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Ese Azenabor Grembowski

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Esé Azénabor
Born (1984-01-20) January 20, 1984 (age 40)
Benin City, Nigeria
NationalityNigerian-Canadian
Alma materUniversity of Windsor
Southern Methodist University
Occupation(s)Fashion Designer, Creative Director
Years active2012–present
SpouseEric Grembowski
Children1
Websitewww.eseazenabor.com

Esé Azénabor-Grembowski (born January 20, 1984) is a Nigerian-Canadian fashion designer and creative director, known for her label Esé Azénabor, which blends African heritage with contemporary European elements in haute couture designs.

Early Life and Education

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Azénabor-Grembowski was born in Nigeria and moved to Ontario, Canada, in 1999,[1][2] where she pursued studies in accounting at the University of Windsor. She later relocated to Dallas, Texas, to pursue a Master's degree from Southern Methodist University.[1][3] It was during her time in Texas that she shifted her focus from academia to fashion design.

Career

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Azénabor founded her fashion label, Esé Azénabor, in 2012, specializing in couture bridal and evening wear.[4] Her use of hand-beading, fine fabrics, and intricate embroidery quickly drew attention, establishing her as a unique voice in fashion. Known for combining African and European influences, her designs feature detailed craftsmanship that has helped her stand out in the competitive couture industry.

Her collections, which include beadwork, French lace, tulle, and crystal embellishments, attracted an affluent clientele interested in unique bridal gowns and formal wear. Azénabor debuted her work at a Dallas fashion show, where she gained support from local influencer Rhonda Sargent Chambers,[3] and her designs featured in the 2022 film Father of the Bride, alongside works by designers Vera Wang and Zuhair Murad.

Brand Growth

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Azénabor’s designs have appeared at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and Bridal Fashion Week,[5][6] showcasing collections such as the Spring/Summer 2025.[7][5][6][8]

Known for her intricate craftsmanship and blending of modern and vintage influences, her collections have garnered attention for their bold design choices. Her bridal designs, in particular, have attracted a global clientele, with customers traveling internationally for custom-made gowns.

Her work has been featured in various publications, including Vogue,[9] The New York Times,[10] Brides,[2] WWD,[11] Essence,[12][8] Forbes,[13] and Harper’s Bazaar.[14][15] Several celebrities, including Taraji P. Henson, Tyra Banks, Little Big Town, Kelsea Ballerini, Vivica A. Fox, and Thalía, have worn her designs.[3][16]

Notable Collections

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  • In Bloom Collection
  • In Blossom Collection
  • Essence Bridal Collection: This collection debuted at New York Bridal Fashion Week.
  • The Enchanted Collection
  • The Dream Collection
  • Grand Cathedral Bridal Collection: Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, this collection became one of Azénabor’s most celebrated works.
  • Spring/Summer 2025 Collection: Showcased during New York Fashion Week, this collection is heavily inspired by a mix of modern and vintage elements, presenting gowns with intricate hand-beading and embroidery.

Design Philosophy and Style

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Esé Azénabor's designs feature dramatic silhouettes, hand beading with crystals, pearls, and stones, and embroidery on fabrics such as French lace and tulle.[4][3][7] Her collections draw inspiration from vintage, African, and contemporary European styles, emphasizing bespoke gown creation tailored to individual preferences.[7]

Known for luxurious, art-inspired couture, Azénabor’s pieces often include hand-beading, crystal and pearl embellishments, and complex structuring. Drawing inspiration from African culture and European design, her gowns are distinguished by their elaborate detail and bold silhouettes.[4][3][7]

Each garment is crafted with a high level of detail, making her work stand out in the world of haute couture. She frequently works with fine materials like French lace, and many of her pieces are designed to make a bold statement, whether on the red carpet or at a wedding.

Showrooms

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Esé Azénabor’s flagship showroom is located in Dallas, Texas, where she launched her brand. In 2023, she expanded with a bridal showroom on Madison Avenue in New York City[17][18] and a ready-to-wear boutique in Southampton Village.[19] That same year, she showcased her latest collections at a private event in Dallas, marking a return to live fashion shows.[20]

Personal life

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Esé Azénabor-Grembowski is married to Eric Grembowski and has a daughter.[21][22]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Nigerian-born, Dallas-transplant Esé Azénabor Designs Wedding Dresses Fit For a Queen". D Weddings. 2021-10-20. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  2. ^ a b "New Esé Azénabor Wedding Dresses". Brides. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Brides come from faraway places to get fairy tale gowns from Esé Azénabor". Dallas News. 2022-03-18. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  4. ^ a b c Rothman, Darius (2023-04-13). "Esé Azénabor's "Essence" Collection Mesmerizes at NY Bridal Fashion Week". Strawberry Wedding Photography. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  5. ^ a b Longman, Hannah (2024-09-09). "Esé Azénabor Spring 2025 RTW Collection". Fashion Week Online®. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  6. ^ a b Sayej, Nadja. "Highlights From New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  7. ^ a b c d Glam, Global (2024-09-08). "Esé Azénabor: A Dazzling Showcase of Elegance and Empowerment". Global Glam International Luxury Magazine. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  8. ^ a b "Ese Azenabor Drops New Bridal Collection 'Grand Cathedral'". Essence. 2020-12-06. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  9. ^ Stories, Local (2018-01-10). "Meet Ese Azenabor of Ese Azenabor in The Design District". voyagedallas.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  10. ^ "Esé Azénabor-Grembowski - bridal designer". The New York Times.
  11. ^ W. W. D. Staff (2023-10-13). "Esé Azénabor Bridal Fall 2024". WWD. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  12. ^ "Esé Azénabor Presents Fall/Winter 2020 At Fashion House". Essence. 2020-11-04. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  13. ^ "Ese Azenabor-Grembowski". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  14. ^ "NEW YORK - ESE AZENABOR : défilé printemps-été 2025". Harper's Bazaar (in French). Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  15. ^ "NEW YORK - ESE AZENABOR : défilé printemps-été 2024". Harper's Bazaar (in French). Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  16. ^ "CFDA - designer spotlight: Esé Azénabor-Grembowski". cfda.com. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  17. ^ "Esé Azénabor – Madison Avenue Bridal Boutique Grand Opening - World Bride Magazine". worldbridemagazine.com. 2023-02-20. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  18. ^ "Her-story Has Been Made, First Nigerian-Owned Women's Atelier Opens On Madison Avenue". Essence. 2023-02-24. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  19. ^ Post, James Lane (2023-08-05). "Esé Azénabor Opens New Boutique In Southampton • James Lane Post • Hamptons Culture & Lifestyle Magazine". James Lane Post. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  20. ^ editorial (2022-05-04). "Ese Azenabor Wows Dallas Again with New Collections". Dallas Weekly. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  21. ^ Sanford, Deve (2018-02-16). "Celebrity designer Esé Azénabor and Eric Grembowski Glamorous Wedding". Upscale Living Mag. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
  22. ^ Frazier, Leah. "Celebrity Designer Esé Azénabor Leaps Into a Blossoming Bridal Business in Dallas". Dallas Observer. Retrieved 2024-10-26.
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