Photo courtesy of Laurie Underwood
In an industry driven by trends, Laury Bride has cut and sewn out a distinctive place in bridal fashion through timeless design, intentional craftsmanship, and a celebration of Black womanhood. Founded by designer Laurie Underwood, the brand has become known for creating elevated bridal experiences rooted in style, authenticity, and representation.
A Detroit native, Underwood moved to Chicago at 18 to pursue her dream of becoming a fashion designer. After earning her degree from the Illinois Institute of Art in 2008, she launched her first atelier, Wanda Grace. National recognition would soon follow when she became a Top 7 finalist on Season 14 of Project Runway, where she discovered her passion for bridal design and gave rise to the brand of her namesake, Laury Bride.
Today, through Laury Bride, Underwood continues to redefine modern bridal fashion while creating space for brides who seek both luxury and leisure. We sat down with Laurie to discuss her journey, the evolution of her brand, and what’s next.
Our Interview with Laurie Underwood
BFW: What is something you want people to know about your brand, Laury Bride?
Laurie: Laury Bride is more than a bridal boutique. It is an experience rooted in luxury, intention, and personal transformation. I want people to know that every bride who walks through our doors is seen, celebrated, and styled with care. My goal is to create gowns and moments that honor a woman’s journey, her beauty, her culture, and the version of herself she is becoming.
BFW: Bronzeville is a historically black neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago known for heralding much of the city’s Black charm. How do you think the spirit of Bronzeville is incorporated into Laury Bride, if any?
Laurie: Bronzeville carries such a rich legacy of Black excellence, creativity, resilience, and elegance, and I believe that spirit lives inside Laury Bride. Being in Bronzeville feels intentional. It allows me to create a luxury bridal experience in a neighborhood that has always represented culture, beauty, and possibility. Laury Bride brings that same energy into the space: refined, soulful, warm, elevated, and deeply connected to community.
BFW: As the owner and founder of Laury Bride, how do you think your design perspective is reflected in your business?
Laurie: My design perspective is reflected in every part of the business, from the gowns to the way a bride feels when she enters the space. I love pieces that feel feminine, graceful, and timeless, but still have personality. I’m always thinking about how a woman wants to feel in a moment, not just how she wants to look. That perspective shapes the custom gown process, the styling, the atmosphere, and the overall Laury Bride experience.
Photo courtesy of Laurie Underwood
BFW: How do you think your time on Project Runway contributed to your business knowledge as a designer? What key things did you take away from that experience?
Laurie: Project Runway taught me how to trust my creative voice under pressure. It pushed me to make decisions quickly, communicate my ideas clearly, and stand behind my point of view. As a designer, you learn that creativity is not just about making something beautiful, it is also about problem-solving, storytelling, presentation, and confidence. That experience helped me understand the importance of having a strong brand identity and knowing who you are as a designer.
BFW: Do you have a brand or style icon you find your inspiration from?
Laurie: I’m inspired by women and brands that represent timeless elegance, femininity, and quiet luxury. I love inspiration that feels soft, tailored, refined, and intentional. I’m drawn to style that does not have to be loud to make a statement. I also find a lot of inspiration in women who embody grace, sophistication, and strength — women who show up beautifully and with purpose.
BFW: How would you describe your brand, Laury Living, and how does it complement Laury Bride? Is there a connection?
Laurie: Laury Living is the lifestyle extension of Laury Bride. It is rooted in intentional living, softness, self-care, and creating beautiful moments beyond the wedding day. The connection is very natural because once a woman becomes a Laury Bride, she is stepping into the world of Laury. Laury Living allows her to continue that feeling at home, through products and experiences that encourage her to live beautifully, pour into herself, and celebrate everyday luxury.
Photo courtesy of Laurie Underwood
BFW: Are there any fabrics you swear by for bridal wear?
Laurie: I love fabrics that have structure, movement, and richness. Mikado is one of my favorites because it gives such a beautiful, clean shape and feels very luxurious. I also love crepe for its elegance and simplicity, especially on a bride who wants something modern and refined. Satin, organza, and lace will always have a place in bridal, but I’m very intentional about choosing fabrics that support the bride’s silhouette and the overall feeling of the gown.
BFW: What can brides-to-be look forward to with the “Laury Bride Experience”
Laurie: Brides can look forward to feeling cared for from the moment they walk in. The Laury Bride Experience is personal, intimate, and elevated. It is not just about finding a dress it is about understanding the bride, her story, her style, and the way she wants to feel on her wedding day. From the consultation to the fittings, every touchpoint is designed to make her feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated.
BFW: Before Laury Bride, you had Wanda Grace. Do you think you’ll ever design ready-to-wear again?
Laurie: I will always have a love for ready-to-wear because that was part of my journey as a designer. Wanda Grace allowed me to explore fashion in a different way, and I think that creativity still lives in me. Right now, my focus is on bridal and building the Laury brand, but I do see ready-to-wear returning in a more intentional way, possibly through pieces that connect to bridal and lifestyle.
Photo courtesy of Laurie Underwood
BFW: Who is your dream bride to work with? (Celebrity, friend, style influence otherwise?
Laurie: My dream bride is a woman who trusts the process and wants something meaningful, elegant, and true to who she is. Of course, I would love to design for women who inspire me stylistically, women who embody grace, confidence, and modern femininity. But honestly, my dream bride is any woman who understands that her gown is not just a dress. It is part of her story.
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