I’ve never had the time to scrapbook or craft much, but I love looking at hand made decorative objects, and obviously, my creative energies all go into creating my own “crafting” of wedding dresses! This season, inspiration struck while looking at some Victorian decoupage. From the French word “to cut” this art of assembling and layering paper cutouts (often from floral greeting cards, wallpaper, and such) is still quite popular. As I was working with the layers of lace, appliques, vintage ribbons and hand-made flowers, I loved this idea of layering and almost creating a “collage” with my materials. My daughter saw me working on the Charlotte belt, and couldn’t resist helping out! Maybe I will have a future assistant!

See the entire collection at Clairepettibone.com

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

We can’t get enough of these lovely photos of beautiful bride Emma, wearing the Sky Between the Branches gown.  The beaming couple got married at their home in Old Agoura, California, under the same oak tree that the groom’s parents were married under 30 years ago! We couldn’t imagine a more perfect setting, it was simply breathtaking,

Be sure to see the whole story with tons of gorgeous images photographed by Katie Shuler here.

Congratulations to Emma and Joey, may your lives together be just as beautiful as your wedding day!

Photographer: Katie Shuler   (also here  and here)

Wedding Coordinator: Mia Bella Events

Florist:- Stella Bloom

See the entire collection at Clairepettibone.com

Alma, from the Latin, meaning soul, spirit, heart. Guipure lace framing her neckline and trailing down her sheer illusion back…Alma has stolen a few hearts already! A lovely blend of elegance, romance, and natural beauty, the organic ivory floral motif flutters with touches of champagne.

Love this feature from Style Unveiled, we can’t wait for some of our first real brides to wear Alma in this summer’s weddings so we can see more!

Please view both parts of this beautiful Emerald & Gold feature here and here.  Lovely!

Delicate lace with touches of champagne…we’ll toast to that!

See the full story at Style Unveiled

Photographer: Mike Larson Estate Photography

See the entire collection at Clairepettibone.com

That irresistible feeling of luxury and lightness…lush textures, details galore, and yet, sweet simplicity. Genevieve was inspired by a languid summer in the French countryside…here she is photographed by the talented Sarah Gawler in one of London’s most beautiful settings, The Orangery. A glass and stone palace built for Lord & Lady Holland’s soirees, it provides an elegant and charming space that is now one of my favorite daydream getaways…I can just imagine the guests, the cocktails, the dancing…isn’t it the sign of a great party, when the ladies are wearing ethereal, and flowing formal gowns, but the vibe is kick-off-your-heels relaxed?!

I’m longing for an end-of-summer party in full bloom. Can’t you just smell the jasmine wafting on the soft breeze of a warm night? What a lovely mood to capture for a summer wedding…

Photographer: Sarah Gawler

Venue: The Orangery, Holland Park

Stylist: Hannah Gooch

Hair and Make-up: Daniel K Palmer

Model: Zsanet - MOT Models

Stylist Assistant: Emily Nicholson

Florist: LK Lily

Stationery: Artcadia

Cakes: Victoria Made

Jewellery: Alex Monroe

Plates: John Lewis

Cutlery: Zara Home

Table linen: The Linen Works