Designer Spotlight

I spotted this designer whilst leafing through an Italian wedding mag, and had to drag my jaw back up off the floor – so exquisitely pretty.  They seem to include lots of soft drapy chiffon in many of their designs, which is seriously wonderful.  Enjoy!  Check out more of their designs on their (lovely) website too.  - Keren

Matthew Williamson is new to the bridal market (though not to fashion), but wow.  If you’re looking for style but don’t want to be traditional, he’s definitely worth a look. And kudos for the stunning, easy to use website too.  Take a look »

The wedding dress on the left is a fairly simple sheath, but the sheer over-dress thingie is sheer genius (sorry, couldn’t help it).  Seriously, it turns the gown from average to haute couture on one stroke.  Stunning.  And the neckline of the dress on the right ain’t half bad either. Want to see more?  Check out the Mon-Cheri website » - Keren

If you’re looking for an outrageously feminine 50′s wedding gown that manages to cover off lace, flowers, frills and pouffiness but still stays well within the realms of good taste, (and in fact is downright gorgeous), I may have just the wedding gown designer for you.  Naomi Neoh is new to my radar, but has some very lovely gowns (see below).  See more loveliness here »

We’ve got a fun new slot here on Wedding Gown Town – a designer interview section, and each week I’m going to try to bring you a bit of a peek into the life of your favourite designers.  Today we’re privileged to have the talented Charlotte Balbier featured (thank-you Charlotte for your time!) .  If there are any specific designers you’d like to hear more about, leave a comment and I’ll do my best (though no promises – designers tend to be frantically busy people).

Charlotte was quite literally born into bridal – daughter of bridal designer Amanda Wyatt, she comes from a family who have been in the bridal fashion industry for over 50 years. Launched in 2003, the Charlotte Balbier brand has grown spectactularly, and has influenced the bridal fashion industry in a brand new direction.

Initially taking roles in film and high-end fashion, Charlotte always knew she wanted to make her own gowns for brides
who were fashion conscious and feminine, but who wanted to be different.

What’s your favourite gown from this year’s CB collection?
Eden

What’s your favourite source of inspiration?
People, places and fashion

What artistic ability do you wish you had?
To dance (much better than I can!)

What’s your favourite Sunday afternoon activity?
Long walk in the country followed by afternoon tea & cakes

What’s your favourite guilty pleasure?
Take That!!

What’s your signature cocktail?
Kir Royale

What’s your favourite holiday destination?
L.A

What achievement are you most proud of?
That so many brides to be have chosen Charlotte Balbier for their wedding dress, it’s a honour. (Psst – check out some Charlotte Balbier brides on Facebook).

Can you list your four all-time favourite books?
Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love In The Present Tense, Last Chance Saloon & The Alchemist

Check out Charlotte’s website here, her blog here, follow her on Twitter here, or Facebook here.  I’ll be putting up some dresses from her latest collection in a few days time, so keep your eyes peeled (isn’t that the weirdest phrase when you think about it?  Peeling eyes. *shudder*).

Photo Credits:
Kir Royale, L.A.