Our Story
The Designer & Couturier
Ellen Wise is an American ‘haute couture’ fashion designer based in the San Francisco Bay Area. For over a decade she has delighted her custom clientele with one-of-a-kind bespoke evening and professional attire. In 2018 Ellen launched to an international audience, presenting collections on the runways of New York, San Francisco and Vancouver. Her latest endeavor, CIELO Bridal Couture, continues her global outreach, offering exquisite custom bespoke wedding dresses.
Trained in Paris and San Francisco, Ellen is renowned for creating one-of-a-kind wearable art. Inspired by the simplicity of natural beauty, she practices the time-honored method of moulage to sculpt elegant and timeless silhouettes.
"In recent years, couturier and designer Wise has emerged as a godsend for professionals requiring ensembles that effortlessly transition from day to evening, as well as those desiring exquisite gowns for social affairs such as San Francisco’s ballet and symphony opening night galas."
High Fashion, High in the Mountains, Knob Hill Gazette, July 27, 2019
Inspired by Nature, Environment & Humanity
“It is often said that Haute Couture is the ultimate form of slow fashion. Today, “slow fashion” requires that we look even beyond the process of handcrafting our designs, and pay special attention to sustainability and ethical production of the materials we choose: is this silk environmentally sustainable? Are these laces made in ethically responsible working conditions? Is the manufacturing process contributing to local or regional pollution? These are but a few of the essential questions that I attempt to consider with each textile purchased and each design curated.”
- Ellen Wise
"My message is, 'Buy less, choose well, make it last,"
-Vivienne Westwood
The Atelier
Nestled in the picturesque hills of Woodside, California, the Ellen Wise Couture atelier welcomes clients from around the world.
Here, with meticulous attention to detail and workmanship, Ellen leads an exceptional team of artisans who transform her vision into reality. Every element of the process is executed using old world couture techniques. In close collaboration with each client, exacting fittings take place in-person or remotely.
The finest natural fiber silks, Italian tulles and European laces are indispensable textiles. Elegant draping, intricate embroideries and luxurious linings are signature details. Made by hand in her California studio, the Ellen Wise team celebrates the highest standards of couture craftsmanship, design and quality.
Unmatched Attention to Detail
"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Ellen Wise on several spectacular gowns, cocktail dresses, and suits over the last few years. Each design meeting and fitting feels like an artistic collaboration...
Her taste is impeccable and her talent and knowledge of true couture is unsurpassed ...The foundation of her art is quality and elegance. Ellen listens, has excellent ideas, and almost intuitively knows what works on me. In meeting with international delegations, including heads of state, it is important to have the confidence that one is perfectly outfitted, and Ellen's creations guarantee that. She is truly practicing an almost lost art. We are very lucky that her doors are open to us!"
Deanna T
Los Altos Hills, CA
“Ellen Wise’s latest collection highlighted the designer’s expertise for handcrafted elevated haute couture. Femininity dominated the runway in Wise’s collection Color, Music and Light… Stunning silk, tulles and lace created a vibrant garden that was the perfect combination of romance, whimsy and femininity.”
Vancouver Fashion Week S/S20, Press Release Friday 18 October 2019
Fady Mechrek ~ Collaborating Designer
Ellen is pleased to announce her collaboration with couture fashion designer and master pattern maker, Fady Mechrek. A native of Lebanon, Fady has more than two decades of experience as a designer, couturier and studio manager with Maison Elie Saab.
Fady completed his formal training during the early 1980’s at the Modern Institute for Sewing and Tailoring in Lebanon. His specialties include draping, pattern making, production cutting, embroidery and custom corsetry.
Fady is a true master of creating exceptional beauty that is simultaneously novel and accessible. He fuses traditional haute couture with innovative creativity.
As collaborating designer, Fady's experience, expertise and attention to detail is unsurpassed.