“I present the fabric in such a way that a couturier has touched the gown,” Robert says. “The presentation represents that of an excellent designer.”
With over 12 years in the fashion industry, Robert has taken his unique, custom designs and created an empire of custom gowns for all occasions.
He began designing clothes for money, an oddly practical reason for him at the time.
“I could buy a shirt for $20 in New York, redesign it, and sell it as a dress for $130-$150,” he describes. “I wasn’t a designer. Fashion for me was just a practical alternative to being a writer, which is what my passion was.”
With his main clientele originally coming from his wife’s hair salon, Robert mastered designing for the everyday woman. He reasoned that if he could create custom designs that women wanted to wear, he was sure to make money. As a marketer for the hair salon, he was surrounded by women.
“I was moderately into fashion, but the women around me were so into fashion that I knew I would be able to sell them something, as long as the clothes were wearable,” he says.
As he continued to meet success with each design, Robert transitioned into making prom dresses. His ability to visualize designs three-dimensionally allowed him to develop as a master draper, enabling him to complete five dresses in one day.
“All of my clients tell me what they want and I design it for them,” Robert tells, ensuring that his clients are always satisfied.
Atha Sharod Bridal employs three full-time seamstresses who make gowns for all special occasions, including prom, first dates, and, of course, weddings. Its affordable prices range from $500-$900 for prom dresses and $1800-$5000 for bridal gowns, depending on the fabric you choose.
Atha Sharod Bridal, inspired by its namesake, Robert’s 12-year-old daughter, has gowns featured across the nation.
“The White Collection—LUXE” is sold in stores in California, New York, and St. Louis.This time next year, my collection will be featured in France,” he prophesies.
Before traveling to Paris in April, Robert has planned several events this quarter.
“In the Name of Love: An Afternoon of Romance & Fantasy” featured selections from the LUXE collection at the Stan Mansion on March 25. Hosted by super model Julie Darling, this invite-only collaborative event between Atha Sharod Bridal and its Platinum Preferred Partners, was sponsored by Chicago Style Weddings. The event also served as a prelude to Atha Sharod Bridal’s newest collection, “Fantasy,” to be featured later this year.
Atha Sharod Bridal, located in Chicago’s historic Bronzeville neighborhood, provides all the bridal services needed for that special day. Platinum Preferred Partners, Robert’s professional list of definitive business recommendations, from caterers to photographers and décor specialists, assist in clients’ planning needs. Planning weddings and anniversaries is a lot of work. Robert insists that his inspiration for the collection is the complex role of the American woman as an independent woman, and yet the vanguard of femininity. His work, and its soft fabrics, emphasizes the American woman’s femininity on her most special day.
Visit athasharodbridal.com to begin planning your special occasion today.