Mon Cheri Three for Three in Chicago DEBI awards

By Paul Pannone

The DEBI awards in Chicago held at the Field Museum had the look and feel of a Hollywood premier. Stunning people dressed in beautiful gowns and tuxedos were there to celebrate the gown and wedding dress business at a time when America is dressing up and celebrating less. But you wouldn’t know it, as an upbeat crowd was there to put aside the gloominess and look to a brighter future.

With major brands like Enzoani, Paloma Blanca, Pronovias, Watters, Allure, Casablanca, Maggie Sottero, Mori Lee, Alfred Angelo, BariJay, Bill Levkoff, the house was filled with the world’s greatest designers and fashion experts.

But the night and most of the market  was dominated by Mon Cheri, taking three of three awards for which they were nominated. Discussions with owner, Steve Lang, before the show said he was hopeful to come away with one.

 Joan Calabrese for Children wins number one for Mon Cheri.

A very hot Tony Bowls takes number two DEBI for Mon Cheri.

John Amato accepts number three DEBI for Montage, Mon Cheri’s Mother of the bride collection. Amato came out of retirement to join the company.

“This was a unbelieveable night for us and I am so grateful to Steve (Lang) for talking me out of retirement to come and contribute to such a fine organization,” said John Amato, a veteran of the bridal dress business.

Amato and every member of the Mon Cheri organization we’ve spoken with say the company is on a tear and destined to keep growing at a time where many others are struggling to survive.

“We are blessed to be where we are and I owe it to my team. They’re the ones that make it happen. But to me the greatest asset of the company is the relationship we share with each retail partner. They’re the ones that are on the front-line seeing the brides. Honestly, I don’t know how they do it. I’ve been on my feet for two days here at the show and am ready to collapse. I give store owners everywhere a lot of credit,” according to Steve Lang, owner of Mon Cheri.

 

It’s been a great Chicago market for Steve Lang and Mon Cheri. But the man remains humble and focused on the future of his company.

Winning awards and accolades is nothing new to Steve Lang and Mon Cheri.

“This is the third time we’ve won three award; but it never gets old. Each time it’s for something else and that’s what keeps it new and exciting for me. I am very grateful,” he told eWedNewz after the show.

eWedNewz will be following up on sources that say Mon Cheri may be signing a licensing deal that includes one of its major brands and tuxedos. 

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