Jan Patterson, Owner
BOCA RATON BRIDAL
Jan Patterson says she entered the bridal retail business “completely by accident.” Degreed in Fashion Marketing from the Art Institute, she leased a small property in a Boca Raton industrial park on the recommendation of a friend, and proceeded to build it into the largest designer showroom in Florida. Now 18 years in the business, Patterson specializes in carrying designers that are unique to her store, including Galia Lahav, Sareh Nouri and Arava Polak. The addition of eveningwear, over the past 10 years, has expanded Patterson’s clientele, as Boca Raton Bridal now offers high-couture gowns perfect for society galas, fundraisers and bar mitzvahs.
Q: What is most noteworthy about the designers you carry?
A: We have some lines that are really hard to find in the U.S.—international designers that have smaller collections. I like to work with ateliers that still make gowns in house, if at all possible; that way I know the designer’s eye is always on the gown. I focus heavily on the patterning and the design. In this business, fit is everything.
Q: Tell us about your recent focus on eveningwear, and the trending styles and colors.
A: It gives me the opportunity to buy the way I like to buy, which is a bolder, high fashion look. For years, we saw a muted, pastel palette in more traditional styles. In recent times we are seeing a trend toward the bolder colors and black. Prints in fabulous fabrications are starting to hit for that client that wants to be a showstopper. Our clients are no longer trying to blend in; today’s woman likes to embrace bold.
Q: What sets you apart in your approach to business?
A: I run a very honest and clean business. I don’t mess around and mark things up to mark them down. I don’t pay any of my staff commission, so you always get an honest opinion. I’m aboveboard and transparent. My clients have to be happy, and I will die on the cross making that happen. Anyone who runs into a problem, I won’t rest until it’s perfect. That is how I function at all times. I’m not in this business for the money.
561/447-6541
bocaratonbridal.com
This sponsored content is from the February 2024 issue of Boca magazine. For more from this year’s Ask the Experts special section, click here.
