A space where ethereal minimalism and dynamic textures intersect, the Mark Bumgarner Bridal Studio, elegantly brought to life by CreativSpaces, transforms an old preschool floor into a welcoming, refined, haven for Mark Bumgarner brides.
Nestled in a quaint building at the bustling district of Poblacion, Makati, the newly established bridal studio stands as a testament to the artistry of bespoke bridal couture and the transformative potential of a curated client experience. The space evokes the familiarity of a cozy living area, warmingly accommodating brides and the beautiful moments they share with loved ones. Central to this concept is the delicate interplay of soft and rough textures on a neutral, monochromatic palette that effortlessly highlights Mark’s dashing creations and the individuals they are made for.
For Mark, this studio is more than a workspace; it is the fulfillment of years of anticipation. “I’ve been dreaming about being in this space since 2018, 2019,” he shares. “And even during the pandemic, I would visit this area to see if it was available.” A year after completing his main studio on a lower floor of the building, he finally secured the opportunity to house his bridal studio one floor above, now serving as a dedicated space exclusively for his bridal creations.
Mark’s vision materialized with the help of architect-interior designer sister-duo Kim Isip and Elaine Isip-Tianco of CreativSpaces, whose portfolio includes working on Mark’s own home prior to this project. Their latest collaboration resulted in a luxurious bridal studio, complete with exquisite furniture and design elements carefully selected to set the space apart from other Mark Bumgarner projects.
“We’re slowly learning how to maximize the space and basically growing into the space because we’re, right now, just used to the floor under us. But this has proven to be a good addition to our studio.” shares Mark.
Focusing on creating a bridal space distinct from Mark’s previous collaborations with them, CreativSpaces designed a thoughtfully crafted entryway that leads to the main area. This brief walk instills a sense of arrival reminiscent of the anticipation that fills the air during weddings. “There’s a short walk, like a short hallway leading to this bridal studio. So you know, there's a sense of excitement for the client.” explains Kim.
This entryway begins with an accent wall situated directly opposite of the floor’s main doors. It features the Mark Bumgarner emblem in gold over stone composite cladding, greeting visitors with elegance punctuated with unexpected textures. Adjacent walls are adorned with either Curamori WPC indoor scallop panels, which shimmer subtly under soft lighting with their pearl white finish and gentle curves, or a continually evolving collection of artwork handpicked by Mark, reflecting his personal artistic sensibility.
The studio’s main area embraces an open layout, designed to make brides and their families at ease. Floor-to-ceiling glass windows span one side of the space, inviting abundant natural light softened by semi-sheer white curtains that flow with ethereal grace against the minimalism of the space—a deliberate design choice visible throughout the studio.
“Although it’s white,” notes interior designer Elaine, “we played around textures for his bridal studio.” This focus on details is strikingly evident in the luxurious seating area, positioned beautifully in front of Mark’s gown collection, which hangs on a bespoke golden rack that, albeit being metal, flows harmoniously against the rough texture of a stone-accented wall.
The sofa set, personally chosen by Mark from Caracole’s Modern: Movement catalog, incorporates curves and organic shapes reminiscent of the flow and elegance of his dresses. The plush, textured fabric of the sofa adds depth to its beige aesthetic, pairing magnificently with the rich hues of brown and gold in the uniquely designed Modern: Contrast cocktail and light spot tables, also from the luxury American furniture brand distributed by Dexterton Corporation.
“We were able to translate his [bridal] artistry with [furniture] pieces that’s not common,” shares Kim, when describing their approach to ensuring the minimalism and simplicity Mark requested remained cohesive and captivating, even amid the predominantly white tones of his bridal pieces. “We played with the shapes like the arcs of the mirror and we chose lighting that’s still playful. it matched the bridal clothes, the wedding gowns, and it didn’t contradict too much and still worked with the space.”
Another highly designed feature of the project is the studio’s bathroom. In contrast to the airy studio, it exudes a moody sophistication, clad in textured finishes and accented with black fixtures that align with Mark’s personal style. “It’s so different from the whole bridal studio. It’s darker and stuff, because I want just that change of mood. It’s actually more similar to my house, but I love the whole difference of the space.”
The Mark Bumgarner Bridal Studio exemplifies the perfect fusion of textures and minimalism. CreativSpaces masterfully translated Mark’s vision into a meticulously curated environment that celebrates the artistry of couture while offering an inviting and unforgettable experience for every bride. Through thoughtful architectural design and a seamless interplay of materials, the studio, crafted with care and purpose, embodies the timeless elegance and shared experience of bridal couture.
(From left to right) Kimberly Isip, Mark Bumgarner, and Elaine Isip-Tianco, the creative minds behind the Mark Bumgarner Bridal Studio.