VOWS checked in with Kimberly Marcoux, Co-Founder of Coterie White and Melange de Blanc, as to the status of these different but related companies as she has recently taken on a larger role in the development and management of both.

VOWS: Can you describe the current status of each division/company, and future direction?
Kimberly: Like anyone else in the bridal industry, 2024/2025 has been a wild time for us. There were many whispers that both of our companies, Melange de Blanc, and Coterie White were and are no longer around. News travels fast in our industry but I want everyone to know that we’re still here, still standing, and still excited about what’s to come in the future.

Coterie White is our Sales Agency which incubates, grows, and helps some of the world’s most talented designers enter the US bridal industry. We partner with brands to help with the business, relationship, and logistical aspects of their company so they can focus on what they love to do the most, design. Currently Coterie White’s portfolio consists of Amoretalla Bridal, Marmar Halim, Stephanie Cachapuz, Justyna Smart, Ricca Sposa and Bianco Evento.

Our sister company, Melange de Blanc, is a Luxury Bridal Market that started during COVID as a place for our Coterie White clients to show their collections and has grown into a home for many other brands (big & small) around the world. All of our employees work on behalf of both companies and are able to answer any questions from both perspectives all while giving them a connection to so much more!

VOWS:  Has your vision evolved as the companies have matured and changed shape?

Kimberly: When you’ve been in bridal as long as I have, a lot of people tend to get jaded and start to feel like they’ve seen everything there is to offer. But what I’m starting to realize is that the more things change, the more people yearn for things as they used to be. So I want to lead Melange de Blanc and Coterie White into our next stages by focusing on partnerships, collaborations, and having fun. I think our evolution means a return to simplicity, focusing back on why we do what we do (for the brides and stores!), and finding a way to give back to the stylists, buyers and designers who come back each season and make what we do possible.

VOWS: Do you see the October 2025 Market as distinctly different from Melange de Blanc's previous Markets? How so?

Kimberly: Yes and no. While our core vision and standard of excellence remain the same, October 2025 carries a special kind of energy. We made the decision to skip April due to venue timing, which gave us an opportunity to step back, support our designers in new ways, and re-imagine how we show up for the industry. During that season, I personally worked to place all our designers at both One Fine Day and Union Square Couture because making sure they had strong visibility was my top priority. Naturally, a pause like that leads to chatter in the industry, so some of our usual exhibitors are sitting this one out, but it’s also given us space to innovate and make October a market to remember—with exciting collaborations, elevated programming, and a renewed commitment to boutique relationships.

VOWS:  What do you see as the challenges facing the industry in the coming seasons?

Kimberly: Tariffs. I can honestly say it’s on pretty much every phone call I have, no matter if it’s for Coterie White or Melange de Blanc. I am so happy that our industry has banded together to create NAFAA as an advocacy and communication tool to help us create much needed change and educate a variety of stakeholders about the needs of the formal wear industry. As a supporter of this industry I not only spread the word about all the good that’s being done, but I’ve also joined as a member of NAFAA.

I’m encouraging every retailer, designer, agency, and market to do the same because this industry is only as strong as our weakest link and now that we’ve seen the impact of customs and duties on all of us we have to stand together to respond!

Another challenge I see as I communicate with boutiques is that they have to trim the fat in their operations, which means they have to work harder than ever to perfect their brand matrix to ensure they capture the aesthetic of their dream brides. For designers this means they have to stay ahead of trends while also balancing their own artistic and expressive goals - this is what makes their collections unique and saleable so that boutiques are willing to take a chance on them and invest in bringing their designs to the target market.

VOWS:  With your position assisting both groups, what advice are you offering for overcoming these challenges?

Kimberly: I always just say to focus on three things:

1) foster real genuine relationships,

2) don’t compromise on craftsmanship or customer service,

3) remember that what comes around goes around - don’t get too focused on day-to-day news but instead remember the long game and why you started in this industry in the first place.

Just like with COVID, I do think tariffs are a legitimate concern so both boutiques and designers need to do what is best for them to get through this. If you have relationships with real friends and partners they will make it work and stick by you - as we have done with all of ours.

As far as new designers, we are actually launching a new designer team consulting group to support them throughout those beginning steps of entering the bridal world. Our goal is to help designers create a stable foundation for success. Helping new designers allows me to tap in to my own selfish need to root for the underdog and see them win!

VOWS:  What is it about Melange de Blanc and Coterie White that continues to enthuse you? What do you enjoy most?

Kimberly: Adding value to the industry and being a collaborative partner with new and old players is what enthuses me most about my work. Over time I’ve been able to build trustworthy relationships with people I really respect across many sectors of the bridal industry, which is a big deal to me. I have seen a lot of those relationships go full circle and I love reminiscing about who I’ve been able to work alongside or impact during my career. I am honored with what we’ve achieved in such a short time all thanks to the wonderful designers and buyers we are so lucky to work with. I love this industry so much and for that reason I’ll always be in bridal, even if my role continues to change.

I love to connect people and truly believe in community over competition as there is so much power coming together so if I can be the person to help another, you bet I will! 

For details on exhibiting and attending Melange de Blanc Markets, email Tepsii@coteriewhite.com, and visit https://www.melangedeblanc.com. For details about Coterie White’s Designer Team Consulting Group, email kimberly@coteriewhite.com or call 917-374-0598.