Nominated by Heidi Elnora of Heidi Elnora Atelier, Allie Gipson was honored at our 2024 Soul of the South Awards as our Fashion & Textile Design category winner.

Biography

Born in Huntsville, AL and raised in Cullman, AL Allie Gipson always knew that she wanted to do something transformative and different. She first stepped out of her comfort zone by joining a fashion class in high school, and later placed in the Top 20 at Birmingham Fashion Week.

She continued to hone her skills at the University of Alabama, followed by an internship in New York with designer Cristina Ottaviano, where she fell in love with the city and with bridal design. However, Gipson missed her home state, and returned to Alabama after working for a bridal designer in Nashville. Later, she interned for Birmingham-based designer Heidi Elnora, where she continued to learn about the potential for fashion design in the South.

Today, Gipson works with Bridal by Morgan, a bridal shop in Athens owned by Kate Smith, where they are about to release their first joint collection. She continues to be inspired by other Southern-based designers, who propel her forward in her own journey.

 

Soul of the South Q&A

1) What was your “aha” moment or when did you decide that this was the industry for you?

My senior year of high school. I was in a “fashion class” and my teacher wanted all the students to enter Birmingham Fashion Week. So my best friend and I entered out of requirement and we were the only two to get chosen in the class. We ended up competing and finishing in the Top 20. During that competition, I discovered that I loved it. I stayed up hours on hours to make sure it was completed, and that is when I knew I wanted to pursue fashion. I always experimented in fashion through what I wore, but being able to actually create was something so new to me and so exciting.

2) How did your upbringing or time spent in Alabama shape your career?

The art of community—which includes my family and friends. Alabama sometimes can feel so small; growing up in a small town like Cullman, I saw firsthand how people can make you feel known, seen, and heard. I did not necessarily realize that when I was younger, but after moving to NYC right after college I realized that you can build community wherever you are, as long as you believe in something and put the work into it.

3) What keeps you moving forward in the industry, and do you have a quote or motto that resonates with you?

My community and the people I get to assist with what I do. I love the sense of community the bridal fashion world brings– you meet so many people with so many different backgrounds and personalities and it is such a joy to talk to them and to get to know them. It keeps me wanting to do more and pursue the bridal industry daily. I am constantly inspired by a Health and Wellness Coach Melissa Wood. She was the first meditation I ever listened to. The motto that has always stuck with me from her: “you are here now.” It keeps my mind centered and in the present moment.

4) How has your nominator made a positive impact on your idea of and/or relationship to your industry?

I wouldn’t be where I am in the fashion industry without Heidi. She was the creator of Birmingham Fashion Week. (which I participated in) I then interned for her in college and have stayed connected with her throughout my time after. While also getting to know her more, I saw how hard work and dedication to a craft is something you cannot buy but have to believe in. She also made me see that you do not have to live in a big city to make your dreams a reality. She was the foundation of my fashion career and has been a constant throughout it as well—I am forever grateful for her and the impact she has placed on my career.

5) What would you consider your greatest professional accomplishment?

As of now, creating my first collection with Bridal By Morgan (Kate Smith’s Bridal Store in Athens, AL). I first started working with Kate in November of last year and over that time have been running alterations for her shop. We recently designed a collection for her store and have put it in the store. This is my first wholesale collection and I am so proud of it; being able to work with Kate has been such a blessing in my life and I am so thankful for her and her business.

6) What would you like to see more of in Alabama as it pertains to your industry?

Partnership and community building. Working in Bridal Fashion can be very competitive; however, I have experienced firsthand what partnership and community building can do for someone. I hope to inspire people to work together in this business, and to not feel like you have to move to a big city to accomplish your dreams and goals in. You can lean on your community to ask questions about things you might not know or understand and grow from it.