UNCG graduate’s cutting-edge designs and personalized approach contribute to fulfilling the dreams of soon-to-be brides.
Upon arriving at UNC Greensboro in 2016, Cassidy Burel ’20 had no prior experience operating a sewing machine. However, she was resolute in her ambition to master the craft of creating sophisticated, attention-grabbing fashion pieces and establishing her own design atelier.
Now at 27, she has not only achieved these goals but has also garnered recognition in North Carolina and nationwide for her innovative, tailor-made bridal and evening attire. In 2023, she inaugurated her studio in Kernersville, attracting clientele from various parts of the United States.
Burel, who obtained her bachelor’s degree in 2020, attributes her successful entry into a competitive industry to the opportunities she encountered at UNCG.
She acknowledges the university’s cost-effective program for enabling her to amalgamate her business acumen with her creative flair, paving the way for a flourishing career. “I owe a great deal to them. Thanks to the resources they provided, I can pursue my lifelong passion,” she affirms.
The Genesis of a Dream
Burel’s fascination with high-end fashion originated from a serendipitous encounter in someone else’s wardrobe.
Recalling a childhood experience at a party during fourth grade, she reminisces, “While playing hide-and-seek, I stumbled upon a closet. It was brimming with intricately embellished gowns and fur coats, which left me awe-struck.”
Rather than reprimanding her for trespassing, the hostess gifted Burel one of her prized fur coats.
That coat soon became Burel’s most cherished possession.
“Each time I wore it, I felt like the best version of myself,” she shares. “That sensation was empowering, and I yearned to perpetuate that feeling in others.”
Subsequently, she realized that shopping for clothes not only allowed her to express herself but also imbued her with a sense of artistry and confidence, sparking her desire to instill these sentiments in others.
Striving Towards the Objective
Intent on pursuing higher education without accumulating debt, the Hickory native set her sights on college. Her financial aspirations materialized through the acquisition of UNCG’s Joan W. Greason Scholarship and the Margaret Ann Wilkes Textile Products Marketing Senior Award.
During her tenure at UNCG, Burel honed her skills in fashion design, sewing, patternmaking, and draping. It was after designing her inaugural wedding gown that she resolved to specialize in bridal and evening wear.
Burel availed herself of numerous opportunities within the consumer, apparel, and retail studies program. For instance, she assumed the presidency of [student-run group], in addition to undertaking a gratifying creative and technical design course under Assistant Professor .
“Her senior apparel collection, particularly the innovative three-in-one gown design, showcases her exceptional talent and forward-thinking approach,” Bang remarks. “Her proficiency in design, illustration, and sewing techniques was exceptional, underscoring her aptitude and unwavering commitment to excellence.”
Upon graduating in spring 2020, Burel aspired to refine her skills under an established designer. However, the onset of the pandemic thwarted her plans, leading her to delve into mask-making to sustain herself financially.
As circumstances gradually normalized, Burel secured a position in a Greensboro-based bridal boutique. This role not only provided her with valuable experience in client interaction but also instilled in her the confidence to launch her eponymous brand.
From Eclectic Assortment to High Fashion
In January 2023, Burel officially unveiled her home-based studio. Catering predominantly to brides-to-be, she meticulously crafts wedding dresses to actualize their envisioned bridal aesthetics and experiences.
“I believe that pivotal occasions, especially weddings, can be excessively stressful – but they need not be,” she asserts. “By alleviating their stress and enhancing their self-assurance, I play a small yet significant role in their special day.”
Prior to these significant events, Burel collaborates with clients for a minimum of three months. Initially, she conducts consultations to glean insights into their preferences, style inclinations, and sartorial aspirations.
While the design process varies from client to client, some arrive with reference images, while others entrust her with carte blanche. Discussions revolve around the desired silhouette and the incorporation of distinctive elements into the garment.
“Subsequently, amidst this amalgamation of ideas, we collaboratively craft a piece that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also innovative and contemporary,” she explains.
Burel extends an offer to stand by the client’s side on their special day, prepared to assist with any exigencies.
One of her most memorable projects involved collaborating with a Boston-based client who harbored a penchant for avant-garde fashion, resulting in the creation of two unconventional wedding gowns. “One was a pink ensemble featuring an elaborate cape, while the other was a striking red gown inspired by one of her favorite eateries,” she recounts.
This design endeavor epitomized a departure from conventional bridal norms, encapsulating novelty, freshness, and a spirit of adventure. “The entire experience was immensely gratifying,” Burel reflects.
Beyond the Realization of Dreams
While envisioning a career in New York City previously, Burel’s current aspiration revolves around expanding her enterprise within the heart of North Carolina, adhering to the personalized custom design model she has cultivated.
Her long-term ambition entails establishing a larger studio – possibly a homestead – to afford local seamstresses and aspiring designers the same opportunities she once received.
“It will always retain a personal touch,” she affirms. “I eschew mass production because I value the personal connection with each client.”
“I may not amass a fortune, but the joy I derive from fostering happiness, confidence, and beauty in individuals is immeasurable and within reach right here,” she concludes.