Lia was recommended to me by a friend. After I designed her first dress she went on to make many more with me, so I knew her well long before she was planning a wedding. One day she called: “Guess what? I’m getting married!” I couldn’t wait to begin.
Lia knew exactly what she liked and she allowed me to push my creative boundaries, because she loved and appreciated art and the artist. The plan was a fairytale wedding with a sense of mystery and history. I designed the whole bridal party: her gown, the mother of the bride, the mother of the groom and three bridesmaids in duchess silk satin, each pastel chosen for the girl wearing it. Instead of flowers, the bridesmaids carried hand-made Venetian masks with feathers.
Lia’s gown used 30 metres of duchess silk satin. Layered peplums were finished with fur at the hem for a warm winter feel, and the belt and heart-shaped cut-out at the back were set with large Swarovski crystals. Her hand-beaded Swarovski bolero had a high collar and extended shoulders, influenced by Karl Lagerfeld, and when she removed it, the gown became strapless for the evening.
A fairytale bride that I will never forget.
Catherine Colubriale
