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Many women in their 20’s and early 30’s admit to being slaves to fashion. They eagerly await the “fashion bibles” every fall – the nearly 1,000-page homages to fashion such as Vogue and InStyle. When they become engaged, these women trade the guides touting the latest trends in jeans or pencil skirts for those discussing wedding cakes and ball gowns. Suddenly, the formal gown – in requisite white or ivory – is of paramount importance and the utmost in glamour.
Kieu Trinh Nguyen, better known as Trinh, is no different than other women her age.
“I am crazy about fashion, and to me, there is not a gown out there that can compare to the wedding gown,” she says.
That is why this fashionista recently opened her own boutique catering to the chic bride and groom. I Do Bridal and Tuxedo is located at 918 E. Douglas in Old Town, making it convenient for drive-by window shopping and eye-buying.
“Between college and an internship with a trendy marketing firm, I got to see South Florida trends come and go. And as the fashion industry changes, it has a tremendous effect on my firm - because we are slaves and caterers to fashion,” she says. “One thing was obvious to me and that is no matter where fashion may take us, the bridal gown will always be the gown of a lifetime. A bridal gown will stand the test of time and will stand up to all fads and trends.”
The bridal shop is not something Trinh stumbled into, either. The desire to open her own boutique has also stood the test of time.
“It is a love,” she says, “and I have taken what I’ve learned through the years and brought it here with me to Wichita.”
Born in Saigon, Vietnam, Trinh has seen a good portion of the world throughout her life. But when ready to marry and start her own business, she decided that Wichita was the place to be.
“I first arrived in Wichita in 1988,” says Trinh. “After a few months, my mother moved us to California, and in 1998 we were back in Wichita.” Trinh continued to travel while earning her degree, a bachelor of business administration with minors in marketing and management.
“I started college at Wichita State University and then moved to south Florida. I finished my degree in Florida... then I moved back to Wichita in June of ‘06 and got married in November of 2006.”
After much debate, Trinh and her husband recently settled in the northwest side of town.
“It was pretty hard to decide where to buy because we had a wide variety of choices, from being downtown to restoring a home that is full of history or starting fresh. We decided to start fresh,” says the 27-year-old, who says she can’t pass up a good sale.
There was much less discussion and searching when it came to the location of her new bridal shop, however – Old Town was it.
“After looking around, Old Town is so magnetic in the way of business and lifestyle. I get the city feel with small-town charm,” Trinh says.
Going with her “feelings” seems to be working for Trinh. The sentiments and emotions tied to weddings and bridal gowns are part and parcel of her business.
And she loves every smile – and every tear – she shares with her customers and their families.
“My favorite part of selling a bridal gown is seeing the parents’ eyes get teary when they see their daughter in that perfect gown,” says Trinh. “It is a feeling that I cannot describe.”
Her shop features a variety of designers and, despite her fashion addiction, she insists she doesn’t prefer one specific designer over another. Instead, each gown stands alone – designed for its perfect bride.
“I feel that the art of the bridal gown is being able to see what every bride sees. It is beauty in the eye of the beholder,” Trinh says. “Every bride that I have met has been happy and open to suggestions. Purchasing a bridal gown is a lengthy process. During the three to eight months, I get to become their friend, and it is very rewarding!” Trinh insists she has yet to meet a ‘bridezilla’ since opening her shop.
Trinh’s worldwide upbringing also adds to her boutique and the guidance she can give her brides. Culturally diverse ceremonies and their accoutrements fit her like a satin glove, and she believes tradition is very important.
“The traditions and weddings of different religions that I have attended make it so second-nature to me with my background,” the young boutique owner says. “I am a big believer in keeping the tradition. My experiences range from Jewish to Chinese, Catholic to Buddhist.”
When asked, however, what is her biggest accomplishment or what she is most proud of in her life, it’s not scoring the latest Manolo Blahnik stiletto or making a big commission on her finest wedding. Trinh quietly says she is most proud of being a good daughter and sister.
That’s a claim which should make her family as proud as the day they saw Trinh herself walk down the aisle.
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