Claire Pettibone's Four Seasons Collection is Straight Out of a Dream
Claire Pettibone, the queen of all things romantic, has outdone herself with her latest collection. Truly. Inspired by each of nature's four seasons, she masterfully mixed floral motifs, touches of color, dramatic backs and feminine details for a collection of gowns so pretty, you'll want them all. But today, we're giving you an exclusive sneak peak of sultry and earthy summer dresses, thanks to these gorgeous photos from Judy Pak Photography. See them all and read more about the collection below!
How would you describe the Claire Pettibone bride?
I’ve always felt that your wedding gown should be the ultimate expression of who you are, and a symbol of the woman you will become with this partner by your side. So when trying to describe the “Claire bride” I have no single answer. She is smart, stylish, irreverent, sweet, strong, independent, vulnerable, and everything in between. I am so grateful that my work has found an audience, and the brides who gravitate to it, are such devoted fans! For me, the diversity and variety of my brides is what inspires me season after season.
How did you decide on the Four Seasons Concept?
I had the idea for a collection inspired by the four seasons some time ago, which led me to the illustrations by Alphonse Mucha of the Art Nouveau period. I created dresses inspired by each of nature’s four seasons with lots of floral motifs, touches of color, and as always, dramatic backs and feminine details. Creating four looks to epitomize the season they represent, while maintaining the versatility to be worn by brides for any time of year, was a really fascinating challenge.
What distinguishes one "Season" from the next?
I love that each season has a very defined mood, Spring being all about nature literally blooming and coming to life. Summer is a bit sultry, and earthy. Fall becomes very rich, and introduces elements of color and the whole, turning-of-the-seasons magic. Wrapped up with a peaceful winter wonderland of snow dusted sparkle.
How did you translate each of the four seasons into wedding dresses?
The spring dresses literally bloom from head to toe with delicate floral embroideries, laces and carefully placed appliqués. Cotton embroideries, breezy tulle and linen, composed with sheer details and a bohemian spirit, epitomize the perfect summer mood. For Autumn, I incorporated rich texture, detail and precious metals woven into luxurious embroideries and laces. Elaborate embroideries, layers of lace and tulle, and the subtle shimmer of sequins and crystals are statement pieces for Winter.
What design details did you use to tie the four Seasons together?
Through my years as a designer, there seems to be an inescapable essence that comes through. I think perhaps because I pour my heart into my work, and have always stayed true to my own vision, that whatever that “it” is, gives the seasons a continuity despite the variations on a theme.
Do you have a favorite Season? Why?
In my personal life, I’m a Summer girl without a doubt, but for this collection, it’s REALLY hard to pick a favorite…I have favorite dresses within each season, but I’m hard pressed to choose one over the other. That is partly what made this collection so much fun to design, that each season really does have a distinct point of view, and defined inspiration.
Is there a different bride for every Season? Who is she?
There could be, although I believe a dress from spring could certainly be worn for a fall wedding, and a winter gown could be perfect for a summer soiree. If I had to put it in a nutshell, I would say, Spring is the ultimate romantic, Summer is casual sensuality, Fall would be dramatic and unique, and Winter glamorous show-stopper. I present this collection as an inspirational starting point, and leave it to the creativity and individual personalities of my brides to make these dresses their own.
How did the hair and makeup relate to the dresses for each "Season?"
I wanted to keep the look kind of classically beautiful in keeping with the Art Nouveau references, but then we put a little twist with each season having a signature lip color.
