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

“Romantic” is a word that comes up often here at the office.

At most companies, that would be a no-no, but as a designer of bridal gowns, veils, and lingerie, I fortunately get a free pass. (phew!) So while I am happily dedicated year-round to all things romantic - developing prints inspired by love birds, poetry, and love letters -

"I Do" love birds print on the Butterflies by Claire Pettibone fashion lingerie

and thumbing through European laces and the most beautiful textiles, for example…

Claire eyeing laces

Valentine’s Day holds special appeal. It is the one official day to celebrate love, in all its forms, with your spouse, children, family and friends. I even feel a little love for that newly married couple featured in the New York Times Weddings section.

As a woman who has been lucky enough to find her true love (and even work with him!) I only hope that Valentine’s Day brings more love into everyone’s life.

So isn’t it time to get the Valentine Party started? You can “go big” with a Shakespearean Sonnet

or take a good aim with a bow and arrow,

but simple is good too. Just tell someone you love them. And if you want to show them, well, I think I have just the thing for you to wear!

Of course, if you prefer candy, voila!

Happy Valentine’s Day,

Love,

Claire

Soon after the New York bridal market, our creative team got together in our favorite studio to shoot the 2010 Cherry Blossom campaign. I brought my handy camera to take a few snaps of the magic that goes on behind the scenes.

I love the details of each gown and how they look lined up next to each other.

Our lovely make-up artist, Kristen, created the Cherry Blossom look.

Getting inspiration from the mood board before going on set

We all had to wear these blue plastic wraps on set so we don’t dirty the floor.

straightening out the dress

The man behind the lens, Guy Toley who is married to Claire Pettibone shot our 2010 campaign.

Adjusting the direction of light

This was where I stood most of the time, checking to see if the shots came out clear and beautiful
with the right composition.

Our talented model, Margarita gave life to this gorgeous dress, Petals in the Wind
Love how the iridescent sequins on this dress sparkles and shines as she moves.

In character as Madame Butterfly, the last dress we shot for the day.
We decided that Madame Butterfly should have a classic portrait.

Click below to see the final selections of our 2010 campaign:

Bleu Clair just got a face lift to showcase our Fall/Resort collection.  To celebrate the launch, we’re offering beautiful shots Kenya and Coral Paisley as desktop backgrounds. We even have one for your iPhone!

You can grab them over at the Bleu Clair website under Goodies, hope you like them!

Often times we search the internet to find inspiration for fashion, party themes, outfits or weddings. We find many blogs and sites that gives great ideas, and Polyvore is  just one of those sites you can sit and browse for days through all their wonderful inspiration boards created by users of all ages! I amused myself and searched for Claire Pettibone and was quiet delighted with what I found. Members have been creating wedding mood boards with our bridal gowns! What a great idea to help inspire brides all over the world. Here are couple of beautiful collages with our dresses:

Untitled by Fashionater
Lief – We love the mix of fresh spring colors with jewel tones in combination with this dress.

more collages after the jump! read more »