The Bite Magazine - Summer 2019 - Issue 25

bite fashion is perfect, we draft a pattern. The gown is then cut in the bridal fabrics selected for the gown.” When the design is made with beading on the dress, a pa- per pattern and detailed artwork are sent to one of their hand-beading departments to follow. The lace is cut and appliquéd by hand, and once the gown is completed it is re- fitted on the model. Shawne said it takes three or four times to do this before the dress is deemed perfect and once this is done, the final masterpiece is shown on the runway. In her experience, the creative designer believes that the superior fit and high-quality fabric construction of a gown is the key to a gorgeous wedding gown. It takes attention to detail and working with talented sew- ers and seamstresses that understand the bridal industry to make it a guaranteed success. “Our seamstresses have been in the wedding gown business for over 30 years. They know the ins and outs of creating the highest quality wed- ding gown.” In terms of this, Shawne gave her opinion on how the bridal industry has changed or improved over the years. “As everything in fashion comes full circle, I predict a return to the traditional will be the next big trend - think classic, silhouettes, clean and modern with minimal embel- lishments. The overtly sexy bride look is on its way out.” Preparation for a fashion shoot or shows takes at least four months in advance. The process starts with venue scouting in New York which Shawne says is always interesting as there are always new locations popping up. “We always like to pick a new, fresh location that no other bridal designer has chosen before. This keeps us current and always makes for a WOW factor to the media. It takes several months organising and planning the lighting, seating, invitations, press, theme, styling, and of course designing the new col- lection. It’s like planning a wedding every year.” A huge fan of wedding dress designer Peter Langner and fashion designer Zac Posen, these are the two creatives that she is inspired by. “I admire and appreciate the impeccable craftsmanship that both of them put forth into their gowns. Their intricate seams and high-quality fabrics make for bold sophisticated collections that truly speak to my architectur- al heart. She would love to see Jennifer Lawrence wearing one of their bridal gowns. “She’s from my hometown, Lou- isville in Kentucky and has a gorgeous hourglass frame. She has a flawless fashion sense and knows how to nail down the sexy but daring sophisticated look. Her style is always chic with a touch of feminine.” When it comes to sketching the designs or constructing them, Shawne likes to do both. She sketches first and then drapes each sketch onto the mannequin. “There are times when the seams I have drawn on paper don’t work when draping on the mannequin. The draping of the gown is when it starts to come to life and sometimes evolves into something completely different to what I started with on paper.” The colours that the designer usually works with are shades of white and blush which she has done so for many years. “I love playing with colours so when we finally decided to