Is it H-O-T enough for you guys today?! Here in NYC it is expected to reach 100 degrees. Wanna know what else is hot? Me getting to meet and chat it up with designer Amsale yesterday in her Madison Avenue showroom. Because of my line of work, I’ve met plenty of top designers in my day but I still get giddy when I get to chat with fashion-creating folks who are truly passionate about their craft. Amsale is one of those designers.

Last night’s event was a gathering of media peeps to view the debut episode of WE’s Amsale Girls (the series premiere is Sunday, June 12th at 10PM) while sipping champagne with the designer and her staff. Far from stuffy, everyone casually conversed and admired the gorgeous gowns while Amsale worked the room and thanked guests for their support. One of the things she said that impressed me was,

“I never know what to say when people asks me about trends in my collections. I try to create dresses that women are going to love as much on their wedding day as they will 10 years later.”

Just to be clear, Amsale’s gowns aren’t particularly for the bride on a budget. However neither are Vera Wang’s gowns yet I’m shocked (and disappointed) by how many Black women seem ready to donate their firstborn for the opportunity to wear Wang on their big day yet don’t even know who Amsale is. (For the record, I think Vera Wang is an awesome bridal designer as well.) Maybe her new show will enlighten a wider audience.

Stay tuned for a Q&A in the near future with one of “Amsale’s Girls” to get the insider scoop on working for the designer and tips for choosing the perfect wedding dress. Are you planning to tune-in Sunday night?