“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 »

Just back from a great Trunk Show in NY at Kleinfeld. It’s always so much fun visiting the staff there who feel like family, and having the chance to meet such beautiful brides-to-be. Our Bridal Director Moreen, made her first visit with me, and we both were excited to see so many brides, each with their own look and style…they’re an inspiration!

Our “Silvia” bride looked like she just stepped out of the 1920’s (but in a modern way) with her pretty bob hair, and porcelain skin…we are doing a custom cage veil for her with the Baby’s Breath edging…perfect!

Another beauty selected “Forget-me-not” and when she walked out in this gown, wow! She looked great in some other dresses, but this really was unforgettable! Couldn’t be a more perfect choice for her island wedding.

Our “Lalique” bride initially came in for “Princess”, but made the switch, because for her, Lalique was more womanly and showed off her hourglass figure. We chose the Vintage Vine veil in ivory for the finishing touch.

The stunning “Chantilly” gown was amazing on a tall, beautiful girl who came in with her mom. The sheer back and intricate beading won them both over, and adding the Vintage Vine veil completes the look.

“Kristene” was the choice for another beauty, and we decided the Vintage Vine in the waterfall style was perfect here too…this veil seems to go with every gown in the collection!

A sweet girl from LA (but now living in NY) chose the “Cloisonné” gown with the train. This is one of my favorites, and I am so happy for her and her adorable fiancée! Don’t worry, we didn’t let him see her in the dress, but he waited patiently in the lobby while she made her choice…I’m sure he will be thrilled!

A lovely young artist chose “Larissa”, and she said it is the gown she has been dreaming of…how great is that?!

Petite girls should always look for a gown that compliments their frame…what a shame when I see them being swallowed up in a ball gown! A little wood nymph (petite, dark curls, adorable!) chose “Kaelyn”…what a perfect choice, a gown as delicate as she is.

And a pale strawberry blonde chose “Lucia” with the Baby’s Breath veil. Fair skinned girls have to be careful to choose the right shade of dress to give them a pretty glow. The subtle sparkle and hints of pale gold and silver are gorgeous with her coloring.

These are just a few of the wonderful women I met, and I thank them for wearing my collection with such style and beauty. Now it’s on to my West coast girls next weekend at our Flagship Salon June 5 & 6…can’t wait to see you there!