What's in a name? When I design my collections, I imagine a story or a theme to guide my process and gather sources of inspiration. Each gown takes on a personality, and when I select a name for the final piece, it has to fit. My Vagabond collection was inspired by the idea of a free spirit, wandering in beauty...a fantasy, I know, but this is how my creations come to be. After thinking it over for some time now, I've decided to change the names of these particular designs to better express my intention behind two of our most loved gowns. I would like to introduce (or rather, re-introduce) Desert Rose (formerly Gypsy Rose), Moonlight Rose (formerly Gypsy Moon), and the Enchanted Rose and Enchanted Moon Capes.
When the original name came to me as I was designing this gown, I embraced the idea of a wandering spirit, the freedom of beauty in the natural world, and the overall idea of a nomadic, ethereal mood. At the time, the word gypsy seemed to fit that description perfectly. However, I've since come to learn that this word has a history of being a racial slur as it's related to the Romani people. At first I thought, well, everyone knows my heart, and that's not my intention at all, so let's keep the name as is. But digging deeper, I realize that mindset is a privilege. I don't personally know anyone from this culture, and my experience with this word is a positive one. But if I believe that my views and my experience are the only ones that matter, then I'm not considering the effect that my words and actions can have on someone else. Insulting or disparaging anyone goes against everything I believe in, so it is time to give this gorgeous gown a new name. Desert Rose feels just right, and the cape you see here will now be the Enchanted Rose Cape, because that's exactly what she is...enchanting!
The sister to Desert Rose will now be called Moonlight Rose. Silk white and ivory flowers with spun silver leaves, and an additional layer of sparkly sequins layered UNDER the embroidery to subtly peek through, this dreamy gown is a match made in heaven for my ethereal, fairy moon brides! Often worn as a veil too, the Enchanted Moon Cape blooming in roses and delicate embroidery, pairs well with many of our gowns and is a favorite amongst our brides looking for that fairy tale moment. I've created custom versions of all of these styles - raised necklines, added sleeves, custom adornments on our capes, and cathedral length veils...the options are limitless! "I feel so lucky and honored to have dressed many gorgeous brides in both of these beauties, and these new names just feel right. Thank you to those who kindly brought this issue to my attention. I appreciate you taking the time to write to me, and to those who may have been hurt or offended, please know that my intention is, and always will be, to add beauty and love to the world, so here's to moving forward with compassion and greater understanding.
xo, Claire
To learn more about the Romani people and their history: https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/roma-european-culture
Dresses: Desert Rose and Moonlight Rose by Claire Pettibone
Desert Rose shot in Joshua Tree
Photographer: @lucymunozphotography
Hair & Makeup: @blushedbeaute
Desert Rose shot in Italy
Photography: @jeremychouphotography
Stylist: @catia_fizzoni_sposarti
Makeup: @elenac_mua
Hair: @massimocesca_hair
Moonlight Rose - The White Album Collection
Photography: @spostophoto
Florist: @plentyofpetals
Styling: @hautefetes
Beauty: @1011makeupandhair
Moonlight Rose - Greystone Mansion
Photography: @katrinakimphoto
Design + Styling: @blushingjoyevents
Venue: @greystonemansionbh
Floral Design: @plainjaneposy
Makeup + Hair: @jinjuthamakeup