There’s something unmistakably poetic about a bridal gown—the way it moves, the story it tells, and the memory it creates. For designer Guillermo Pharis, every dress is more than just a garment—it’s a deeply personal expression of love, identity, and artistry.
Pharis is showing a couture collection at Denver Fashion Week’s Bridal night this spring. Bridal will take place Saturday, May 17 at The Brighton, and tickets are on sale now.
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Guillermo Pharis, known for his sculptural silhouettes and modern romanticism, has carved out a space in the bridal fashion world by blending timeless elegance with contemporary flair. His journey into bridal wear wasn’t always part of the plan, but it became a calling.
“I started sketching wedding dresses at the age of nine,” Pharis shared. “While in college, I discovered a passion for evening wear, ready-to-wear and menswear, and at one point, I began developing full collections while living in New York City and attending school. Internships at several fashion houses helped me recognize and refine my skills and creative voice.”
Despite the challenges of launching a high-end bridal label, Pharis brought his vision to life: “Bridal high end is a highly specialized and costly field, and it took years of dedication and hard work to finally launch my first full bridal collection in 2019 — just before the world came to a halt. I have since then, developed 6 collections.”
Crafting a wedding dress is a sacred process in Pharis’s studio. Every detail — from fabric to fit — is considered with care. His work is celebrated for its clean lines, subtle embellishments and an emphasis on architectural draping that flatters the body without overwhelming it.
With something as personal as a wedding dress, riding the line between individuality and timelessness may seem intimidating. But for Pharis, this skill is practically second nature.
“This comes naturally to me — it’s my style, and it runs in my veins,” he says of his design philosophy. “I have a deep respect for traditional construction techniques, many of which I incorporate into my gowns. The way high-end gowns were made in the 1950s is very different from today, and I strive to preserve some of those techniques in a deeply intentional way, almost like a religion.”
With honor for the past — and a keen eye for what’s working in the present — Guillermo thrives in the contemporary fashion world.
“When I design, I’m inspired not only by the present, but also by the past and the future. That blend allows me to create timeless pieces with a fresh, modern perspective — each gown a reflection of history, craftsmanship and innovation.”
Pharis draws from a refined palette of textiles and techniques, bringing a level of craftsmanship to bridal that feels elevated yet accessible. Whether it’s delicate embroidery, structured bodices or soft silk organza, his materials tell their own quiet love story.
As such, fabric blends and timeless materials like silk taffeta, Mikado, tulle and lace are present all throughout his catalogue. These time-honored materials support the brand’s overall sophisticated style, blending classic silhouettes with modern-day design techniques.
“The brand is known for its timeless cuts and clean lines, with construction and pattern-making that combine both flat drafting and draping techniques. Many of my silhouettes feature classic skirts designed to transcend trends,” Pharis shared.
“I consider myself highly detail-oriented, and I love incorporating refined design elements such as clean edges, structured bodices and impeccable finishes. I believe these thoughtful details are what elevate a dress into a truly beautiful piece.”
While many bridal designers follow trend cycles, Pharis believes in creating dresses that outlast them. Still, he keeps a keen eye on what modern brides are craving — versatility, minimalism, a sense of individuality — and he evolves accordingly.
“Education and technology play a significant role in shaping the future of fashion, and I believe bridal is slowly but surely evolving,” he shared. “It’s becoming a more fashion-forward category, with many designers blending traditional bridal with ready-to-wear aesthetics. This shift allows people to wear bridal-inspired pieces not only for weddings but also for other special occasions — think ivory gowns with edgy details that can transition from aisle to evening.”
However, while keeping a finger on the pulse of trends is essential to survival in an industry known for being cut-throat, Pharis won’t be straying from honoring classic designs any time soon.
“I personally embrace some of this modern versatility in my designs, but not entirely — because I still deeply believe that a wedding dress should be the most beautiful garment a person will ever wear. It should hold meaning, evoke emotion and create memories that last a lifetime,” Pharis shared. “There’s something incredibly powerful about stepping into a gown that’s been designed specifically for such a significant moment, and I strive to preserve that sense of magic in every piece I create.”
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Equally important to Pharis is sustainability, an often overlooked subject in the bridal industry. As one-wear garments, wedding dresses raise questions about waste and ethical production, and Pharis is quietly pushing for change.
“I incorporate several unorthodox practices in my work to remain more sustainable and environmentally conscious,” he said. “For example, I avoid sewing during peak hours when the city is at its busiest. I also minimize my use of paper and make an effort to reuse fabric leftovers whenever possible to reduce waste.”
“When sourcing fabrics, I purchase with precision and intention. I avoid stockpiling unnecessary rolls, only acquiring what’s essential to each design. Every small decision contributes to a larger goal: creating beauty with purpose and respect for the world around us.”
Coupled with walking and biking to his studio and surrounding himself with plants, Pharis is intentional about lowering his carbon footprint. In world that so often consumes thoughtlessly, Guillermo Pharis sets himself apart by being intentional in every choice, whether it’s fabric choice or energy use.
Still, it’s the stories behind the dresses that continue to inspire him most. Every fitting, every bride, every moment shared during the process is a reminder of why he does this work.
“I believe my current nomination as a Rising Star in the Bridal Category by The Fashion Group International in New York City has been one of the most important milestones in my career,” he says. “Every one of my bridal clients is special to me — I genuinely remember each and every one. Thanks to their continued support and trust, I’ve been able to grow my presence with locations in Los Angeles, Denver and now, back in New York City’s Garment District.”
“Of course, this journey requires immense hard work and dedication, but my passion and commitment to my craft make it all possible. I’m also thrilled to announce the opening of my second Denver location this month in Cherry Creek — a beautiful step forward in this exciting chapter.”
Guillermo Pharis isn’t just designing wedding gowns: he’s designing emotion in fabric form. In a world where trends shift and aesthetics evolve, his work remains rooted in connection, craftsmanship and the enduring power of love.
Guillermo Pharis will show a Bridal collection at Denver Fashion Week Spring 2025, May 10-18 at The Brighton in RiNo. Tickets can be purchased here.