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Matthew Christopher

Matthew Christopher born March 16th, 1976, is an American couture wedding and red carpet designer located in New York City. His gowns are currently available in more than 70 boutiques in the US, Europe and Australia. Matthew Christopher is regularly featured in publications such as Martha Stewart Weddings, Inside Weddings, The Knot, and TheKnot.com. Matthew Christopher was nominated for a Distinctive Excellence in the Bridal Industry (DEBI) Award from 2004 to 2007 and specifically in the Prestigious Designer of the Year category in 2008.

He is known for his acclaimed couture bridal collections, as well as his couture designs for celebrities including Debra Messing and Kristin Chenoweth for red carpet events like the Tony Awards and Emmy Awards.

Personal Life

Matthew Christopher Sobaski was born and raised in Packwood, Iowa. He is the second child born to Kenneth and Sandra Sobaski both of polish decent.

Matthew was raised on a hog farm coming from a long line of Southwest Iowan Farmers.

Enthralled by fashion, Matthew began grabbing glamour magazines in the local grocery store when he was 11 years old. Inspired by what he saw, he began to sew with his grandmothers and neighbor.

His work began to consistently win blue ribbons in local fairs. Always a performer, as well as a designer, Matthew spent 3 summers singing, dancing and designing with the Iowa State Fair Singers. Matthew attended both the Art Institute of Chicago and graduated from Iowa State University. In 1999 Matthew moved to New York City to begin his professional career as a Couture Wedding Gown Designer, starting his own company, Matthew Christopher Inc. in 2000 at the age of 26.

In December of 2012, Matthew married David J. Marchi in an elaborate red carpet ceremony at Angel Oresanz www.orensanz.org

Matthew has 4 stepchildren through marriage; Justin Kayne Marchi, Elizabeth Kayla Marchi, John Patrick Marchi and Benjamin Luddy Marchi. Matthew and his husband David spend their time between their homes in New York City, Hamburg, Germany and Newfane, Vermont.

Career

Matthew Christopher's interest in bridal design began very early, as a child looking at bridal magazines in his local grocery store. After studying at the Art Institute of Chicago and Iowa State University, he moved to New York City to begin his professional career with an internship at Demetrios Bridal, under the guidance of designer Jimmy Elias.

Next, Matthew completed his tenure as the design assistant of Candice Solomon at One of a Kind Bride where he first acquired the knowledge and skills that would prove vital in his bridal couture career.

In 2000, Matthew Christopher accepted a position as a designer with Galina Bridal, where he designed several collections that were subsequently featured in Bride's and Modern Bride magazines. With an emphasis on precise fit and construction, his first collection embodied his dedication to quality and elegance for today's sophisticated bride. By infusing a modern, contemporary approach to Galina's existing look, Matthew was credited with rejuvenating the brand. Matthew later moved to Casablanca Bridal, where he created many top-selling gowns.

With his reputation established, he created his own label, Matthew Christopher Inc., at the age of 26. From his first collection in 2002, Matthew's gowns have represented modern elegance combined with classic glamour. From the hand-drawn, organic beading to show stopping silhouettes, Matthew creates drama in every detail. Over the years, he has created unique and stunning dimensional embroidery, cutout windowpanes, precise pintucks, hand-knotted bows, flowing flowers, sweeping trains, and elegant draping. And just as important as beauty on the outside, each gown is carefully constructed on the inside to provide an impeccable and comfortable fit.

Matthew is personally devoted to brides, always listening to their needs and creating designs to delight and inspire. He travels extensively to trunk shows every year, reaching out to personally meet as many brides as possible and help them chose the gown for their special day. "Their stories have inspired my designs," said Matthew. "The excitement in a bride's eyes the moment she sees herself dressed in the dress of her dreams is matched by my own."