photo by Jose Villa

It all begins with the dress…but just like a cake with no frosting, it’s in the final embellishments, the veil, the headpiece, the jewelry, that the full story is told. I love that moment…you’ve found the perfect gown that looks so beautiful and says all you want to say about who you are, and what this day means…and then, we add an antique veil, or a jeweled headpiece, and that’s when it really sinks in…you’re getting married, and the tears come.

I think it’s that culmination of beauty and joy amidst all of the nervousness and high expectations that cause this slightly overwhelming sensation. Once you see yourself as you are going to look on this day (of course even better with hair, make-up and a perfectly fitting gown!) it all comes into focus and you come back to the real reason you’ve been going through all this…why you’ve tried on so many dresses and have a binder full of swatches and tear-sheets and guest lists and menus…you have fallen in love with someone truly special, and are going to pledge your devotion and share your life.

This part of my job really is the “icing on the cake”. I absolutely love designing gowns. I love the fabrics, the flowers, the lace, the details, everything! But when I see those tears of joy and know that I have helped make a bride not only look breathtakingly beautiful, but that my work has actually touched her soul…well, it doesn’t get any better.

I invite you to see the inspired collection of headpieces from Enchanted Atelier for Claire Pettibone. We worked closely to create the perfect accents for your gown, and along with my signature embellished veils, we are sure to create some magic and put the Icing on the Cake!

Claire Pettibone Flagship Salon
236 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA
Please call to schedule your appointment: 310-360-6268

Clara and Lalique, two of my favorite gowns from my Art Nouveau collection. They really epitomize the inspiration from Clara Bow, the classic 1920′s icon, to the lyrical jewelry design of Lalique which inspired the embroidery for this piece.

Some of my absolute favorite brides have worn these gowns, and I think because the dresses have such distinct personalities, they attracted a fabulous selection of brides and made some breath-taking weddings.

Making the cover of WWD was a professional highlight for me. My husband was up late one evening, and just happened to visit WWD online. They post the following day’s issue after midnight, and up came that cover! Total surprise, and what an honor!

I really do feel a little sad saying goodbye to these two, but nice to know they made a lasting impression.

Juliet is from my very first bridal collection, and over the years has been one of our top selling gowns. Here’s a look back at just a few of our gorgeous brides and press as we say goodbye.

First, sweet and timeless love…Juliet was created with Shakespeare’s classic heroine in mind, although in my version, of course she and her Romeo live happily ever after!

Layers of blush silk, scalloped lace and delicate leaves and roses conspire to leave all of her admirers breathless.

Source: Real Bride, Polyvore

If Juliet is your dream gown, give our Flagship a call…there is a very limited amount of fabric left, so hurry before she takes her last breath!!!

Claire Pettibone Salon
310-360-6268

What is it about the end of the year, that inspires us to clean, edit, reflect? I find myself wanting to start the New Year with everything in its place, and so in addition to shopping for loved ones this month, I’m doing a major cleansing at home, and taking a moment to appreciate and enjoy all the lovely gifts I am so fortunate to have in my own life…and maybe make a little room for just one or two more!

We’re doing the same thing here at our office, and as I have just designed 20 new gowns for 2011, it’s time to discontinue some of our old favorites to make room for the new. I’ll be sharing some photos and memories over the next few weeks as we say goodbye.

For any brides-to-be that have been dreaming of one of our discontinued gowns, we will take orders on a first come first served basis, and once we run out of fabric, we won’t be able to produce any more!

So…drum-roll…here’s the list:

If your gown is on this list, don’t panic, take a breath, call us, and we’ll do everything in our power to make it happen for you! FYI our Flagship Salon in Beverly Hills is having a ONE DAY SAMPLE SALE THIS SATURDAY, so run, and you just might get a super great deal on a gorgeous gown!

236 South Robertson Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 360-6268