Imagine the excitement of looking for your wedding dress — the one that you’ve pictured wearing since you were a little girl. The one that will walk you down the aisle, all eyes on you. Now, imagine finding that dress and asking if they had it in your size — only to be told that you’re too fat to wear it and no they don’t stock your size.
The fact that this even happens here in South Australia is disgusting, but knowing that this wasn’t just a once-off is even worse. Mascia experienced this response from bridal shops several times when searching for her dream wedding dress. And out of a terrible situation, came a brilliant idea! “I thought, stuff you — I’m going to start a bridal shop that will make dresses to walk any bride down the aisle, no matter what shape or size she is.” And so Mascia started Bridal Fusion By Mascia, a bridal and formalwear shop with a difference.
“We do not care about size here, it’s not even a thing. All we’re concerned about is making sure women of all body shapes find their dream dress. I can look at a woman’s body and know what will look amazing on her,” says Mascia. Step inside her award-winning bridal shop in Port Adelaide and you’ll notice that every dress is designed to flatter with expert construction, exquisite fabrics and beautiful details. You can walk in and see a dress that you might not think would suit your body shape… but if that’s the dress you love, then Mascia’s team will make it for you and you won’t pay through the nose. “I have always tried my best to keep my dresses affordable and I even started an outlet store called ‘Encore’ in College Park, where dresses start from $20.”
Photo credit: Rob Traeger
Bridal Fusion By Mascia are a team of rule breakers and have shaken up the bridal industry here in South Australia, offering stunning wedding dresses, formal dresses, flower girl dresses, accessories and even men’s formal wear. And there’s no judgment or reason to feel nervous when you step inside. “We’re a bunch of misfits here, I’ve taken all my staff under my wing and given them the confidence they have lacked for various reasons. I create a safe place and give people opportunities that they may not have received elsewhere. I love my staff.”
Photo credit: Rob Traeger
Although Mascia’s flagship store is on Commercial Road, Port Adelaide, love doesn’t discriminate, so they introduced Dorothy — a mobile bridal shop van! Dorothy will be visiting regional towns all over South Australia and she’ll be packed with a stunning assortment of wedding dresses, so if you’re a country gal getting married, keep an eye and an ear out for Dorothy!
Hayley xx
