Smash + Tess elevates your destination wedding style

Smash + Tess elevates your destination wedding style

Founded by a mother-daughter team who believes that every body should feel comfy, cute and celebrated, Smash + Tess is a destination where everyone is welcome. From street style rompers to wedding and bridal collections, the Smash + Tess brand is designed for all of life’s moments. We caught up with Ashley Freeborn – mother of two, innovator, Chief Executive Officer and the one who does it all – to share her vision for the brand moving forward and 2023 wedding trends we know our destination wedding couples will love!

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What was the gap you saw in the loungewear or “everywear” market that led to the creation of Smash + Tess?

Smash + Tess was founded when I noticed a gap in the fashion space for inclusive clothing that was both comfortable and cute. I wanted women of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds to see themselves represented in what is typically an exclusive industry.

Can you share why you felt it was important that Smash + Tess offer a range of sizes and styles for all shoppers?

Our purpose is to empower women to live their big lives with ease and confidence. We know that women are busy and need to make multiple decisions throughout the day – and choosing an outfit shouldn’t be an added stressor. Our clothes are designed to make you look good and feel good, and our community celebrates all shapes, sizes and styles. We want everyone to come as they are, and feel included and welcome.

Smash + Tess has grown to offer a range of styles that cater to women and men for key milestones, including the Wedding Edit and Bridal Collection collab with Kaitlin Hargreaves. What excited you about diving into wedding fashion?

From the beginning, we wanted to create clothing that women could wear throughout all the chapters of their lives – including those big milestones. When we see our customers posting their matching bridal party looks rocking our rompers, it brings us joy knowing that we were able to help make someone’s special day that much more memorable.

How do you see the bridal and wedding edits evolving over time? How crucial is customer feedback to this process?

We’re committed to community-led design and love hearing feedback from our customers. Our goal for bridal is to make one-and-done outfits that can be dressed up (for the bridal shower or bachelorette party) and dressed down (for travelling to a destination wedding), and easily slipped on and off when getting ready for the big day! All of these things are influenced by the feedback we receive from our community.

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What do you predict to be the trending colours and/or styles for brides and bridesmaids this year?

One trend that I’m loving lately, and think will carry into next year, is a square or straight neckline. It’s such an elevated and elegant look that would be beautiful on a bridal or bridesmaid gown. As for colours, we’re looking at earthy tones and soft blues for 2023 – a palette that feels raw and organic.

Psst, check out how you can add a pop of colour to your earthy fits, brighten up bouquets and more with Pantone’s Colour of the Year!

The brand has just entered a new era with a fresh look and feel. Can you speak to Smash + Tess’ evolution and where you’re taking the brand next?

We’re so excited for this new chapter of Smash + Tess. Over the past six years, we’ve grown so much as a brand and I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished. There are some exciting collaborations on the horizon, fresh new product lines and trendy styles that I cannot wait to share. I can promise that by the end of this year, you’ll want to be wearing Smash + Tess from head to toe!

You’ve been married going on seven years! If you were to opt for a destination wedding – or perhaps head to paradise for a vow renewal – which Sunwing destination do you see being the best fit for you and your partner?

I would love an intimate Caribbean retreat like Aruba or Antigua! Anywhere on the water where I can relax on a beach with my family.

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Check out Ashley’s top style picks for brides, grooms and wedding guests of all ages heading to paradise for a destination wedding in the 10th anniversary edition of Wedding Vacations by Sunwing.