When was your establishment opened?
We opened in December of 1989. We’re so proud to be entering our 20th year and, hopefully, look forward to 20 more.

What do customers need to know about your business? What is your philosophy and mission?
We’ve been dressing winners since 1989 with one simple philosophy: when you step on the local, state or even national stage in a Regalia gown, a judge will look at you and know that you are 100 percent prepared for this title and the crown belongs to you. Plus, you’re already prepared for your next level of competition—the state, national or even international stage. Put simply, a judge won’t think you need some gown work or assistance, because you’re already there.

What divisions do you carry?
Regalia has always specialized in pageant with a red carpet influence. We achieve this by carrying all the major pageant designers, including Sherri Hill, Tony Bowls, Stephen Yearick, Claire’s Collection, Jovani Red Carpet and Juan Carlos Pinera.

Do you offer dress or gown registration?
We’ve always offered gown registration to our clients. To make this easier and more appealing to our clients, Regalia will never repeat a gown design—usually ever—but definitely not in the same competition.

Do you offer out-of-state shipping for non-local customers?
We offer out-of-state shipping for our non-local customers, and this is complimentary. This really came in handy for the 10 Miss America contestants we outfitted last year.

Do you have a web site? If so, can dresses be ordered online?
Our web site is more informational for our prospective customers. It gives some history of our business, but mostly we try to give a feel of who we are. Since we don’t usually carry any mass-produced gowns, we don’t presently sell gowns on our web site. We’ve had numerous requests to add some shopping to our site, so you’ll see a new, improved site coming up in the first half of 2009 with some shopping capabilities. Watch for it, we’re very excited.

What special services do you offer to allow your customers a convenient shopping experience?
One of the special features about Regalia is that we are centrally located in Orlando for our Southeast U.S. clients and Orlando is one of the easiest and most affordable airports to fly into. We also offer complimentary airport pick-up or we’ll pick up the cab fare for our customers. We also have posted store hours, and you never need an appointment, but we’ll also meet you at Regalia any evening or Sunday when we’re normally not open.

Describe some of the custom and unique services that you offer to your clients.
We have over 50 years of combined pageant experience. Most people don’t know each of us started in pageants as the Executive Director of our respective college pageants for the Miss America system back in the early 80s, Carry in Texas and David in Georgia.

Which designers do you carry?
We mentioned the gown designers that we carry earlier, plus Regalia does offer custom gown design. But let’s not forget the “support” designers we carry: Alisha Hill, Colonial and Jonathan Kayne Shoes, Jamye Shaw Swimsuits, Jennifer Roberts and Kay Unger Suits, as well as a full line of pageant earrings, just to name a few.

Depending on age, is there really a big difference between a prom or pageant dress?
We do see a difference between prom and pageant. The first and most noticeable difference is price. Prom dresses are usually mass-produced where pageant is more specialized, usually better constructed and has more of the handmade feel. Don’t get us wrong, there are some beautiful prom dresses out there, but at Regalia, we try to give you a unique gown that you won’t see in every retail store at the local mall or on every prom web site.

Based on what you’ve seen at recent markets, what new styles excite you?
Heavy beading is back in a big way, and here to stay. No matter what we think or say, a gown with at least some beadwork is going to come alive under stage lights. Also, silk charmeuse and its wonderful movement are always going to be around.

Why do you love what you do?
The chance to work with some amazing women and their families as they prepare to conquer their goals.

Reaglia
established 1989

813 E. Washington Street
Orlando, Fl 32801
Carry O’Neal
David Lang
regalia.org
407-426-8003