If you are one of Chic Vintage Brides regular visitors, then you will no doubt be familiar with the beautiful bridal gowns by Claire Pettibone. I make no secret of my admiration for her quite simply exquisite design style (in fact, you will find all of her past collections of recent years here); I just adore the way she draws inspiration from the Edwardian era and decadent days of the Art Nouveau. For me her dresses epitomise the modern vintage aesthetic, and her collections are never anything short of divine; as demonstrated in today’s shoot from Sarah Kate.….

These photos, captured in a spare, slightly distressed setting are very peaceful, utterly romantic, and really capture the spirit of Claire’s latest collection for her diffusion line Romantique, ‘Into the Sunset’. Filled with everything we love and have come to expect from the inimitable designer: demure necklines, exquisite embellishments, beautiful back details, floral appliques, diaphanous layers and of course lashings of lavish lace; but with one distinct difference, price. After years of designing couture gowns, Claire recognised there were many brides who loved her aesthetic, but did not have the couture budget, and so Romantique was created! (with all the couture quality and signature style the designer is renowned for, but at much more affordable prices, ranging from just $1,500 to $2,800)

A few words from Claire about the inspiration for this, her second Romantique collection (you can see the first here, if you missed it) “For ‘Into the Sunset’ I took inspiration from the untamed romance of the old west, land of windblown prairies and endless possibilities. I always love to tell a story with my collection, and this season it is all about that quiet, big sky mood, and the stillness that I find dreaming about another time and place.”

“When I design a collection, I have a few muses in mind: boho babe, garden nymph, and modern Victorian to name a few! I am constantly inspired by the variety and beauty of my clients, while always remaining true to my own vision of feminine beauty. The Romantique bride is stylish, feminine, and a bit of a free spirit. Amazing women, with quite a variety of looks and styles, but they share a common desire to express their individuality on their wedding day.”

“Ultimately, there is no one “type” and the gowns can be so personalized by the way a bride styles her look, and just her own vibe that shines through. If you’re a country girl at heart, go for cowboy boots. If vintage classic, then maybe incorporate some Art Deco details. Flowers, gardens, the vast beauty of natural settings, there are so many possibilities for amazing weddings! Start gathering ideas that you love, and then see what story begins to emerge. Your gown is a key part of telling that story, and I believe it should express who you are as a person, as well as look amazing.”

“I always say to my clients, “Don’t try to be something that isn’t you, just because you’re a bride”. Think about what you have consistently been drawn to your whole life. The things that we love as a child and along our path speak to us in a way that is beyond fashion and trends, so try to incorporate details that resonate deeply. It’s a very meaningful day, so make sure your gown reflects who you are, and who you will be in this beautiful partnership.”

“Into the Sunset” is just the perfect name for this collection – a name that evokes a fairytale ending, for a collection full of fairytale dresses! It is fair to say I am positively green with envy of any bride lucky enough to wear one of these beauties….. I really do need to work on Mr E and that vow renewal!

If you would like a little reminder of past Claire Pettibone collections, you can do so here: The Gilded Age, Gothic Angel, Decoupage, Still Life and Beau Monde. You can also see more from this incredible designer, and stay up to date with all the latest Claire Pettibone news, by following the lovely lady on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr. Or if you would like to make an appointment to try on a Claire Pettibone wedding dress, stockists can be found here on her website www.clairepettibone.com.

Well, if I can’t wear one myself, the next best thing is definitely to see you wearing one! So leave a comment below or drop me an email if you were, or plan to be, a Claire Pettibone bride! Which dress did you choose? Or have you chosen?

Amy

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Photography ~ Sarah Kate // Wedding Dresses ~ Claire Pettibone // Planning & Design ~ Stefanie Miles Events // Floral Design ~ Bows & Arrows // Hair and Makeup ~ Maitee Miles // Film Lab ~ Photovision // Venue ~ Trinity Institue