Anne Barge in This Q&A with Shawne Jacobs

As the lead designer and president of Anne Barge, Shawne Jacobs is a trendsetter for bridal fashion. Though founder Anne Barge Clegg left big shoes to fill, Shawne’s designs bring a fresh take to the timeless aesthetic of the brand. 

We sat down with Shawne to learn more about the fall 2018 collection as well as to learn more about the designer’s history and passion for bridal fashion.

Inside Weddings: How did you get into the bridal fashion industry?

Shawne Jacobs: After I graduated from fashion design school with a focus on evening wear in 2002, I was fortunate enough to land a job at Anne Barge, which was one of the few successful fashion houses operating in Atlanta at that time.

IW: What is your favorite part about running a bridal fashion label?

SJ: My favorite part of this job is working alongside so many creative and inspiring people who love to make women feel confident and beautiful.

IW: What was the inspiration behind the Fall 2018 collection?

SJ: Our Fall 2018 collection is an interpretation of nature’s midnight garden. An escape into a fanciful garden that inspires all things feminine – a delicate tracery of ribbons and bows, a whisper of pink, dreamy layers of floral lace. 

IW: Which is your favorite dress from the latest collection and why?

SJ: My favorite dress from our Fall 2018 collection is the "Philippa." I absolutely fell in love with the unusual French Alençon lace on this dress. The hem detail is so unique and unlike any scalloped Alençon lace we have ever used. The clean sheath silhouette also has a very romantic, modern flair.  

IW: What do you consider signature design elements of Anne Barge?

SJ: Signature design elements for Anne Barge consist of lace, modern architectural seaming, and intricate details.

IW: Who is the typical Anne Barge bride?

SJ: The typical Anne Barge bride is elegant and memorable. She embodies modern classicism. 

IW: What do you predict will be the next big trend in bridal and what is on the way out?

SJ: As everything in fashion comes full circle, I predict a return to the traditional will be the next big trend – think classic silhouettes, clean and modern with minimal embellishments. The overtly sexy bride look is on its way out.  

IW: What did your own wedding dress look like?

SJ: Both of my wedding-day looks had accentuating bows on them. My ceremony dress had a sheer illusion bateau neckline with the bodice made of French Chantilly lace and intricately embroidered and beaded with tiny flowers. The skirt was designed in Italian silk satin draped asymmetrically and accessorized with an oversized couture bow at the hip. My reception dress was a strapless sweetheart bow neckline of silk shantung. I designed the flat-fell seams to be outlined in brass grommets. The skirt was a modified trumpet skirt. 

IW: If you were to buy a wedding dress tomorrow, what would it look like?

SJ: It would have an off-the-shoulder neckline with clean architectural lines throughout the modified A-line or trumpet silhouette in a crisp fabric mixed with a silk satin chiffon draping to soften the style, making it romantic as well.

See more from the Anne Barge Fall 2018 collection and read an interview with bridal designer Barbara Kavchok. 

Photos courtesy of Anne Barge