Designer Spotlight, Stephanie Davis
Welcome to Always Knew I Needed, a luxury Ottawa bridal shop that hosts exclusively Canadian wedding dress designers who manufacture in Canada.
We wanted to do a series giving the spotlight to each of our designers because we've not only got to know their wedding gowns, but we've gotten to know them as well.
Opening our bridal boutique in Ottawa, we focused on finding designers that shared the same beliefs and values as us. Each designer we interviewed we talked about size inclusivity, ethical responsibility, and our place in the luxury wedding industry in Canada. As of April 2026, we are overjoyed to carry four incredible resident designers that we believe in.
About Steph & Us
We have to start off with Steph, theres no other way to begin. Steph has been a part of our Ottawa family business since 2023. She started as a part-time bridal seamstress at our off-the-rack location and quickly became our everything. Steph is our full time senior alteration specialist, exclusive little white dress designer, and store mom.
"Stephanie Davis is a seasoned couturier with down-to-earth design sensibilities. Formally trained, she honed her craft working for Montreal theatres, les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and sub-contracting for Cirque Du Soleil through Shumidesign. "
The Fancy Pants Collection
"In 2023, Stephanie launched Fancy Pants - a special capsule collection that distills her decades of experience and reflects the changing landscape of formalwear and fashion in Canada. She focuses on versatile, size-inclusive styles to help women create functional wardrobes for any occasion. Stephanie lives and works in Ottawa, Ontario."
Our goal when Always Knew opened was to create a luxury Bridal shop in Ottawa that served every Bride and Nearlywed, regardless of size. Knowing we had access to an incredible local little white dress designer that shared our same beliefs was huge.
We carry an extensive little white dress & bridal separate collection from the Fancy Pants line.
Just like the rest of our collection at Always Knew, our wedding separates are sampled intentionally and inclusively. Every piece we have available in our showroom comes in two sample sizes so you're not stuck imagining how it might fit. One of the best parts of purchasing fancy pant piece is that you get to work directly with the designer, Stephanie. She is also our senior seamstress and will perfect your look during our Ottawa in-house alterations. No guessing or back and worth to hope it works out. And for full transparency, each piece online clearly shows the sample sizes available, so you can walk into your appointment already knowing what to expect.
Our favourites
It is hard to narrow down just a few pieces from the fancy pants collection that stand out. to us because they are all serious winners.
The Jac Pant
The Jac Pant by Stephanie Davis, Little White Dress & Bridal Separates
Abby wearing the Jac Pant
Our owner of Always Knew I Needed, Abby, loves the Jac Pant. "It is the perfect white/ivory wedding pant. Usually it is so difficult to find "the pant" that is is not a too casual linen or a structured suit pant. Add to the struggle that every pant is see through. Steph just really knocks it out of the park with this one. My solo mini modelling session I LOVED pairing it with the Grace bodysuit.
The Maeve Dress
The versatility of the Maeve dress cannot be denied. She can be worn as a bridal shower dress, bachelorette beach throw on, or she can be dressed up for a civil ceremony in a park.
Abby wearing Maeve
Abby says "she is one of the few bridal pieces that I can truly say in my heart of hearts you can wear again. She is comfy and flouncy, she makes me want to twirl around AND I CAN WEAR A BRA WITH THIS DRESS. That is extremely important to me.
Local Matters
Just like all our other designers, Stephanie Davis and her Fancy Pants collection are design, sewn & finished in Canada. By buying made in Canada Bridal we are not only supporting local artists, but we are also standing behind ethical production practices and a level of craftsmanship that just can't be mass produced. You are not just another Ottawa Bride to us and you deserve to see your personality show through to your wedding outfit. To us this means customizing your wedding dress, bridal pants, or other bridal separates to make intentional design changes that fit your body and your vision. In a time where fast fashion rules our world, choosing locally made keeps our industry creative, sustainable, and deeply personal.
Alternatives Matter
Not every Bride or Nearlywed sees themselves in a traditional wedding dress. If you've ever tried wedding dress shopping, whether that be online or in-person, and you actually just thought "this doesn't feel like me at all", stop right there. You can breathe, you found us. Your day, your way. Stephanie has released Fancy Pants the collection to make you feel like it is your wedding day even if you aren't fitting a traditional mold.
We can't wait to see you
We are honoured to have Stephanie Davis and her Fancy Pants collection at Always. Come visit us and our work mom. Book your private wedding appointment at Always Knew and experience what it's like to work with a designer who GETS IT.
