Q&A With Bridal Designer Jaimie Sortino

Posted on April 3, 2013 by bonvivantbride

Last week, we featured some dreamy gowns from Australian designer Jaimie Sortino. Receiving the honor of Best Emerging Designer at the 2010 Adelaide Fashion Festival, Sortino is already making waves in Australia and is poised to impress the rest of world with his modern, textured gowns.

I was curious to have a look inside the mind of a bridal fashion designer and Jaimie was kind enough to indulge me in a little Q&A.

Here at Bon Vivant Bride, we love finding wedding inspiration from the runway. What designers inspire you?

I am always inspired by the classic designers such as Dior. Alexander Mcqueen’s creativity is such an inspiration. I also love Elie Saab for the soft romantic element. I tend to look at the designers that tend to dream with their fashion.

Outside of the fashion world, where do you look for inspiration?

I am inspired by nature, colors, and fabrics.

What do you love about making wedding gowns in particular?

The element that is special about doing bridal wear is that every bride is different. Their ideas are different and inspiring. Doing bridal is such a joy to do. Building that connection with a bride and designing her dream dress is just so special.

What would you say sets you apart stylistically from other designers?

I am a textile based designer, so i would probably say that style of texture and using laces and hand dying laces with natural elements just adds that something special to a piece.

Did you study Fashion Design formally or are you self-taught?

I studied modern textiles for 2 years while i was at high school. After that, I went to a fashion school and studied fashion design, but left after a year and half due to creative differences between teachers. Since then I’ve just taught myself and soaked up as much as I could along the way.

What advice do you have for brides who are trying to find that perfect gown?

Something I’ve learned over time is don’t be scared to try on different styles or shapes. Make the process fun and enjoyable. When you come across that perfect dress, you just know.

Where can brides buy your dresses?

I am based in Australia but can ship worldwide. I can be found online through Facebook and Twitter.

Email Jaimie at jme_sortino@yahoo.com.au

A Storybook Country Wedding

Posted on March 25, 2013 by bonvivantbride

The glorious country wedding of Lara and Oliver comes from our friends across the Pond in the UK and I couldn’t be happier to share it with you. Held at The Barnsley House in Gloucestershire and shot by brilliant London photographer, Aneta Mak, this wedding could very well have come directly from a storybook. An imposing castle bathed in white sunlight, stolen kisses, a meticulously groomed garden, a pair of exquisite horses grazing in meadows of emerald green - you couldn’t make this stuff up.

The bride wore a textured Vera Wang gown and carefully designed each detail of her special day to create the most beautiful feast for the senses. Gorgeous flowers from Cut Flower Garden were simple and understated and a splendid collection of sweets included Red Velvet and Chocolate Guinness cakes by The Sugar Box.

I am especially fond of the little sliders and mini mac & cheese hors d’oeuvres. Don’t they look divine?

In Search of the Perfect Bridesmaid Dress

Posted on March 23, 2013 by bonvivantbride

The perfect bridesmaid dress is an elusive thing. Finding something that isn’t cartoonish, poofy or too much like a bad prom dress can be excessively difficult.

Your choice should fit in with your artistic vision, but it should also make your ladies feel comfortable and beautiful as well.

When weeding through all the options, keep in mind that your ‘maids are likely willing to please you in any way they can, but this is not a reason to take advantage. Keep their feelings in mind at all times and try to find something that is the least offending to all parties involved.

Here are 10 dresses that I think are fresh and fun for spring. Which is your favorite?

BHLDN

Alice & Olivia

Saja

BHLDN

Alice & Olivia

BHLDN

Ruche

Watters

BHLDN

Ruche

Choosing the Perfect Veil From BHLDN

Posted on March 22, 2013 by bonvivantbride

With a history spanning thousands of years, veils have endured the test of time as a romantic and iconic wedding symbol. Despite the ephemeral nature of fashion trends, this wedding day staple never seems to go out of style. Whether it’s a long cathedral length piece for a traditional wedding or a more flirtatious blusher for the modern bride, there is a stunning array of possibilities. When choosing the perfect piece, navigating the options can be a daunting task.

Luckily BHLDN has published a clever little primer for the veil shopper! With loads of info concerning length, placement, color choice, etc., it’s a great place to start.

Also, shop some of their fab styles. These are a few of my favorites:

Luella
From designer Catherine Deane, this dual-layered fingertip length beauty is adorned with lovely embroidered silk roses. This veil is ideal for a somewhat traditional and classic look.

“fold the top layer down for your walk down the aisle, and let your future Mr. lift for the kiss!”

Curving Periphery
Created by Parisian designer Debra Moreland, this cascading cathedral length veil features a gorgeous embroidered scalloped edge.Bourbon Rose Veil
Two layers of translucent tulle attached to a floral trimmed halo band fastens with a metal comb. Another one from Debra Moreland, this lengthy veil lands at the ankles.Dotted Voile Veil
For something a bit less traditional, try a fifties-inspired blusher. This cotton cutie is flirty and fun. By Debra Moreland.
All Images – BHLDN.com

Weekend Inspiration – Charcoal and Pink Wedding Theme

Posted on March 17, 2013 by bonvivantbride

Wedding things and general awesomeness from around the web:

Happy Sunday!! Today I’m feeling inspired by shades of charcoal grey and peachy pink. How do you like the idea of a charcoal and pink wedding theme?

-Create interesting paper florals for your decor. Artist and designer Kelli Murray has designed this simple and arty DIY watercolor paper flower tutorial. They’re easy to make and stunning to look at.

-There is nothing quite like a little Chanel to get your creative juices flowing. Check out these dreamy creations from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel.

-I love these still life photographs from artist Kristofer Johnsson. They are creative and aesthetically pleasing collections of carefully selected objects placed together to create something new. It’s a great way to work with color!

-Grey and pink wedding invitations from Wedding Paper Divas are seriously unique. They’re a great alternative to plain old cream or white invitations. Use promo code: FREEWED10 to get 10 free invitations through March 21!

Fall In Love with Jaimie Sortino’s Couture Gowns

Posted on March 15, 2013 by bonvivantbride

Jaimie Sortino’s gowns are couture gems made with the finest lace from Italy and France. Both dramatic and alluring, they exude a kind of Old World elegance with a modern twist. Handcrafted in Australia, each gown is made from only the best fabrics imported from Europe.

The designs are described as “a testament to Sortino’s dedicated craftsmanship, each handmade gown is treated with care and hours of painstaking beading and embellishing, which results in an ethereal fusion of whimsy and romance, with the elements of bridal inspiration.”

Whimsical and romantic for sure, but also I get a hint of sultry Old Hollywood style. I can image Audrey Hepburn in one of these gowns, sipping champagne, charming her guests to death in a lounge dimly lit by vintage chandeliers and melting candles. Gorgeous.

What do you think?

Chic and Soothing Lavender and Champagne Inspiration Board

Posted on March 13, 2013 by bonvivantbride

The mere thought of fields full of fragrant lavender flowing like waves in Provence is calming and serene.

In fact, the lovely bluish/purple plant has always been well-loved for its medicinal qualities and potent essential oils. Utilized to treat myriad conditions, lavender tends to produce a soothing effect and can be an effective combatant against sleeplessness and depression. The Romans used it for bathing and cooking and the Greeks would burn it for its relaxing scent.

While deep purple is the color of Royalty, lavender is more subdued and feminine. The flowers of the lavender plant are lovely for weddings as you can buy them affordably and in bulk. Tiny pale purple bundles of flowers make great place cards or stuffed mesh bags full of dried buds are perfect for fragrant favors. Beyond it’s beauty and intoxicating aroma, as an added bonus, lavender is purported to be a competent bug repellent! Sounds like a pretty good method for keeping your outdoor affair pest free, wouldn’t you say?

I like pairing this pale shade of purple with champagne, lilac, and gold. Inspired by Ellie Saab’s gorgeous gown and the tranquil power of this tantalizing herb, I’ve designed this very lavender board.

Cupcakes – Kitchen delights; Gown – Ellie Saab; Lavender Image – Reel Dreamer; Chair Photo – En Point Photography

Stone Fox Bride’s Molly Guy Dishes on Dumb Weddings – the Puff, the Fluff, and the Phoniness

Posted on March 7, 2013 by bonvivantbride

For all of those brides out there disillusioned by the mainstream wedding industry, Stone Fox Bride provides a stylish alternative. Molly Guy opened her bridal atelier armed with the bold slogan “Fuck Weddings” and has a created a safe haven for those of us who know exactly what we DON’T want.

It can be difficult to customize your wedding in a way that reflects your personal style, but Stone Fox Bridal is here to help. Beyond stocking an awesome collection of non-traditional wedding dresses, Stone Fox provides brides-to-be with a wide variety of secret, albeit useful services.

Molly was kind enough to indulge me in a little Q and A and put all my queries to rest about what makes a Stone Fox Bride tick.

What makes a bride a Stone Fox?

A woman who says “I don’t” to dumb weddings. One who is totally turned off from the tyranny of the perfectly sanitized, storybook bridal world; synthetic hair and flowers, hysterical bridesmaids, insane mother in laws, the puff, the fluff and phoniness. A woman who looks to the runway for style inspiration, but who also has an innate sense of self. One who is totally skeptical of anyway or anything that tries to dictate to her how she should look or behave.

How would you describe the gowns/designers you sell at Stone Fox?

Think Valentino meets Jerry Garcia with some Isabel Marant thrown in for good measure

What was your own wedding like?

A mellow autumn soiree on a Sunday afternoon with a Jewish Buddhist ceremony, friends everywhere and a brunch inspired by my Nana’s famous brunch.

I’ve heard that you provide “secret services.” What’s that all about?

They’re an impeccably curated roster of people in New York who can help guide a stone fox bride-to-be through her marriage transition tastefully, gracefully and meaningfully. We are working with everyone from Betty Dodson, an iconic, 83-year-old sex educator, Kate Hanley, a renown downtown hair stylist, Laura Cattano, a professional organizer, to nutritionists, life coaches, editorial fashion stylists, healers, shamans, makeup artists, florists and more. My goal is to provide as many resources as possible to make the transition into marriage as painless as possible.

Do you have any advice for brides on a budget?

On the “weddings we love” page on stonefoxbride.com you can check out my friend Fanny who got married in white overalls and a flower crown. Another friend of mine wore a vintage slip, Chanel red lipstick and biker boots. sometimes the girl in the fifty dollar frock looks a hundred times for smashing than the one in couture. Its all about soul, baby. My mom got married in a mexican wedding dress and she’s the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen.

The sappiness and gaudiness of weddings basically paralyzed me when I started planning. It took me awhile to realize how (as you described it) “beautiful, stylish, and poetic” weddings could be. Everyone around me, however, just COULD NOT understand what was wrong with me. How should an “alternative” bride deal with the pressures of a rather “traditional” circle of friends and family?

- Shop for a dress WITHOUT friends or family

-Meditate religiously

-Zone out by searching your old boyfriend on facebook or purchasing isabel marant boots in excess of ebay

- Don’t act out and try to change anyone or prove a point. A wedding is, of course, ultimately about love. Be gracious and grateful for the wonderful turn your life is taking and dont listen to a fucking word that anyone tells you.

What is the best part about getting married?

LOVE of course!

Is there one ultra-glorious standout wedding moment for you (either at your own or someone else’s wedding)?

Going to the carwash in my wedding dress to get JUST MARRIED washed off our Aston Martin in shaving cream.

Spring Lookbook from Ruche

Posted on March 6, 2013 by bonvivantbride

I am a bit smitten with the new spring lookbook from Ruche. Its tea party theme is just delightful and the looks are super cute. Candy colored pastels, polka dots, and feminine cuts all make the approaching of spring that much more exciting. Dresses pretty enough for a wedding partygoer or perhaps something charming for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner?

Be sure to also check out their wonderful collection of wedding gowns, shoes, and accessories.

Timeless Elegance from Paolo Sebastian

Posted on March 1, 2013 by bonvivantbride

Elaborate, elegant, and ethereal are the words used to describe the work of Australian designer, Paul Vasileff. Inspired by such iconic figures as Marie Antoinette and Audrey Hepburn, Paul’s collections are reminiscent of the 1950’s and fused with his own modern vision of timeless elegance. Under the label Paolo Sebastian, an assemblage of gowns has emerged flaunting Paul’s high reverence for fine French lace, imported silk and intricate beading.

An obvious choice for the hopeless Romantic, Paul’s flair for bringing a contemporary edge to timeless style elements is the perfect recipe for a gorgeous gown. Deep plunging necklines paired with full skirts are a sultry take on the fashion of decades ago. Glistening and romantic, hints of skin and high waisted silhouettes make a stunning statement. The beaded embellishments on translucent bodices are eye-catching and enigmatic. I’ve never quite liked sleeves so much as on a Paolo Sebastian gown.

A modern take on classic style, Paolo Sebastian’s designs captivate and amaze. These unique handmade garments epitomize contemporary elegance. Wearing one of these dresses on your wedding day will undoubtedly make a lasting impression.

Have a look….

paolo sebastian

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