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If you are a regular reader of the wedding blog, you’ll know that I recently made a whistle-stop trip down to the smoke to White Gallery London, for a preview of the top bridal designer’s 2014 collections. These are the gowns that will be landing in a wedding dress boutique near you soon.
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I couldn’t possibly keep all the pretty to myself though, and so am in the privileged position of obtaining access to all my favourite bridal designers for a series of exclusive interviews here on Brides Up North, where they’ll be giving you a sneak peek at their newest designs, sharing the inspirations behind the collections and giving you a glance into their (very beautiful) world.
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Maude
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Charlotte Casadéjus is a proudly British wedding dress designer with a commitment to the highest quality, unique designs, the principals of vintage couture and the values of ethical and eco friendly work practices, so I’m really proud to introduce her gorgeous work to you, my lovely readers, today. Let’s meet her.
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Cybil
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Charlotte, welcome to Brides Up North. Would you tell us a little about your beautiful new collection?
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For the new collection I was very into the ‘less is more’ concept. For me, there is nothing more beautiful than a woman who is almost completely covered but with a hint of the loveliness that lies beneath. Take Lily for example, the dress covers you almost completely but the long sleeves are lace and the dress is backless… Cecile is another good example, the dress is bias cut, so very fitted with a high neckline but the back is almost completely bare.
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What is your style philosophy?
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Keep it simple, keep it super high quality and be original! At Charlotte Casadéjus we believe that a wedding dress should be subtly elegant, flattering as well as incredibly comfortable.
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Eva
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Where do you look for inspiration?
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That’s an easy one, my background is in vintage textiles so I always look to the past when I’m designing. Sometimes it will be a ‘look’ from a certain era, other times I’ll base a whole dress around one small item like a feather or a buckle.
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Cecile
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What sort of woman do you design for?
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I design for women who want to express their personality in the dress they choose. They are often into vintage, have a unique style and don’t want to look like everyone else.
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What fabrics and embellishments were chosen for the new collection and why?
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I always choose very high quality fabrics, so plenty of sand washed silks, tulles and silk georgette. I’m very into lace – the Maimuna is covered in 15 different kinds of antique lace – so we use lots of lace. And of course, as many vintage embellishments as we can incorporate in each design.
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Edie
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Do you have a personal favourite from the new collection?.
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The Coco dress – which is a 1970’s inspired tuxedo dress – to me, it’s the ultimate in sophisticated sexiness. I love the tailored lines and the moss crepe. I would wear this one in a heartbeat.
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Coco
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What jewellery would you pair with pieces from your new collection?
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Art deco jewellery is probably my favourite – you can either buy new or vintage although vintage has the advantage of having that delicious muted sparkle.
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What beauty look would complement the pieces in your new collection?
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I love the Veronica Lake look – waved, glossy tresses coming down one shoulder are beautiful. Subtle make-up with bold nail varnish always looks wonderful too.
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Audrey
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Do you have a “signature” piece?
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My signature piece would have to be the 1940’s inspired Audrey – everything stems from that one original design. It looks very simple, but it’s the most flattering dress whether you’re curvaceous or boyish. I’m one of few who have dresses with sleeves in their collection and that has definitely become a bit of a trademark.
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How do you decide on the “names” for your gowns?
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Some are named after people I admire – Lauren, Coco, Grace – and others are named after close friends, like Maimuna and Alisa.
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Ivy
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What sizes are available in your gowns? Are your pieces made to measure?
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We have sizes 8-14 as standard but can make any size as our gowns are made to order.
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What is the retail price range for your designs?
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We have two different collections, the cc blanc collection which is made to order, these come in standard sizes 8 – 14 and retail around the £2,000 mark. Then we have the Charlotte Casdejus blanc collection, the dresses in this collection are made to measure and retail between £3,000 – £5,000 mark.
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Lily
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What sets Charlotte Casadéjus apart from other bridal wear brands?
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One of the things I’m proudest of is the fact that our dresses are made in London, even our beading is done in the UK. Not every brand can say that.
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Is this your dream career? What alternative career would you choose?
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I love what I do, I’ve always loved clothes and textiles and fashion and here I am creating my own dream dresses. What could be better? If I did ever decided to change, I would like to be a nurse.
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Maude
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Where do you go and what do you do to relax?
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Anyone who knows me well will tell you I’m not all that good at relaxing! But the place I find it easiest is in the South of France, my spiritual home. There is nothing quite like sipping a cool drink at a café on the banks of the river Sorgue, listening to the cicada’s sing and feeling the sun on your face.
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What are your “best things” in life?
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My son, my partner, my family and my friends – I am very lucky to have the best ones in the World.
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Mae
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How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with you and see more of your designs?
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Our entire collection is shown on our website at www.charlottecasadejus.com. Brides can get in contact with us either through the website or by email at charlotte@charlottecasadejus.com or telephone on 01892533 177
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Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 supplied by Charlotte Casadéjus
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