BRIDAL: GUIPUREAN | UNCONVENTIONAL BRIDAL COUTURE SYDNEY NSW

BRIDAL COUTURE SYDNEY WEDDING DRESS DESIGNER INTERVIEW

"The main focus for me was to develop gowns that had soul, made with detailed attention, crafted in unique and beautiful textiles, and embroideries, that I could custom design and create." Cassandra - Guipurea n

how and when was GUIPUREAN born? Guipurean began about 7 years ago, after completing my design studies I began working in the industry but, having an unwavering obsession to create and design, I also registered my business name and trademarked my logo, developed from my love of Guipure lace and a fascination with ancient cultures- so the Guipurean name was born. I wanted a name and symbol that was unique, mysterious and beautiful to look at.

I patternmade and sewed sample gowns in my spare time. I also started making gowns for friend’s Weddings and family wanting a gown for a special event while also selling a few pieces of ready to wear clothing through boutique stores. Over time I learnt the trade, worked with various machinist and patternmakers, experimented a lot with embroidery and appliqué, sourced as many textile suppliers as I could and constantly kept designing gowns so one day I would have a large source to go back and turn into reality. It was not until 2 years ago I decided to completely commit and invest everything I have saved and learnt into creating a full sample collection of gowns, learning so much as I went.

At this point I also moved into a studio where I could work directly with a small team who I had known for years before. The main focus for me was to develop gowns that had soul, made with detailed attention, crafted in unique and beautiful textiles, and embroideries, that I could custom design and create.

what can GUIPUREAN offer a Bride to-be for their Wedding day? The opportunity for a Bride to make an impact, to be confident and a stand out, knowing she is dressed in something unique made just for her and assimilates with her personality and style.

did you always know that you wanted to design Bridal gowns? I always knew I wanted to design fashion, I enjoyed the hands on approach and tactility of the industry. My fascination bordering on obsession for lace, embroideries and high end textiles lead me to become a bridal designer, where I knew that whatever I created, it would be made for a purpose and cherished by the wearer, not disposed off like so much fast fashion or cheap, factory made gowns.

do you have any stories that you would like to share from your experiences? Every Bride is so unique and all, having such a different journey from their first appointment to the last, so there are many lovely stories. One of my favourites to date was being given the opportunity to create an amazing gown for my sister in law, there was nothing average or run of the mill with that gown. It was created from a special order of Italian gold Guipure lace with handmade organza petals for the bodice. The most wonderful part was at the ceremony, the Bride entered through big wooden doors that swung open for her to enter and as she made her way down the aisle the sunlight started to shine through the stained glass windows and her gown shone like an Egyptian Queen, needless to say I saw my brothers face at the end of the aisle and I knew he approved of what I created.

advice; First, decide on a budget, then research the various options to look for a gown – retail store, designer or perhaps attend a Bridal event where you can talk to a designer upfront before starting to try on anything. Select a few boutiques/designers that you like the look of in style and make an appointment to try on a few different styles and don’t rule anything out before trying.

Know your shape and what will be realistic and work with your body type, what you see online does not always translate well to a real Brides figure in real life. After trying on a few styles, take time to think about what you liked or did not, whether off the rack or made to order will work for you, or budget allowing, a custom gown instead to ensure you get what you are after and to the fit of your body. Its also very important that you feel comfortable with the designer or retailer, as you will be spending a lot of time with them over the course of the 6 to 10 month period. Most importantly, don’t settle for something you think is nice or will do, make sure you LOVE IT!

do you have a personal favourite style? So hard, I love so many styles, though I do tend to opt for the more unique and unusual. One of my favourites from my range would be Nike, she is a bit more non traditional and features a non floral lace and custom appliqué of beaded wings which I loved designing, bit of a modern day Goddess.

what is the best part about what you do: Having a Bride put their full trust and confidence in me to create their special gown , which, is topped by seeing a Bride in one of my creations, smiling, confident and stunning, and off course, where I have be fortunate enough to attend the ceremony, seeing the reactions from the guest as she makes an entrance.