Hello again, I hope you’ve all had a fabulous start to your weekend – and are celebrating International Chocolate Day in style! I’m just popping back to bring you a second post today because I can’t wait to share this glimpse of the beautiful latest collection from Chic Vintage Brides sponsor and favourite Gwendolynne. The ‘Modern Muse’ is Gwendolynne’s offering for Spring Summer 2014 and was debuted at Melbourne Spring Fashion Week last Tuesday 2nd of September. Inspired by sophisticated and strong women of style in her world it really is something to behold!……..

If you are a follower of CVB you will be familiar with her past collections (if not, you can take a peek at them here, here and here) and see instantly that for this collection Gwendolynne continues to draw on the beautiful aesthetics and design features of the Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Aesthetic Movements. For The Modern Muse however she has also referenced the tastes and style of some inspirational modern women, both within Gwendolynne’s sphere and from fantasy – The Lady Mayoress of Melbourne, and passionate advocate of the arts, Emma Page Campbell; Elke Doust of the fabulous Melbourne design duo Tettmann.Doust; Kyra Pybus, founder of Pybus PR; the influential blogger Phoebe Montague of Lady Melbourne and Daenerys Stormborn, Khaleesi from Game of Thrones! Who wouldn’t want to walk down the aisle in a dress inspired by Khaleesi herself? Especially when it looks this beautiful…..

There is no denying the presence of Gwendolynne‘s signature style in The Modern Muse – it is airy and romantic, gowns are waisted with soft ethereal silhouettes and intricate hand detailing. However, this season for the first time the collection also includes some elegant long sleeved gowns, evoking memories of Grace Kelly and Wallis Simpson.

Gwendolynne’s love of architectural sources has developed a collection gracefully designed and heavily beaded to flatter the female form. Art Deco details from pressed copper ceilings and architectural stained glass windows inform the collection’s intricate, angular and unusual beadwork. Elements from a gothic cathedral become embellishment patterns on a sleek fitted sleeve and recall the romance, luxury and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Misty chiffon veils with intricate details float over metallic silks, a reminder of the Deco period with its promise of hope for the future.

Gwendolynne has continued to work with a French trained hand-beader in her Fitzroy studio to further refine the designs to perfection, deliberately choosing each detail, each bead, technique and thread to create a style of embellishment that is exclusive to her label. Her use of the most exquisite fabric is also unique: combining luxurious silks and soft pleating that floats around the body like mist, whilst transparent silk georgettes and tulles interplay with solid colours of the silk satin beneath, creating warm tones of oyster, champagne and blush.

Gwendolynne says, “My pursuit is to create high quality, beautiful, timeless designs. My design style is nostalgic and romantic. The spirit of my work is really about relishing being a woman and wearing something that reflects the personality of the wearer and makes them feel truly exquisite.”

I don’t think it can be possible to feel anything but exquisite wearing one of these gowns! Now this is just a glimpse of the Spring 2014 collection, to whet your appetite – I know, I’m such a tease! – but I promise to share the full collection as soon as I can.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend,

Amy

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