NIEVE Design Inspirations
The exquisite NIEVE Designer Collection of accessories is inspired by two enchanting stories that illustrate the mood for the approaching season.
Oriental Garden
Influenced by the magnificent horticultural masterpieces of Japan and the East Asian continent, this theme dreams of exotic floral touches, juxtaposed against ornamental architectural forms.
Identifying a key trend within designer bridal wear, I have established that origami; the art of folding paper, has taken on a new contemporary textile form. Designers such as Vera Wang, Reem Acra and Monique Lhuiller, (in her style Tinsley), demonstrate a skilled use of manipulating fabric, in such a manner that it appears to have shaped folds, much like the origami art-form. This has led me to research the art of origami further for use in creating some truly striking flowers, and other iconic Japanese emblems, in a number of materials to compliment the style of the gowns at show.
Texture is key for Spring 2011, and with designers like Marchesa sampling various textile techniques, such as pleating, gathering, ruching, and even creating surface texture with thousands of tiny blossoms, we have incorporated accents of such tactile forms within the NIEVE accessories collection. Cherry blossom scatters made from luxurious fabrics and delicate tendrils of crystal and pearl soften pleated Japanese fan style forms. The traditional tiara and veil has moved on and we are now seeing an even greater demand for intelligent and innovative styles that will compliment the technically advanced gowns of 2011.
The highly feminine, flowing gowns of top designer Claire Pettibone are evidently inspired by Japanese culture. From the printed Komono-esque sashes that nip in the waistline and neatly fall down the train, to the cherry blossom appliqué that embellishes the soft chiffon fabric, there are elements that have directly derived from this theme! Even the names of the gowns follow suit, with ‘Madame Butterfly’ and ‘Cherry Blossom’ illustrating literal examples of Japanese design influence. In celebration of the butterfly form, which is popular in Japanese prints and art, Claire Pettibone has adorned necklines with large butterfly appliqués and sampled Japanese ‘Good luck’ tassel features in subtle ways.
Sashes with oversized, perfectly creased bows at the back of dresses such as those in Monique Lhuiller’s 2011 collection signal a reference to Japan, while touches of colour in subtle use, demonstrate an Oriental flavour. Vera Wang has used Smokey grey and the trend strong Nude hues to give accent to her collection, while Ian Stuart demonstrates his love of colour with Amethyst, Gold, powder Blue and Pink fabrics.
While designing the Nieve collection I research deeply into trend paths and aim to evolve a design theme that will inspire something that is unique to our brand, yet maintains a market awareness that will ensure our accessories will work in harmony with top gown designers’ creative concepts.
Romantic Vintage
A trend which seems to never lose its popularity, the Vintage touches continue to inspire wedding dress designers. With the increasing popularity of destination weddings there seems an obvious niche for the ‘light as air’ floaty chiffon and crepe styles of vintage designers. Designers such as Jenny Packham and Marchesa, have layered up tiers of chiffon to address the trend for textured fabrics, and incorporated exquisite pleating to create an almost ‘Ancient Grecian’ effect. Oska de la Renta has created texture with thousands of tiny flowers while maintaining slinky silhouettes and simple Empire lines.
The romance of Jane Austin novels seems prevalent throughout Bridal design, with delicate lace cap sleeves and Empire line gowns made from floaty fabrics; they are straight out of a scene from Pride and Prejudice. Augusta Jones and Johanna Hehir are masters of the art of creating ‘Romantic pastime, meets modern- day bride’, with delicate laces and pretty cap sleeves always a key element. The Nieve collection takes ingredients such as lace, pearls, clear crystals, and silver jewellery/brooch style details, and incorporates them to be the perfect condiment to these Vintage fashion Recipes!
Touches of muted tones, such as Champagne and Nude, (suggestive of vintage fabrics found in an old dress-up trunk), are brought to life by sparkling, clear crystal and silver backed stones. This combination, with cream-rose pearls, tiny muted crystals and champagne lace create exquisitely sensitive flowers and echo the demand for antiqued headdresses of heirloom quality. Subtle, delicate touches of colour on silk flowers, and tulle veils add an aspect of depth to the ivory mists.
Dulled-down ‘bling’ is the look of Romantic Vintage and we have sourced many new and exciting ‘pretty things’ to incorporate in the new collection. Antiqued silver components, when mixed with bright silver set stones and comet crystal, combine to make vintage, yet glitzy, brooch-style headpieces. Delicate filigree touches form bases for the sensitive, feminine band and comb designs that satisfy the simple tastes. This need for variation in vintage styles is illustrative of the trends at the moment, which run along-side one-another, but are quite diverse in their essence. For example, the crystal buckles and ribbon- tie features on Paloma Blanca’s lace gowns prove a delightfully naive touch, while the crystal encrusted necklines on the slinky designs of Jenny Packham, really would turn the head of Mr Darcy!
- Kelly