Meet Mark Ingram, the owner of a world-renowned bridal Atelier as well as his eponymous wedding gown brand. Before starting his business, he spent 20 years working in the industry at Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys, Amsale & more. You may remember Mark Ingram’s Atelier from the original Gossip Girl when Lily van der Woodsen (played by Kelly Rutherford) shops for her wedding dress there. Wondering which designers are featured at Mark’s Atelier? Designers of his coveted selection include Mira Zwillinger, Ines Di Santo, Monique Lhuillier, Viktor & Rolf, Elizabeth Fillmore, Eisen Stein Bridal, Marchesa, Lela Rose Bridal, Vera Wang, Romona Keveza, and his eponymous collection, Mark Ingram Bride.

What led you to start your bridal atelier and later eponymous brand?

Planning my sister’s wedding (and styling her of course…) from soup to nuts gave me an intro into the industry. Although I had attended several in my youth, I had never been involved in one from the very planning stage. Styling my sister down to the hair, shoes & jewelry really was a thrill and an honor. I had her complete trust! 

What are brides currently looking for?

I feel brides are really trying hard for individual expression and providing their guests with a wonderful experience on many levels. Social media has focused so much attention on weddings and has opened a vouyeurs window into endless possibilities to create something very special. 

Any wedding trends you’re excited about?

Well as a wedding gown designer and retailer how could I not love the multi-looks the bride wants to have up to and on her wedding day. My mission is to provide for all those occasions if I can. One gown on the big day just doesn’t seem to be enough. Again it’s about individual expression! 

What is your favorite moment during the appointment when brides are shopping for their wedding dress?

My favorite moment is when the bride actually decides on a dress and you go through the myriad of emotions with her….tears, laughter, hugs and relief! 

Favorite moments from your career?

I am so blessed….there are too many to name! But anytime my amazing and uber proud parents showed up at the Atelier, especially at special salon events, that was something really beautiful. Also the day that Mr. Oscar de la Renta paid a visit to my Atelier to toast me and the staff for being his number one bridal retailer. Of course my mother would not miss that. And to see mom and Oscar chat and view my family portraits hanging on my Atelier wall was priceless!

What is the Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier known for? 

We are known for service and selection. As a privately owned small, multi-vendor Atelier we have always reacted quickly to trends and whims. I have been known over the years to really support the product and companies I believe in with a full representation of looks… And very importantly never want the bride to be pressured and rushed into a purchase.

What kinds of dresses do you offer?

Mark Ingram Atelier offers a wide selection of ‘contemporary classics’ and fashion forward wedding gowns, personally selected by moi. I stock some of the best known ‘couture’ bridal brands but also believe in supporting new talent when I can and foster their growth and development. And of course my Atelier has become the flagship of my own Mark Ingram Collection…the fulfillment of 30 year dream!

What do you love most about New York City?

The Ingram’s have been NYC residents since 1915. This city is chock filled my family history….especially Harlem where my family thrived for decades..NYC has such diversity of cultures and experiences…and I thrive on that!

What’s next for you?

We will soon be ‘breaking ground’ on a brand new, more spacious Mark Ingram Atelier stated to be open in the early Fall of ’23. I will continue to develop my own Mark Ingram Collection and possibly venture into other areas of product. My 42 years of work experience in fashion the fashion industry…sales (retail & wholesale) marketing, product development, design and retail store ownership has provided a very rich background for new ventures.

Where can people find you? 

Well I sold my Harlem townhouse last year to free myself up for even more travel and adventure. I currently reside in bucolic Riverside in the Bronx, and Miami Beach. I live for overseas travel and adventure. But lots of days you’ll find me on my selling floor with my brides because that is one of my favorite places to be! 

*Want to schedule an appointment at Mark Ingram’s Atelier? Contact NYC Wedding Stylist Alison Bruhn here to discuss as well as discover our wedding styling services!

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