The Couture Collective #5 Meet Ella Stephenson of Ella Moda

Meet Ella Stephenson, a Queensland wedding gown designer ...

Ella Stephenson
Label: Ella Moda
Bride: Kateryna

With her family roots going back to dressmaking in Imperial Russia, Ella Stephenson has always been around workrooms full of beautiful fabric, beading and handmade gowns. With her label Ella Moda now garnering plenty of positive attention, Ella says she feels, “blessed that I get to do what I love every day ... making beautiful dresses for beautiful brides.” One of these beauties was Kateryna, who tried on 20 different gowns and originally had her hear t set on lace before finding ‘the one’ at Ella Moda’s Park Road showroom/workroom. 

How does this bride’s gown embody your label’s aesthetic? 

With the beautiful silk, fine details and hand finishes, this gown embodies the Ella Moda aesthetic of sophisticated romance, it is a classic silhouette with a few modern twists in the styling. It is luxurious, feminine yet customised for Kateryna to reflect her spirit.

Are there any key trends which you have featured in the gown’s design?
There has been a move in haute couture back to embellishment and I feel this dress has that element with the embellishment through the sleeve and bodice. Asymmetric styles always give an interesting twist to a garment and have that ‘statement gown’ factor I keep seeing a lot on the couture catwalks.

Did the bride have any particular requirements for her dream gown? 

The bride wanted her gown to be made particularly for her, using good quality materials and expert craftsmanship therefore she opted for a local designer and dressmaker rather then ordering her dress overseas. Attention to detail was very important for her and she wanted her gown to be very flattering for her body shape as well as comfortable to wear for a whole day. She was very pleased with the results.

This gown was inspired by ...
I am constantly inspired by beautiful fabrics and details. For this gown, inspiration led me towards the way the fabric looked so luxurious when hand rouched. Overall, a sense of romantic sophistication inspired the total design. 

Your best advice to girls looking for their dream gown?
Like all things in life, being open and true to yourself is very important when looking for a wedding gown. Envision your dream gown but be open to possibilities. Consider all of the things you love and how these could be incorporated into a dress. Most of all, trust your instinct. It is an amazing moment when a bride tries on a dress in the salon and you can see she just knows it is right. Her whole face lights up. It is a beautiful moment. 

Get to know Ella Moda
In Person
Suite 1B~41 Park Rd
Milton, Brisbane, QLD
4064, Australia
Phone 07 336 837 57

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The Couture Collective #4 Meet Tammie Nitschke of Elizabeth De Varga Exclusive Fashions

Meet Tammie Nitschke, a Queensland wedding gown designer ...

Tammie Nitschke
Label: Elizabeth De Varga Exclusive Fashions
Bride: Allison

It was a case of "it's all about the details" when designer Tammie Nitschke collaborated with bride Allison on her absolutely delightful art deco-inspired gown. Always working closely with brides to achieve beautiful results like this, Tammie describes her main goal as "to help provide brides with the best possible experience and make their dream gown become a reality." The designer says she has always been a creative person, noting "we are always learning. It’s a work in progress. I learn from every bride, this empowers me to share this knowledge with others." You lucky brides! 

How does this bride's gown embody your label's aesthetic?
It’s intricate, and attention to detail is key. Simple styling with divine detailing.

Are there any key trends which you have featured in the gown's design?

Simple line with delicate vintage art deco hand beading!

As a designer are you meticulously organised, a chaotic creative or a free-thinker?
A creative thinker - I like to spread images, fabrics, trims and beads across the workroom, on various tables, in various offices, on various walls and on many mannequins – to be completely surrounded by the gowns.To let inspiration occur whenever, wherever! The best ideas can form when you least expect it. 

Did the bride have any particular requirements? 

Simple and styled with intricate detail.

This gown was inspired by ...
It started with the bride’s scrapbook of images and with my guidance and expertise it evolved to the dream gown. 

Your best advice to girls looking for their dream gown?
Be true to yourself and your style. Have the gown you want. Don’t be afraid to be individual. Feel comfortable with your designer/couturier as you will be spending a lot of time together.

What would we always find in your workroom?
We always have music on. And there is always cake, chocolate and coffee!

Your vision for your label in the future?
To continue to be recognised for our quality, Australian-made couture gowns, and remain at the forefront of the industry for innovative design and outstanding service. 

Get to know Elizabeth de Varga Exclusive Fashions
In person
  Brisbane
Shop 1, 414 Logan Road
Stones Corner Q 4120
Telephone: (07) 3394 4904

  Maroochydore
1 / 13 Newspaper Place
Maroochydore Q 4558
Telephone: (07) 5443 3006

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The Couture Collective #3 Meet Roslyn Lakelin of Roz La Kelin

Meet Roslyn Lakelin, a Queensland wedding gown designer ...

Roslyn Lakelin
Labels: Roz la Kelin, 93 bridal, Glamour Plus

With 20 years as an influential designer in the local bridal market and three successful labels to her name, Roslyn Lakelin is now making her mark as an emerging designer in the US and Canada.The much-loved Glamour Plus label is a particular hit overseas, no doubt answering the prayers of curvy brides-to-be across America just as it did locally.

Your label in three words?
I would have to choose three phrases rather than three words, these would be - Ready-to-wear couture. Superb fit/construction. Vast array of designs and styling.

Are there any key trends which have come through in your latest collection?
'Coveted aura of glamour' - Embellishments are key this season, with many gowns featuring jewellery like motifs and brooches or using jewellery components within the beading on laces to create texture, oozing old Hollywood styling to make any bride shine. 

As a designer are you meticulously organised, a chaotic creative or free- thinking?
I love things around me to be organised so then I feel free to be creative. Throughout the season I will quickly add images and pieces to my vision boards and folios, then once I start the design process these get sorted and my desk is cleared so I can see everything clearly and the creative juices can flow.

Your muse, either real or fictional?
My passion and devotion to the bridal fashion world and to the real women around the world who want to wear flattering and enhancing wedding dresses is the driving force behind my success, therefore I would love to design for Scarlet Johansson. She represents beautiful real women the world over as well as possesses an old Hollywood charm that was distinct in the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Mae West who was famous for saying ..."Cultivate your curves, they may be dangerous but they won’t be avoided"

Your best advice to girls looking for their dream gown?
It's about you looking fabulous in the dress! When you shop for your wedding gown the most important thing to keep in mind is your body shape. You want to enhance your natural silhouette and accentuate your best assets.

Fabric, embellishment and structure - if you could only choose two, what would they be?
Embellishment and structure. The foundation of cut and construction which form the structure are the most important as a gown should in its barest forms still reflect a basic beauty that is then enhanced through the fabric and embellishments ... I love gems and jewellery so adding textures or appliques and beading and dimension is adding the individual touches and personalising each gown. 

What is always in your workroom?
Our workroom has very high ceilings so we've made the most of this space by hanging tissue pompoms in varying sizes and shades of pink, making every day feel festive. I love lamp lighting and orchids, so I've surrounded myself with these luxuries in my office.

Get to know Roz la Kelin
In person
50 Morgan Street
Brisbane Queensland 4006
Phone: 07 3852 1421

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The Couture Collective #2 Meet Wendy Sullivan of Brides Desire

Meet Wendy Sullivan, a Queensland wedding gown designer ...

Wendy Sullivan
Label: Brides Desire - Wendy Sullivan

The Champagne has been flowing this year as one of our favourite designers celebrates 30 years. From her humble beginnings in a tiny shop house in Paddington in 1983, where she started the Airs & Graces label on the urging of husband Graeme,Wendy Sullivan has gone from strength to strength, becoming one of the most influential and awarded designers in Queensland. Now called Brides Desire, her label is renowned for its romantic gowns and intricate detailing and has been the toast of many, many happy brides.With son Jack recently joining the brand and an expansion into the UK and New Zealand, we raise our glasses to many beautiful years to come.

Your label in three words ...
Romantic. Feminine. Distinctive 

Are there any key trends which have come through in your latest collection?
Vintage styling is still strong, soft tulles, silk chiffon and dimensional lace work, two-tone layering, delicate shoulder lines and sheer look sleeves. Opulent embellishment, as is usual for my signature look. Also trending strongly are ‘waisted’ gowns, cinched waistlines featuring on all silhouettes, both slim-line and full.

As a designer are you meticulously organised, a chaotic creative or free-thinking?
My designing career celebrates 30 years this year, so I think I would have to say that my method of designing has probably been streamlined over that time. These days I have the absolute luxury of dedicating my entire time to designing and creating the collections. This gives me great pleasure and enjoyment, not quite as hectic and stressful as it was all those years ago.

You are inspired by ...
I would say it definitely has to be travelling. I am always inspired by overseas trends and the direction they can take you. Inspiration comes not only from fashion but interior design, artwork, architecture and the different cultures, traditions and lifestyles. You can’t copy design, but you can take the essence and direction to create your own. 

Choose your muse, either real or fictional ...
Christian Dior, he has left an inspiring legacy to all fashion lovers.

Fabric, embellishment and structure - if you could only choose two, what would they be? 

For quality you would have to say fabric and structure ... however the embellishment is such a distinctive and important part of a Brides Desire gown, so I wouldn’t be happy if it wasn’t there.

Do you have particular music, candles, flowers, etc. which are always in your workroom?
I don’t see Champagne on that list?!

What is your vision for Brides Desire in the future?
Joining the business four years ago, our son Jack has since taken Brides Desire to the United Kingdom. Wanting to embrace all aspects of the business he has also launched his own designs under the label Jack Sullivan Bridal ... It’s good to have the injection of youth into the company, so I think with the next generation on board our bridal labels can continue on for many years.

Get to know Brides Desire
In Person
31 Vulture St (Cnr Paris & Vulture St), West End, QLD 4101
Phone: 07 3846 7077

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The Couture Collective #1 Meet Ann Wilson of Strictly Bridal by Ann Wilson

We love our new issue of QB, and we love our feature on some fabulous Queensland wedding gown designers. In fact, we love it so much that we're going to feature one designer a week so we can share them all!

Here is the very first ...

 

Ann Wilson 

Label: Strictly Bridal by Ann Wilson

Bride: Katie 

Thanks to multi-award winning designer Ann Wilson, newlywed Katie was able to float down the aisle in her dream gown – an exquisite creation featuring French lace and a dreamy full skirt. Based on the Gold Coast, Ann's dedication, love and passion for designing has seen her become a creative force on the Australian bridal scene, with her designs known for their feminine silhouettes and beautiful fabrics. 

How does this bride's gown embody your label's aesthetic?
After working together with Katie the result was an exquisite contemporary and feminine wedding gown with a full flowing skirt.

Did the bride have any particular requirements which she wanted her dream gown to embody?
Katie’s only requirements were the full flowing skirt and French lace.

What kind of wedding was it designed to suit?
A formal wedding.

Your label in three words?
Timeless. Exquisite. Romantic.

Are there any key trends which have come through in your latest collection?
It’s a very feminine collection featuring beautiful fabrics, soft silk organza, lots of beautiful different types of laces, layering, fishtail silhouettes and amazing beadwork. The process of creating the perfect bridal gown is very exciting for me designing is like weaving magic.

As a designer - are you meticulously organised, a chaotic creative or free- thinking? 

I believe the process of creating the perfect bridal gown is like weaving magic and for me that means free thinking.

You are inspired by ...
Travelling to beautiful new cities and meeting wonderful new people. 

Your favourite fashion designer?
Akira Isogawa

Your best advice to girls looking for their dream gown?
Attention to the overall fit of the gown and structure and of course you want to feel like a princess!!

Do you have particular music, candles, flowers, etc. which are always in your workroom?
Flowers and beautiful photos of family.

What is your vision for Strictly Bridal in the future?
I want to create new designs that are fresh, interesting and different and show my identity as a designer. I want to make the process of choosing a wedding gown the most enjoyable and memorable experience ever. My goal is to make every bride who wears a Strictly Bridal by Ann Wilson gown the happiest bride ever.

Get to know Strictly Bridal:

In person
Shop 6, 47 Ashmore Road
Bundall Qld 4217
Phone: 07 5570 2592

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