Lazaro Perez, widely respected and admired designer of elegant, fashion forward bridal gowns with an impressive history of over 30 years, is in the midst of his next chapter with only the second season release of Maison Perez and Lazaro collections as a division of Ashdon Brands.
Lazaro, with a retail price point of $2,000-5,000, and Maison Perez, with a higher price point of $4000-8,000, will both be showcased at Chicago National Bridal Market, which also marks Lazaro's first full collection from his limited debut last season.
VOWS caught up with this noted designer to ask how he sees his exceptional career path proceeding.
VOWS:
You’ve had an extraordinary career punctuated by your longevity and that of your timeless designs. And now you’re at the beginning of a new chapter designing Maison Perez and Lazaro luxury bridal collections in coordination with Ashdon Brands. What can you tell us about this next step?
Lazaro:
After 30 years in this industry, you begin to reflect not just on what you’ve created, but on what still excites you creatively. Maison Perez and Lazaro represent a very intentional evolution.
We’re not simply adding dresses — we’re expanding the world of the brand. In many ways, we’re refining and rebuilding from the foundation up. With Ashdon’s infrastructure and resources, I now have the ability to develop collections with greater depth — more silhouettes, more statement pieces, more craftsmanship — so boutiques have a fuller story to present to their brides.
It’s about elevating what I’ve always done — intricate embroidery, dramatic structure, couture sensibility — but now with the scale and support to push it even further.
This next chapter feels both grounded in my heritage and incredibly forward-looking.
VOWS:
Maison Perez and Lazaro collections were successfully launched with limited pieces at that extraordinary event held at St. Bartholomew’s Church in Manhattan. How did that reception and feedback from buyers impact your Fall 2026 collections?
Lazaro:
The launch at St. Bartholomew’s Church was deeply emotional for me. The setting alone — a cathedral of that magnitude — reinforced the scale and drama of the designs. There was an intimacy to the guest list, many longtime buyers and partners I’ve worked with for decades.
The response was incredibly affirming. Buyers spoke about the refinement, the craftsmanship, the level of detail. Many said it felt like a return to unapologetic luxury — something the market has been craving.
That feedback directly influenced Fall 2026. We leaned further into architectural silhouettes, dimensional embellishments, and couture-level finishing. The enthusiasm gave us permission to be bold — to amplify the glamour and craftsmanship that define the brand.
VOWS:
You’ve described Maison Perez and Lazaro as both “focused on and designed for the bride who understands that luxury is found in the details.” Can you expand on that for both collections?
Lazaro:
When I design, I always think about the woman first. The Lazaro bride — and now the Maison Perez bride — is confident. She has presence. She isn’t afraid to be seen. She appreciates artistry and understands that true luxury isn’t just about price — it’s about construction, handwork, and intention.
Lazaro represents the pinnacle of that vision. It features couture-level embroidery, dimensional appliqué, layered textures, and meticulous internal construction. The structure beneath the gown is just as important as what you see on the surface. Every seam, every bead, every placement is deliberate.
VOWS:
What was the thinking behind developing Lazaro as a bridge line retail priced $2000- 5000?
Lazaro:
For many years, I’ve met brides who loved the aesthetic but simply couldn’t reach the highest luxury price tiers. I’ve always felt there was space in the market for a bridge collection that maintains integrity — not a diluted version, but a thoughtfully engineered extension of the brand.
Lazaro allows us to bring the artistry, silhouette, and drama to a broader audience. We’re very intentional about how we build these gowns — selecting fabrics strategically, streamlining certain construction elements while preserving the visual richness.
It’s not about making something less expensive. It’s about making something smartly designed. And I believe there is a strong need in the industry for that balance of accessibility and elevated design.
VOWS:
How does your partnership with Ashdon Brands expand what’s possible for Maison Perez and Lazaro compared to previous chapters of your career?
Lazaro:
One of the most transformative aspects of partnering with Ashdon is infrastructure. With their global sourcing network and production capabilities, we can offer boutiques greater consistency, reliability, and a more complete assortment each season.
Creatively, the biggest shift is freedom. In the previous chapter of my career, much of the design process began with what was available in inventory. You design within those limits. Now, we begin with the vision — the exact lace, the embroidery, the silhouette — and then source globally to bring it to life.
I also have the freedom to develop as many samples as the collection requires. In bridal, sample production is a major investment, and that flexibility allows the collection to feel richer and more fully realized.
When a designer has the right resources behind him, the work expands. This partnership allows us to build with greater ambition and give boutiques a stronger, more elevated story each season.
VOWS:
You are remarkably imaginative and playful in your design ethic... what drives this inspiration?
Lazaro:
Inspiration is everywhere. I’m constantly observing — fashion on the red carpet, cinema, architecture, fine art, even travel. I pay attention to silhouette shifts, color stories, texture trends.
Ultimately, it’s about emotion. I design for how a bride wants to feel — powerful, radiant, unforgettable. When I see something beautiful in the world, I ask myself, “How can I translate that into a gown?”
VOWS:
What style trends do you see emerging in the bridal industry?
Lazaro
The trend continues to be individual expression and classic romance filtered through a modern lens. Pastel colors with hints of shimmer, layered fabrics to create depth, bold silhouettes and architectural elements, corsets interpreted in new imaginative ways, dramatic sleeve details, detachable accessories and statement pieces, and lots of texture.
VOWS:
Is there anything you'd like to say to boutiques and industry that we haven't asked?
Lazaro:
I would simply say thank you. Many of the boutiques carrying my collections have been partners for decades. That kind of loyalty means everything to me.
This industry is built on relationships — on trust and shared vision. I am deeply grateful for the support over the years, and I am excited to continue growing those relationships in this new chapter.
We are building something very special — and I look forward to creating the next generation of designs together.
For additional details on Lazaro and Maison Perez collections, visit the Lazaro showroom at the National Bridal Market Chicago, booth 6093, visit www.LazaroBridal.com, or contact Cyndy Starer, 646-398-4850, cyndy@lazarobridal.com
