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June 1, 2009
Ripe
and original, Orangia, a line of eco-friendly, feel-good
apparel,
branches out into bridal making one-of-a-kind, breezy
pieces that are
brimming with personality.
Not many designers can seamlessly
meld comfort with couture, but for Janelle Funari and
Rodrigo Londoño, the brains behind the lively Orangia
label, it’s just another day at the office. Ingenious
with a bohemian/vintage-glam feel, Orangia was conceived
upon the belief that comfort can come with elegance. When
the brand first launched in South Florida years ago, it
reflected the vibrant, diverse and tropical attitude of
Miami with cheery colors, pretty patterns and lightweight
fabrics. But today, Orangia and its determined designing
duo have a brand-new focus: custom-designed wedding apparel
made of natural, organic fibers and the finest cottons,
laces and silks.
Unique and understated, Orangia’s bridal collection
takes its cue straight from the bride-to-be, turning her
vision into reality. “We really listen to what our
clients want, and this is why we’re successful in
what we’re doing right now,” says Londoño,
an architect by trade, who develops the artwork, graphics
and textiles for the label. From millinery, shoes and
jewelry to invitations and cake designs, Funari and Londoño
conjure up each Earth-friendly item with creativity and
love, wanting the customer to feel carefree, comfortable
and good about herself.
“I’ve seen with my own eyes how an Orangia
piece can change a person’s mood and personality.
It makes them feel confident, beautiful and elegant,”
says Funari, the chief designer, who began her career
designing with Xhilaration for Target. “So when
they go out, enter a room or walk down the aisle, they
actually have presence and a positive, happy, healthy
feeling. It feels great to know I can generate that. It
feels as if I’m completing my mission, and to be
able to give that to women is wonderful.” This feeling
Funari describes is exactly what inspired the line and
its name in the first place. “When one is most happy
and centered with the universe, their aura will radiate
orange,” Funari explains. “I want all customers
to feel this contentment and harmony from the clothing,
knowing they’re doing something good for the Earth
and for humanity.” The label also supports a long
list of worthy causes and charities.
The couture wedding gowns can range anywhere from $1,000
to $8,000. “I’ve actually had customers say,
‘I love this dress so much I’m going to keep
it forever and heirloom it to my children,’”
Funari says. “And that really makes me feel good,
showing this is how important the dress is to them. For
people to see the brand in that way, that’s my dream.”
Funari and Londoño both say the company is a real
word-of-mouth business, and with customer feedback like
that, what more could they ask for? Longevity and success
is most certainly in their future.
Orangia will make its way up to Tampa’s USF campus
for the Florida Signature Bridal Affair on July 12th.
Don’t miss it; get details at perfectweddingguide.com.
For more information on Orangia, visit orangiausa.com.
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