Celebrating The Launch Of Flights Of Freedom - A Q&A with Catherine Deane
What was the inspiration behind the latest Flights of Freedom bridal collection, and how do you stay current with bridal fashion trends?
The concept behind Flights of Freedom ironically came to me while I was mid-air between Hong Kong and Cape Town! I was overcome by an immense feeling of freedom after quite a trying time in my life. It is a collection that embodies the experience of being free. A journey of creating a new story, one that is grounded in love.
Flights of Freedom materialises these feeling into something tangible – a bridal collection that allows the woman that wears the pieces to feel a sense of peace, joy and freedom in knowing that she is loved and that she is enough.
Describe your latest collection in three words.
Joy, peace and freedom!
Can you describe the creative process, from initial concept through to final product?
Each collection starts with a concept – I am forever inspired by nature, travel and a sense of ease and comfort. Our collection themes have always come to me in moments when I least expected them.
Based on these themes, I will start looking at inspiration – images of textures, movement, nature and architecture. My travels, as well as our brides across the globe that live and get married in the most beautiful locations also inspire ideas that greatly help us come up with collections that are suited to our unique brides’ needs.
Based on these themes, I will start looking at inspiration – images of textures, movement, nature and architecture. My travels, as well as our brides across the globe that live and get married in the most beautiful locations also inspire ideas that greatly help us come up with collections that are suited to our unique brides’ needs.
Each design is sketched out and hand draped before a technical drawing is created and sent to our small team of tailors, pattern makers and seamstresses in our Hong Kong studio where these designs are crafted into a sample for fitting. This process is very much a team effort each garment gets ‘touched’ by many skilled hands.
During fittings we refine each design to a point where we feel it is perfect. Our bridal collections are carefully hand crafted with the utmost precision and attention to detail, with only the very best silhouettes making it through each season.
What design trends have emerged from this collection (silhouettes, materials, embellishments)?
We are very excited that we were able to perfectly juxtapose tried and tested Catherine Deane silhouettes and new materials, such as feathers and pleating – a pairing that allowed us to come up with something modern yet timeless and fresh.
Look forward to new treatments of our signature eco satin fabrics, hand draped 100% silk tulle and hints of feathers and embroidered birds. The Catherine Deane bride absolutely adores pearls, an element very present in this collection.
Is there a single piece which embodies the vision of the whole collection? Can you tell us more about it?
This season I have a favourite ensemble which consists of the Alea Bodice, paired with the Aurora Skirt and perfectly accessorized with the infinitely glamorous Arlo Feather Jacket!
If you know us, you’ll know that we adore bridal separates! We love how bridal separates allow our brides to curate their own unique wedding day looks. I was so honoured that a dear friend of mine, Heather, the interior decorator of our newly renovated London Boutique, wore these three pieces on her wedding day – she looked an absolute vision, and the photos speak for themselves!
What does the future hold for you? Do you have any exciting upcoming plans you can share with us?
Yes! We are in the process of organizing a beautiful event at our newly renovated London Boutique! The amount of work and careful craftsmanship that went into renovating and curating this space is simply breath-taking and we can’t wait for our Catherine Deane brides to step into this new world – a space that truly celebrates all that our brand stands for.
Keep an eye on our social media channels for all news on our beautiful new space!