| Uncompromising Bridalwear |
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| Written by Written by Marianne Puechl |
| Sunday, 17 January 2010 14:40 |
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Seasonal Spotlight...
Focus on Birnbaum & Bullock, one of New York's most stylish design teams Steven Birnbaum & Robert Bullock, one of New York City’s most stylish design teams, offer insights about what makes their apparel unique, how the climate of marriage equality has affected them personally as well as professionally ...and how, after thirteen years in business, they insure that their company remains committed to the issues of gay & lesbian rights. What unique services does Birnbaum and Bullock offer? Mainly we understand women's bodies and create gowns that are custom made to each client's measurements. That is a huge benefit, in that few women have the standard measurements most companies adhere to. By offering this individualized attention we can insure both a beautiful looking and amazingly comfortable garment. In fact, it’s the very reason why we have such good relationships with our brides and their moms too: we can dress each of them and help them feel great about themselves. Further, the luxury of wearing a gown that is completely lined in silk is unmistakable. We firmly believe that ALL women should have the same access to beautiful gowns! How does the current political climate affect your personal relationship with your life partner? Robert Bullock (RB): My partner, Victor, and I met through the Village Voice personals 13.5 years ago. It's amazing having someone who still tells me on a daily basis how much he loves me and how handsome he thinks I am. The feeling is honestly mutual and our love gets stronger as we get older. It would be nice to know that we have the same legal securities that heterosexual couples do. Marriage equality is a human right not a just a gay right. My partner and I were discriminated against several years back at a hospital in Brooklyn. To make a long story short, I was forced to wait for 5 hours without knowing if he was alive, in surgery or even being taken care of because the doctor was homophobic. When the relief doctor came on duty at 3 am he explained what was wrong and took me to be with Victor, my partner. Dealing with the incident brought a feeling of desperation I hope never to experience again. Steven Birnbaum (SB): We met on-line a year and half ago. It’s wonderful to finally find such a healthy and exciting  relationship at this point in my life. We’ve both had full professional careers and now are sharing our love for travel and exploring the world. He is from Ireland and we are fortunate that he has a high level position in an international company, so he has his green card and is free to remain in the States as long as he wants. If not for that we would be forced to deal with the problems of where to live since our relationship is not recognized by immigration.How has current legislation affected Birnbaum & Bullock? RB: We knew a patternmaker from France who we tried to sponsor into this country. He was in a relationship with an American man for 10 years, but since their relationship was not recognized, the only way that he could stay in the U.S. was to be here on a student visa. As he was not a student, we were denied our request and he was deported. His relationship with his partner ended after the stress became too much to endure, and we lost a valuable potential asset. What are some of the ways your company finds to support the GLBT community? What are your thoughts on the issue of marriage equality? RB: We have made a conscious effort to choose the companies we purchase from. This is a way for us to support other gay and gay friendly owned businesses and help keep them surviving and strong. Also, Birnbaum & Bullock offers a paid internship each year for students of the Fashion High School. Some of the students we have helped mold into mindful, ambitious adults and have exposed them to positive role models who happen to be gay. Other students we have also helped by making their "coming out" transition easier and healthier. SB: Equality is at the foundation of our country. That this is even questionable on any level is troubling. My tax dollars have contributed as much as any other citizen, and my rights should be just as guaranteed. I wish that our government would start to view people as individuals and start moving toward making positive steps in bettering the world. We are faced with issues such as equality, health crises and global warming on a daily basis. It is time that we, as a country of leaders, take the necessary steps to insure that the basic rights of people are upheld throughout the world. We need to lead by example, not the rhetoric that the current administration has hidden behind.  Photo by Adrienne Page Birnbaum & Bullock 151 W. 25th Street - Suite 2A NY, NY 10001 (212) 242-2914 www.birnbaumandbullock.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it |
| Last Updated on Sunday, 17 January 2010 14:58 |