10 Questions with Designer Claire Pettibone

Claire Pettibone

1) Your aesthetic vision is so distinct, please describe it.

Vintage inspired, whimsical, romantic…just a few words that come to mind. I’m always trying to capture a dream that brings our brides into a bit of the ethereal realm.

2) Is there a specific period in history you are drawn to?

I love the Victorian and Edwardian ages, the 1920’s and Art Nouveau. I love the detail and craft that went into things, from architecture, to furniture, to jewelry and clothing, and it all simmers in my thoughts and comes out in a way that I hope is timeless. I think that is a sign of good design – it will be just as beautiful in 100 years as it is today.

3) You started out designing lingerie, what inspired the transition into bridal?

I used to design very elaborate nightgowns, and at the time, bridal gowns were mainly satin ballgowns, so brides began having my nightgowns lined and wearing them as wedding dresses! A very good friend of mine asked me to design her dress, and once I started, I took it a bit further than we originally planned. I wanted to create a “real” wedding dress for her, and that gown is named Kristene, and is still in the collection almost 20 years later! Once I created that gown, I knew that I wanted to design more, and so I made a few pieces, and brides began flying in to LA to our flagship salon for custom wedding dresses. In 2005 we produced a runway show to launch my first official collection in New York.

4) What is the inspiration for your fall 2023 collection?

It’s called Adorned. There’s kind of a trend towards minimalism in bridal right now, and I’ve always been one to go against the grain, plus, embroideries and laces have always been my signature. The idea of adornment has existed since the beginning of time in every culture, and the wedding is such a meaningful ceremony. To me, if there is ever a time to adorn yourself, it is this day. So that got me thinking about jewels, and lace, and ribbons, and all of these textures and embellishments that I love to work with. My brides really come to me for something unique and special…a work of art that truly expresses who they are, and gives them a feeling of beauty and magic.

5) Describe a signature iconic Claire Pettibone dress?

Floral embroidery, a touch of color, maybe a soft metallic thread and a graceful silhouette. Oh, and I love a sleeve or a long veil or a cape – some element of the unexpected that takes you a bit out of this world into the ephemeral.

6) Who is the bride that chooses to wear one of your dresses?

There’s no one “type” of bride. We see so many interesting women, but I guess the one commonality is that they don’t want a plain or generic look. They are often creative, and appreciate the artistry that goes into the collection. It seems now, more than ever, they also really appreciate that their dress is crafted one-by-one by our team here in-house, rather than factory produced somewhere else.

7) What is your design process especially when it comes to laces, embroideries, and flowers?

Well, I love lace, and I have a photographic memory for it. Over the course of my career, I’m sure I’ve seen many thousands of laces, and I always remember them! So when I’m searching for new patterns, I’m always looking for something I haven’t seen before, something unique and graceful. I design all of our embroideries and choose all of the threads so that even if a design is “ivory” it’s made up of many shades to give it dimension and depth. When I work with laces and embroideries, I’m always thinking about how they will follow the lines of the body in a way that is most flattering, and flowers are almost always an element. Flowers are somehow just the most feminine motif, and nature is the ultimate source of inspiration for me.

8) Tell us about the experience a bride will have at the flagship store.

Well, we are in a 1920’s historic landmark known here in LA as “The Castle”. We have a turtle and koi fish pond in the front, and the building itself is quite special...a little bit like walking into another world. We have one-on-one appointments with our brides, so they have privacy with their guests while we help them find their gown. I’m often in the salon myself, and since we offer customizations, I’ll offer suggestions based on a bride’s favorite dress(es) on how we can design her dream dress. We make each dress to order in-house, and we just love being a part of this really meaningful day. It’s intimate, and very personal, and we just take great care so that our brides end up with a gown they love and feel beautiful wearing.

9) Tell us about the online business what do you sell there?

We offer just some of our accessories: veils, shoes, and Ready-to-Wed separates. If a bride doesn’t live near one of our stockists and can’t make the trip to LA, we also can create her dress remotely through a zoom consultation and measurements. 

10) tell us about the shoe collaboration.

I created a capsule collection of shoes for Bella Belle shoes, and they are available on our website as well as theirs. I’ve always loved shoes (what girl doesn’t?) so when they asked me to collaborate, I was thrilled. Of course I had to use lace and flowers, all of my signature motifs. Giselle is all vintage vibes, with French lace and silk ribbons, and Freya has a little touch of blue in the delicate embroidered blossoms.