How to Be a Feminist in the Wedding Industry with Bridal Wear Designer Hillary O'Dell

The Feminist Wedding Podcast

I spoke with (and was blown away by) Hillary O’Dell, lead designer and founder of Hilandel, which specializes in custom bridal wear about all of the ways she infuses her values into her business and makes her part of the process of wedding planning a safe place.

We talked about:

• How we are forever figuring out the “vibe check” part of working with a new client

• The challenge of this industry where marriers are expected to have a vision and just know what they want and know how the industry works, when in reality you are doing this for the first time!

• Body neutrality and how Hillary helps brides navigate the complexity of custom wedding dress design, and her magical process

• The wide range of possibilities for wedding outfits, and why Hillary uses the word “bride” (it’s an aesthetic, not a gender!)

Hillary is completely brilliant and her work is stunning, and she leads her business with her heart and her values, and it’s beautiful to witness.

Find Hillary on her website and Instagram, and go directly to book a free consult with her.

Find me on Instagram, where I answer all of my DM'S.

Want to know more about working with me? Check out my website for all the details on my offers (including my prices) and then book a free chat to see if we’re a good fit to work together!

Music is Blackout Romeo by The Spin Wires.

RESOURCES

Body Positive folks we’re super into:

• Lizzo, obvi

• Alysia Cole

• Yasmine of Boutique Lustre

• Megan Jayne Crabbe

The book I mentioned that I thought Hillary would enjoy (and perhaps you too!) is Ishmael, by Daniel Quinn. It’sone of my all-time favourite books.