Not every little girl dreams of the perfect wedding and for a lot of brides-to-be, traditional flamboyant gowns are a far cry from their style. In 2015, we introduced you to Australian boho-luxe bridal line Bo & Luca. With key pieces from the new collection entitled Cassiopeia becoming available in South Africa over the next few months, we chatted to creative director Shannon Pittman about what makes Bo & Luca’s aesthetic so appealing to the modern, free-spirited woman.
Bo & Luca is known for its boho yet opulent aesthetic. What is the differentiating factor between each of your collections?
With each collection we push the boundaries of what is perceived to the world as ‘bridal’. We add a little more glamour but still keeping with our aesthetic of effortless luxury.
What can you tell us about your new collection Cassiopeia?
Cassiopeia is a juxtaposition between light and darkness. We wanted to create more drama in this collection. The pieces are more detailed and have layers, frills, and hand embroidery of gold and silver silk thread. We felt that bridal was becoming a little too rigid and so we wanted to have some fun with this collection – changing the norm but still keeping with the effortless luxury that is seen in our previous collections.
Although part of a collection, each of your gowns is handcrafted for the individual. Do you find that some of your clientele will want specific alterations made to their gowns?
There are times when a client may want to alter something slightly on our pieces. However, as we know exactly how the fabric falls on the body or how the silhouette of the garment will sit, we strongly recommend against this. We do of course make small alterations if we think it will work well with the garment.
Who represents your ideal Bo & Luca bride?
A woman with confidence who is definite in her approach to fashion, who knows her body well and wants to wear something beautiful, who understands the finer details and wants that romantic simplicity. Bridal does not have to be over the top or overdone.
You also create headpieces, veils, thank-you notes and leather journals. Did you find this was a natural transition from bridal wear?
Yes, as brides often ask us to make different elements that complement their wedding day. We always listen to what the client wants or look for what is lacking in the market, then we create it.
Would you say your pieces transcend merely being just a wedding gown?
Yes, most definitely! The pieces we create are beautifully cut and are timeless silhouettes. They are an effortless luxury, so can be worn to an evening soirée under the stars or to walk the streets of Paris by night.
Still searching for a non-traditional ring to go with your boho gown? Check out these 19 engagement rings for the indie bride. And if you’d love your own special day to be featured right here on GLAMOUR Online, it’s as easy as this!
