The Express

Local Couturière Brings European Style Back Home – Wows Plymouth Bridal Show

Is fast fashion out of style? They say history repeats itself. Boston-born and Italian-trained artist and couturière, MYA ROYAL, made a spectacular debut with a collection of couture gowns at the 1620 Winery Bridal Expo in the historic Cordage Commerce Center in Plymouth on Sunday. Plymouth is gearing up for its monumental 2020 celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Pilgrims arrival on the Mayflower, and many special new business are taking root and beginning to bloom. “Plymouth needs this,” stated local young mother Colleen McInerney, talking about the young designer’s new atelier. 

Mya Royal makes custom formalwear and accessories in the old school style of couture for both men and women. After living and working in Italy for several years, she has closed her shop in the historic center of Florence and turned her gaze to the New World. And certainly the gaze of the New World was upon her and her team of gorgeous models on Sunday at the winery. 

A splendid venue itself, it was the perfect backdrop for “Old Gold,” the capsule collection of hand-made gowns created by the artist herself. The gowns flowed effortlessly through the space, under glittering crowns, tiaras, and ethereal veils. Colors in the collection included the purest white, along with ivory, gold, blush, and even a daring cherry red that boldly asserted new standards for bridal wear. Delicate lace, decadent trains, corseted waists, and sweetheart necklines characterized the dazzling collection of blushing beauties. 

It’s worth noting that Ms. Royal was a last minute addition to the expo vendor list, and created the entire collection of gowns within the five weeks leading up to the event, with her three-year-old twin sons in tow.  She compiled a volunteer team of hairstylist, photographer, and models, who she says, “all seemed to appear out of thin air like magic.” 

Mya Royal herself, handing out business cards printed with the catch phrase “If you can’t go naked…” written in red lipstick with a kiss, encouraged brides-to-be to commission a custom gown made by local talent instead of throw their hard-earned money away to big anonymous companies. She says, “Most of my clients come to me because they want something that just cannot be found in a store. They are all unique.” 

Ms. Royal is no stranger to the unique. And certainly her gowns are each one of a kind. Born in Fields Corner, Dorchester as a dual citizen of the USA and Italy, Ms. Royal is a graduate of the UMASS Boston Honors Program in Art, and the masters program in fashion design at Florence Italy’s Accademia Italiana. She has work history among some of the greats, including Versace and Ferragamo, and even the controversial Kiki de Montparnasse. Her first couture studio was registered in the North End of Boston on Salem Street in 2009, and later moved to Italy for some years. This show marks her big bright American comeback.