Vanessa Cocchiaro's timeless, elegant and super cool designs will be gracing the walls of Carte Blanche Bride in September. For a limited time only!
It's my great pleasure to announce our exclusive collaboration with Vanessa Cocchiaro - the designer's first bricks and mortar access point in Australia to date. Vanessa began her career as a fashion stylist across both Sydney, Milan and Paris, her journey has greatly influenced her eponymous label and finally you will be able to access it in Australia.
Vanessa's WHITE designs are for women who want to buck the trend when it comes to a floor-length wedding look. This year has seen the rise of micro-weddings, scaled back celebrations and stripping down the wedding format to be all about the couple and perhaps not so much about the big, booming celebration with all the guests.
My favourite signature of hers is the all-in-one jumpsuits. Her mini cocktail dresses are drop dead gorgeous as well, not to mention the tea-length iconic wrap dress. She is already a celebrated designer in the UK and France being represented exclusively at Net-A-Porter and Printemps Mariage.
There are lots more celebrations coming of our partnership with Vanessa, that I can't wait to share with you. Mostly across the Carte Blanche Instagram - so if you're not following yet, hop-to now so you don't miss out on the action (including a taste of Vanessa's Paris and a VC look is also up for grabs!)
I sat down with Vanessa to pick her uber-creative brain, read on to learn about this designer powerhouse, proudly Australian and living her destiny in Paris.
Some of Vanessa's real brides
What do you do…
Everything! As all small business owners know you quickly become a jack of all trades. My official title is Founder and Creative director of the brand Vanessa Cocchiaro.
Where did your fashion career begin?
My career in fashion started as a stylist. After studying in Sydney, I became a fashion assistant at Harper’s Bazaar. I then decided to move to Italy to continue my styling career. After a few years in Milan, I moved to Paris to style for L’Officiel France.
Why did you decide to design your own collection?
When I launched the brand under a different name, it was outfits designed for contemporary bridesmaids. I have been a bridesmaid many times and I always found it tricky to find something minimal, elegant and chic that you could wear to the wedding and then wear again after.
My first bridesmaid collection I introduced some pieces in white, I then realised that 90% of my clients that were buying the white styles were brides.
When Millie Mackintosh wore the Murasaki blouse to her civil ceremony I knew I had accidentally found a niche. Now a lot of brands have launched ready-to-wear bridal ranges.
What is priority in your design process?
I try to come up with pieces that are contemporary, original and easy to wear. I find that the more ‘traditional’ I go with my designs my clients don’t really like those styles.
How was it moving to Paris? Was it a personal decision or a career move?
It was both, before Paris I was living in Milan, and I had a difficult time there adapting. I had a lot of friends in Paris so I would go there regularly to see them, and I always felt a close connection to the city.
Professionally, French style was always something I admired and was closer to my own personal approach.
One piece of advice you always listen to…
I have a quote that I love from Anaïs Nin that I think is always a great piece of advice.
“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.”
What can’t you live without…
In true cliché Italian style, my Mum's cooking.
What comes to mind when you think of Carte Blanche…
Elegance, subtlety; a fresh perspective.
Some of Vanessa's real brides
What is one piece of advice you want to share with brides planning their wedding?
Don’t let too many opinions influence you. Going into the process, you know what you want, so try to stay as true to that as you can.
THE NEED-TO-KNOWS
19th August: Vanessa is taking over the Carte Blanche Bride instagram to give you a tour of HER Paris.
26th August: Join us LIVE on Instagram, for an intimate chat with Vanessa.
27th August: You will be able to preview the collection online one week before the launch in-store.
2-9 September: Vanessa's collection will be available to try and buy at Carte Blanche Bride.
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