New Bridal Gown Boutique Opens Downtown

Jennifer Salzman may be a new resident in Summit but she's also a new Summit business owner.

Salzman recently opened a 1,000 square foot bridal gown boutique in the Strand Mall on Springfield Avenue. 

But Salzman isn't a stranger to fashion.

Before entering bridal, Salzman began her career in fashion as a sales and marketing assistant for Prada. After that she moved to Dolce & Gabbana as the account executive for Women's and Men's Shoes, Handbags, and Small Accessories.

"I always really liked bridal gowns," she said of her transition into the bridal industry.

Salzman maintained a small studio in Millburn where she designed her gowns before renovating and moving into her new Summit space.

"I didn't need a big space," she said. "I didn't really plan on doing retail."

While Salzman said she is still building up her stock, most of her gowns she would describe as "modern," "chic," and "simple."

Her first collection, she said, was a chance for Salzman to experiement with diffeent fabrics.

"The collection really didn't have a story," she said.

But since then she has designed gowns inspried by flowers and movies like "Gone With the Wind" and some of the most beautiful French lace Salzman said she's ever seen.

Salzman is an appointment-only boutique and offers customization for each and every bride.

"If a girl comes in and doesn't see what she wants I can build her a dress," Salzman said.

What's also neat, Salzman said, isi she doesn't really have to follow trends.

"Most brides are looking for that classic bridal look," she said. "No more two dress weddings–probably because of the economy."

In addition to that, Salzman said brides she deals with want to be comfortable.

"A wedding is a party," Salzman said. "They don't want to be unable to sit down or hug their families. They don't want a big, fussy dress. You want  a gown where the bride can still be the guest of honor but she can have a good time."

Salzman currently advertises in Martha Stewart Weddings and you may also have seen her work on TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" as her line is available at Kleinfeld's in New York.

While her line is available in a California and Connecticut, Salzman's new Summit boutique is the only one in New Jersey.