In an exclusive revelation, the celebrated fashion designer who created hundreds of iconic outfits for Whitney Houston has shared intimate details about his professional relationship with the late music legend. Marc Bouwer, the South African-born designer, provided a candid look into the demanding yet rewarding world of dressing one of the world's most famous voices.
The Fateful Meeting That Changed Everything
Bouwer's journey with Whitney Houston began unexpectedly while he was working for the renowned designer Halston. Houston's stylist visited his showroom searching for a dress for an advertisement the singer was scheduled to star in. When the stylist asked if she could show Bouwer's collection to Whitney, the young designer agreed, unaware this moment would transform his career.
The outcome surpassed all expectations. 'We sent it over and the collection never came back,' Bouwer recalled to the Daily Mail. 'I was like, "We need this collection back in the showroom," but she was like, "Whitney wants everything."' For Bouwer, who described himself as an 'up and coming struggling designer' at the time, having someone purchase his entire collection was unprecedented.
Building an Empire From a Flat
This extraordinary purchase came at the perfect moment. Bouwer had been contemplating leaving Halston to establish his own label, and Houston's massive order provided the financial foundation to make this leap. 'Whitney's people said, "We'll support you. Whitney needs a lot of things,"' he explained.
The designer established his first independent studio in his own apartment, creating Houston's early pieces in modest surroundings. 'My apartment became my design studio, I cut everything on the floor and sewed everything myself,' Bouwer shared. This humble beginning marked the start of a prolific partnership that would see him create looks for Houston's world tours, red carpet appearances, and numerous music videos.
The consistent work from Houston enabled Bouwer and his partner Paul to build a substantial business. The income from dressing the superstar provided the stability needed to establish a legitimate fashion house that would eventually attract other A-list clients.
Iconic Moments and Lasting Legacy
Among the most significant creations of Bouwer's career was Houston's stunning wedding dress for her 1992 marriage to Bobby Brown. He shared a poignant memory from that day: 'They made me wait outside her bedroom door for her. I waited and waited and they opened the door and said, "Whitney's ready for you."'
He found Houston standing in her underwear with her arms wrapped around her body, already wearing the headpiece. 'She said, "I'm ready," and lifted her hands up to the sky, almost like a ritual,' Bouwer remembered. 'She had this very serene [energy], she was in almost a trance-like state, it was really beautiful.' Houston specifically requested: 'Marc I want you by my side until I take this dress off.'
Reflecting on their years working together, Bouwer admitted the experience was complex. 'I really loved Whitney, she was an incredible person, so loving and sweet at times but there was also times when she was really tough,' he confessed. 'I loved dressing her but it was not always easy. Sometimes it was really fun and really great, other times it was really tough.'
This foundational experience with Houston launched Bouwer's career into the stratosphere. He subsequently dressed Hollywood's elite including Beyoncé, Angelina Jolie, Shania Twain, Oprah Winfrey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Heidi Klum. He created one of the most memorable red carpet looks of all time - Angelina Jolie's famous 2004 Oscars dress, which Sydney Sweeney famously re-wore decades later.
