As I mentioned yesterday, this year I have been in the privileged position of obtaining access to all my favourite bridal designers for a series of exclusive interviews here on Brides Up North. Now that the collections have landed in a boutique near you, I’ll be recapping the series daily on the Brides Up North Facebook page. Click here to like the page and stay updated – I’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. Otherwise, you can search “Designer Series” here on the blog and get lost in the lovely right now.
Today, it’s time to add one more talent to the party, as another of my favourites, Spanish designers Cristina and Ivonne of Raimon Bundo show off their 2014 collection. So what do you think, have I saved the best till last? I’d love to know your thoughts.
Please introduce Raimon Bundo and tell us a little about your brand?
Raimon Bundo is a family company based in Barcelona with over 40 years experience in the bridal industry. Everything is hand-made in Spain by a team of artisans who put lots of love into every dress. Designers Cristina and Ivonne create four very different collections per year but always share and promote the same values of quality, modernity and simplicity in everything they design. The collections launched to UK brides in 2012 and have had an amazing response from stockists and brides alike.
Celine
What were the inspirations behind this very beautiful collection?
Art is one of the pillars in my life and I use designing bridal wear as a vehicle to convey my feelings to the outside world. My work is a reflection of me and of the brides who wear my designs, brides who obviously have their personality that they want to express. This expression is what inspires me to continue my work in this field.
Ariadne
Where do you look for inspiration?
Everywhere I can! I try to fill my free time with as much exposure to the arts as possible and I also try to spend time with the brides themselves at our shops in Barcelona and Madrid. That proximity to the needs and desires of each bride is always a major source of inspiration.
Arola
What sort of woman do you design for?
The Raimon Bundo bride has a timeless identity present in every collection we do. She is elegant, unfussy, natural. Our bride values style, quality and feeling good on her big day. The four collections we produce each year have something for every bride so she can chose a design that best suits her personality and her wedding.
Bella
What fabrics and embellishments were chosen for the new collection and why?
Fabrics are so important to us and we only deal with European mills.
Customers always comment on the quality of the laces, satins and organzas we use. Alongside our signature laces, satins and organzas in a variety of hues you will find the most amazing soft silk tulle as used in our Diana dress. We have also continued to push our light-as-air brocade fabrics as used by Oscar de la Renta and worn by the lovely Jennifer Lawrence when she fell up the stairs at this years Oscars!
Flora
Do you have a personal favourite from the new collection?
I don’t have a favourite dress but if I had to chose a favourite collection it would be Ir by Bundo. I have quite a lot of freedom when designing this collection which I find very inspiring. Almost anything is possible so we often have a varied and daring palette of colours and unconventional designs. For me, the average wedding is sometimes a little too conventional so I try to break with the more traditional with this collection and move towards a bohemian and vintage style. There is a certain courage and desire that I express in this collection which I don’t have to hold back or limit in any way.
Gala
What jewellery would you pair with this collection?
As you will see at our catwalk shows we tend to favour floral-inspired pieces be they boho or classic. We also like jewellery inspired by certain periods of history so may find the odd Austen-esque brooch or 20’s deco item popping up here and there. Jewellery is quite a personal choice; some girls like to add a bit more bling or sparkle to their look and we encourage girls to customize the look to their personality wherever possible. It’s your big day after all!
Isadora
And what beauty look?
We love the idea of a classic dress contrasted by darling red lips that hint at the passion of the wedding night. For our more whimsical or bohemian brides we love a paler, mother-of-pearl effect.
Laia
Do you have a signature piece?
The collections are hugely varied but at the moment I would say we have two signature styles: The classic clean structured look of Igueldo with its full skirt and stiff satin fabric. And then we have the lace/tulle combinations of dresses like Diana and Infanta.
Lucretia
How do you decide on the names for your gowns?
Although there is very often a very strong art bias in naming the collections we take reference from everywhere. It could be architecture one year, history the next, or wonders of the natural world as you will find in this years mainline where we have names like Iguazu (a waterfall on the borders of Brazil and Argentina or Igueldo (a mountain in San Sebastian, Spain).
Marilyn
What is the process for your clients from finding “the one” to the final fitting?
All our dresses are made-to-measure and created by hand in our Barcelona studios.We strive to turn all orders around within 3 months from date of order.
Brides need only visit one of our lovely stockists, decide on their dream dress and get measured up. The rest is just a case of one or two fittings in-store before the big day.
What is the retail price range for your designs?
Mainline and Ir by Bundo collections retail between £1,850 – £2,500. Our Kiss collection retails between £1,400 – £1,800.
Martina
What sets Raimon Bundo apart from other bridal brands?
All our dresses are made to measure for no extra cost and our lead times average 2-3 months from date of order. We also allow changes to style for little or no cost (depending on the change requested) and if brides want a custom-made matching jacket or to add more boning to their dress it’s no problem!
Perla
How did you get into wedding dress design?
Creativity and business run through our family. Designing is the way I express myself.
Was there a defining point in your career that made your business the success it is today?
There have been many along the way but opening our own shops in the most prestigious streets in Madrid and Barcelona was pretty special. And being invited back every year to show on the catwalk at Barcelona bridal week is always a good buzz!
What are your plans for the future?
To keep doing what we enjoy for many more years to come.
Salome
Is this your dream career?
I wouldn’t want things any other way. I enjoy painting and designing womenswear but there is something very special about that connection with a bride on the most important day of her life.
Tania
Where doo you go to relax?
We have a place in Formentera which is so beautiful and unspoiled, the water is so clear. It is where I feel most at home and where I enjoy spending time with my children.
What are your “best things” in life?
Family, doing a job I love and art – in that order.
Triana
How can Brides Up North readers get in touch with you or see more of your designs?
Visit our website www.raimonbundo.com to view the full collections or contact anton@raimonbundo.com for more details. Alternatively, pay a visit to one of our fabulous Northern stockists:
Y.A.P Bridal in Newcastle;
Love Bridal Boutique in Altrincham or
Mia Bridal in Cumbria.
Victoria
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 supplied by Raimon Bundo
This is not a sponsored post
Contact Brides Up North to submit your business as a Featured Supplier
