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My path into fashion was intuitive rather than linear. I was always drawn to clothing as a form of expression and storytelling, but my early studies were rooted in psychoanalysis and academia. Over time, I realized that design allowed me to explore many of the same questions: identity, desire, and transformation, through a tactile, visual language. What began as experimentation gradually became a practice, and eventually a profession.
Delfina Balda is a custom bridal and ready-to-wear studio based in New York, centered around modern femininity, emotion, and craftsmanship. Bridal, for me, is not about tradition for tradition’s sake, it’s about creating garments that feel deeply personal and intentional. Each piece is designed collaboratively with the bride, whether through made-to-order styles or fully bespoke work, allowing space for individuality, nuance, and movement.
What I love most about the New York bridal community is its openness to experimentation. There’s a shared understanding here that bridal can be expressive, unconventional, and intellectually driven. Brides in New York tend to be confident, curious, and deeply involved in the creative process, which makes designing for them incredibly energizing.
All three disciplines have shaped the way I think about design. Psychoanalysis informs my sensitivity to emotion and symbolism. Academia trained me to think critically and conceptually; and wine taught me about intuition, balance, restraint, sensory experience and business! Together, they influence how I approach garments, not just as objects, but as an experience.
My inspiration is rooted in lived experience and contemporary culture. I’m drawn to contemporary art and dance for their emotional clarity and physicality. Dreams are another recurring source of inspiration, they offer a space where logic dissolves and intuition leads.
Equally important are relationships and memory. Travel, friendships, conversations with women, shared moments of vulnerability, and both new and old memories often shape the emotional undercurrent of a collection.