Desiree Hartsock/Warner Horizon
Consider it a test run.
Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock, who plans to design her own wedding dress should she get engaged on the ABC dating show, will debut an original gown on the June 10 episode. But in an exclusive to PEOPLE.com, fans can get a sneak peek at the rose ceremony couture she created.
The aspiring designer, who studied at L.A.’s Fashion institute of Design and Merchandising, shared her sketch of the floor-length strapless number with an attached bejeweled yoke — and we’ve also got an exclusive glimpse at the finished product.
“I wanted to design a gown that was elegant and timeless while still having an edge, glamorous but not overdone,” the 26-year-old tells PEOPLE. “I love to design gowns that are unexpected with different design detail or an interesting back.”
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She obviously isn’t afraid of color or making a statement. “As I was looking around the fabric store, I was enamored by a vibrant blue color and knew it was exactly what I wanted to use. I love bold colors,” she said. “My favorite element on the dress is the neckline with varying gemstones. It was a nice change [from] the sequin gowns I knew I would be wearing.”
It marks the first time the star of the show has had a hand in creating her wardrobe on the series (though Hartsock was also responsible for the striking red lace frock she wore to meet Sean Lowe for the first time on the last season of The Bachelor). She didn’t take the opportunity lightly.
“I’m used to designing and sewing my own designs so it was a dream come true to collaborate with a sewer [Oneita Parker] to make my design come to life and be able to wear it on such a special night on national television. I felt beautiful in that dress and was excited to show the guys.”
Tune in to ABC Monday at 9 PM to find out what her remaining suitors thought of her sartorial surprise and tell us: What do you think of Hartsock’s design?
–Carrie Bell
