Marc Bouwer

As a child, Marc Bouwer was fascinated by the movies and the beautiful women of Hollywood. Little did he know that decades later, as a celebrated American couturier, his designs would set a thousand red carpet cameras flashing.

Shortly after arriving in NYC, he met fashion legend Halston. What happened next may have been Marc's own first Hollywood moment: "I think you got something, kid!" were the legend's memorable words after seeing Marc's portfolio. On cue, Halston offered him a job, and the young designer's future began to unfold. Under Halston, Marc refined his skills, becoming a master draper. Draping soon became the hallmark of Bouwer's career — a distinction later dubbed "athletic glamour" by industry purveyors and the international press.

In the 1990s, Marc established his namesake design house with partner Paul Margolin and became one of the first eveningwear-focused designers in America. Since then, Marc's innate sensibility, keen eye, and undeniable talent have landed him on the pages of revered international fashion publications and into the hearts of the world's most glamorous and watched women. In addition to a roster of celebrated runway reviews and feature articles, Marc Bouwer Couture has graced the cover of Harper's Bazaar, Oprah, Cosmopolitan, Instyle, Vanity Fair, Glamour, Vibe Magazine, and many more.

The Marc Bouwer Couture collection is cut and made by hand, one to two pieces at a time. Both his commissioned pieces and retail collections are handled in this same traditional way. The extraordinary fabrics with which Marc creates his distinctive, form-fitting "bathing suit gowns" include uniquely modern combinations of sensuous jersey, cashmere, silk crepe, lace, and velvet with detailed beading. Marc has dubbed his designs "deceptively simple."

Bouwer is a man of principal with a rebel spirit. In 2002, Marc made fashion history when he presented a collection made completely free of animal products. PETA sponsored the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week show, and the recognition helped secure his cult following in politically correct Hollywood. Bouwer famously remarked, "Fur belongs on an animal, not on a hanger." A PETA Humanitarian Award soon followed. Oprah Winfrey's O Magazine regularly spotlights Marc's "fabulously realistic" fur on its pages.

Marc Bouwer and celebrity dressing have become practically synonymous. The parade of celebrities photographed in his gowns provide a snapshot of our glamour-driven, syndicated society of awards shows, film and television premieres, concerts, and sporting events.

Throughout his career, Marc has worked with a dream list of clientele that drives the retail market and invigorates the viability of American couture. The Marc Bouwer Couture Collection is sold at Neiman Marcus and specialty stores throughout the United States.