Behind The Brand: Get to know our Founder, Ange
Come with us as we chat the founder of We Are Mancini, Angela Piper, to learn more about what inspired her to start the brand, her top picks from the collection, wedding trends she’s loving and so much more.
You have touched on this briefly in a previous blog, but what was it about the wedding dress industry that excited you, and made you want to start a brand?
At the very beginning, as my sister was about to get married, I saw an industry that was full of outdated traditions and expectations, alongside seeing brides feeling overwhelmed by pressure. I wanted to make a difference to an industry that felt full of pushy sales people forcing brides to spend a small fortune on a dress they could barely walk in. It all seemed kind of crazy to me to think that the bridal dress experience was a stressful one and I knew I could create pieces that celebrated the beauty of simplicity and be an anchor for those brides trying to simplify their bridal experience.
And as I began to make more wedding dresses I realised I was playing a significant part in people’s bridal journey and the connections I made along the way were quite powerful. After looking at the wedding photos that came through from brides later, I started to understand that I was fundamentally creating a feeling. I was able to build confidence, and uplift so many of the women that came to me by celebrating their uniqueness.
You have spent many years working for brands within the fashion industry, tell us more on what roles you were in, and how you have brought that experience to We Are Mancini.
My first job in the fashion industry was at Zimmermann, at a time when local Australian manufacturing was at its peak. I learned all the intricacies of production and started exploring pattern making with some of Australians best. The ensuing years were spent developing ranges and fittings with Lee Jeans, honing my fit skills in such a wide variety of categories. It was here that I learned the importance of delving into the customers psyche and ensuring I tailor the right fit to a particular customer. Working with IXIAH as a patternmaker was where I really discovered creative expression through patternmaking. It was such an organic and collaborative approach and we created such artisanal pieces together.
As I get older I consider more often the impact I have on this world and the people in it. What really drives me is being able to uplift people by making them feel their most feminine, most confident and powerful. Leading the technical product team at KIVARI has been so rewarding as I get direct feedback from customers who feel they are more confident in their skin.
Whilst doing all these roles throughout the years, I was always making made to measure bridal. The process of measuring and fitting countless brides, has given me a unique perspective on body shapes and what the women of the world truly look like. It made me think of how I could be more versatile in my creations so that I could make it easier for women to feel flattered, shapely and their best selves.
Over the years I’ve grown to understand the way the bridal industry works. They make it seem like you are getting a gown made exactly to your body shape when you get measured up. Unfortunately, this mostly isn’t the case. They are measuring brides to see what standard size they are closest too and ordering that size from a factory. A made to measure gown can be costly and with good reason, the cost is going towards skilled artisans creating a one off piece. I wanted to create a brand that allowed for more freedom, where gowns don’t have to cost a bomb and takes the pressure off brides to create a more peaceful experience when it’s not all their life savings on this one purchase.
What is it about We Are Mancini that makes it different from other brands out there?
- Ready to wear
- Price pointed while still using premium fabrics
- The years of fit experience
- Taking the pressure off this one big purchase and creating space to spend on other memories for their day
Biggest lesson learnt so far whilst running your own business?
Stay true to your intentions and direction, and learn when to say no. I think if you stick to your path you will attract the people who love what you do.
Going in a more fun direction, there are so many incredible silhouettes within the collection that can suit any bride. What piece is your favourite and how would you style it?
I’ve tried on all the styles but I truly fell in love with the Phoebe Gown. I would style it with a statement emerald and gold drop earring, hair in a low sleek bun, and those thong style heels.
Which style was the hardest to perfect?
The Gabrielle Bridal Mini for sure. It looks so simple but there are some really small details that make this fit just right, the scooped back sitting into the waist was perfect time after time, and the pleat at the top of the sleeve, giving movement to the sleeve and creating more shoulder definition.
Dream honeymoon destination and why?
Tulum, Mexico. Why? It’s one of the most calming places I’ve been to, which is perfect after the buzz of a wedding. It’s a place to connect with your partner but there is still so much to do and see that is not too far away from the town. The food is incredible and the people are so friendly and will want to hear all about your wedding story!
Favourite place you have travelled?
Cuba for sure.
Favourite wedding trend at the moment?
Mini dresses, especially as a second reception look.
Least favourite wedding trend at the moment?
Too many rules, particularly telling guests what to wear.
Something that is a non negotiable for you at a wedding?
Dancing. A band creates the best atmosphere for getting the dance floor going but a DJ and percussionist is just as fun.
And finally, can you give us any hints of what is to come for We Are Mancini?
I’ve been sourcing some more structured and textured fabrics to expand the offering both in bridal minis and wedding dresses, while still staying true to simplicity of style. Also we have so many brides who’ve purchased with WAM and I can’t wait to share all the beautiful wedding images.
