I took on an exciting project this season (and a walk down memory lane), mentoring the incredibly talented students at my alma mater, Otis College of Art and Design. Here’s Part One for a peek into the design process, from design direction, sketches, muslin fittings, all leading up to the juried show voted on by the leaders in the fashion world. I’m so proud to report that all of my students made the cut for their work to appear in the gala scholarship benefit and fashion show to be held this weekend at the Beverly Hilton. I’ll be attending, and will report back with final show photos and my winner for the Golden Thimble award…tough choice, the students all did a fabulous job!

to be continued…

For more information about the college: Otis College of Art and Design

When I see the ocean in the distance, the wreaths in the hair, and the nonchalant, effortless beauty portrayed in the paintings of Victorian artist Sir Lawrence Alma-Tadema, I can literally feel the sun and smell the flowers on the breeze. I wanted to take you all with me to this Earthly Paradise, from the gowns to the styling of the show. Of course there is a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes…Heaven wasn’t created in a day, right?!

Fabrics to drape, embellishments to design, cookies to bake (yes, those are cookies!), programs to paint, and chai tea lattes to drink…some very talented collaborators joined me in this process, and crafted quite an experience for our guests.

We created our own “painting” for the backdrop, combining petals, sea and sky, and continued the illusion with the addition of over 100,000 rose petals. When the massive canvas was unfurled during NY market week, and we began to scatter the petals on the runway the morning of the show, even I was amazed (and thrilled) with how perfectly our blank slate was transformed!

Hair and make-up were key in fashioning our modern goddesses, and I made these wreaths for each model while casting at the hotel (nothing like a little multi-tasking!) We even enlisted a few gorgeous immortals to escort our guests to their seats…and of course I made wreaths for them too!

Finally it’s time to welcome our guests with champagne flowing, programs ready on the chairs, models dressed, and a final word of direction before they cue the music, and the whole thing is over in about 15 minutes! Literally 6 months of preparation to make it all happen…kind of like a wedding!

Claire Pettibone An Earthly Paradise from Claire Pettibone on Vimeo.

I owe the artists and poets who have come before me, and the Earth and the sea and the flowers, my deepest gratitude. A huge thank you to our partners behind the scenes:

Photography & Video: Collective Edit

Rose Petals: Petal Garden

Programs: Kristy Rice of Momental Designs

Cookies: Sweet Ambs

Wine: OneHope Weddings

Hair: Giselle Modeste for Ojon

Make-up: Romero Jennings for MAC Cosmetics

Copywriter/Merchandiser

We are looking for a full time creative Copywriter…from blogging and social media to product descriptions and web content, this person will work closely with the designer to capture her “voice”. You will express the Claire Pettibone brand through words and stories that harmonize with the images and products in the collection. You MUST have prior writing experience within the bridal community perhaps as a blogger, magazine editor, etc. and have a BA in English, Communication, Journalism, Business or related field. Only candidates with published writing credentials and at least 5 years industry experience need apply. Sorry, no recent grads will be considered…we need a bit more life experience for this one!

Retail Sales Associate/Bridal Assistant

This full-time position will include some hours/days at our Flagship retail salon assisting brides and general store duties, along with days in our headquarters assisting our Bridal Director with order entry, follow-up and correspondence with our wholesale customers. This is a great opportunity to expand your experience of bridal both on the retail and behind-the-scenes wholesale side of the business. Candidates MUST have prior bridal retail or wholesale experience, a love of vintage style, and a professional demeanor.

Please email resumes, along with salary history, and a cover letter explaining why you should be considered for this position to: resumes@clairepettibone.com