The Mark Ingram Atelier is synonymous with being at the heart of luxury and fashion, situated just steps away from the vibrant Park Avenue. For the past 20 years, it has been a beacon in bridal fashion, drawing brides from around the globe who seek not only the finest couture but also an intimate, personalised experience in a setting rich with history and sophistication. Mark Ingram, the visionary behind the Atelier, meticulously hand-picks each gown, ensuring that his collection reflects modern aesthetics while remaining timeless. Each piece resonates with the refined tastes of his clientele, embodying grace, style, and a contemporary elegance that has defined the Atelier’s identity for two decades.
The Atelier’s ambiance is crafted to offer an unmatched experience of luxury and white-glove service. Brides from across the nation and beyond come to immerse themselves in its carefully curated space and, if fortunate, to work directly with Mr. Ingram himself. In envisioning the ideal space for the Atelier, interior designer Hao Lam, designer and owner of HAONOAH, collaborated closely with the team, merging Mr. Ingram’s inspiration with her own design expertise to bring a dreamlike atmosphere to life. It was an honour for Hao when Dawn Bromander, the President and Chief Operating Officer of Mark Ingram Atelier introduced her to this project. The location inside the historic Dumont Building—a striking example of Art Deco and Neo-Gothic architecture—sets the stage for a memorable shopping experience. Working with SRS Architect and Area Builders, the design team maintained the building’s rich history. Arched antique brass window frames have been meticulously restored, preserving the architectural heritage and providing a breathtaking backdrop that feels both timeless and modern.
Together, Hao and the client crafted an aesthetic that caters to every bride’s fantasy. With a calming palette of warm greens, blues, and greys, Hao sought to establish an elegant, tranquil setting, where sophistication is felt in every corner. This colour scheme wasn’t only picked for its visual appeal—it was selected to evoke serenity and provide a soothing canvas that enhances the gowns’ beauty. The colours also complement the brides themselves, ensuring that they feel their most radiant in an atmosphere that feels luxurious yet welcoming.
To elevate the experience, Hao designed the space with intentional flow, guiding each bride through a journey from the reception area to lounges and dressing rooms. Every element was thoughtfully planned to enhance the customer’s journey, creating a sense of effortless movement throughout the space. Brides are greeted by warm, inviting tones and an air of quiet sophistication as they enter, followed by carefully appointed seating areas where they can relax and enjoy the experience. By the time they reach the dressing rooms, the space has transitioned subtly to provide a more intimate, personal environment, ensuring a memorable visit. Hao’s attention to space planning allowed her to craft a layout that balances elegance with functionality, facilitating an experience that is both immersive and meticulously organised.
One key component of this transformation was the flooring, for which Hao selected high-quality wood from Havwoods, a supplier renowned for its premium wood products. Her past experience with Havwoods during her work in hospitality design instilled confidence in their product quality and reliability. After careful consideration, Hao chose Corniga wood, a light-toned variety that brightens the space while subtly complementing other elements without overpowering them. “The lightness of the wood lifted up the space, without overshadowing any elements,” Hao explained. Corniga wood’s versatility and timeless appeal made it the perfect choice for the Atelier, embodying both durability and understated beauty.
Hao emphasized the importance of selecting wood flooring that not only enhances the aesthetic but also serves the space functionally. “Look for subtlety; the tone should align with your desired style, ensuring a harmonious flow throughout the area. Consider functionality as well; a durable, thicker plank allows for future refinishing with minimal upkeep,” she advises. Her design philosophy seamlessly marries practicality with aesthetic appeal, resulting in spaces that are not only visually stunning but also enduring and functional. The choice of Havwoods flooring reflects this approach, adding to the Atelier’s charm while providing a sturdy foundation that will withstand the test of time.
The use of unique wallpapers was another critical design element that Hao incorporated to bring texture and warmth to the space. The Scalamandre Crested Crane Mural Grasscloths wallpaper, framed in custom high-gloss millwork, created a series of “art walls” that bring romance and visual interest to the Atelier. This mural, with its elegant depictions of cranes, adds a timeless, almost ethereal quality to the interiors, aligning with the shop’s bridal theme. Paired with floral wallpaper, these “art walls” offer a modern play on traditional wallpaper use, blending the classic with the contemporary. Each wallpaper was chosen not only for its beauty but also for the way it interacts with light, adding depth and creating an inviting, layered atmosphere.
To ensure cohesion across all design elements, Benjamin Moore paint colours were chosen with great care, selected specifically to harmonise with the overall palette and to accentuate the other design materials. The tones chosen were tailored to enhance brides’ skin tones, ensuring they appear with a natural, warm glow in the space. This detail, though subtle, speaks volumes about Hao’s dedication to every aspect of the client experience, down to how each bride feels in the space. By creating an environment that complements their natural beauty, Hao has elevated the shopping experience to a truly luxurious level, where every bride can feel like the best version of herself.
The Atelier is more than a bridal boutique—it is a meticulously crafted environment that reflects Mark Ingram’s dedication to providing an unforgettable experience. Every detail, from the colour palette to the wood flooring, wallpaper, and layout, was thoughtfully chosen to create a harmonious, dreamlike space. Brides who enter the Atelier aren’t just shopping for a gown; they’re stepping into a world where their fantasies are embraced, where the experience itself is as memorable as the dress they choose. With Hao’s vision and Mr. Ingram’s commitment to excellence, the Mark Ingram Atelier continues to set the standard for what a luxury bridal experience can be.
