Design Divas
Dreamweavers for Bay Area Brides
Bridal Perfections
http://www.bridalperfections.com
Early Career Indicators: As a girl, Claudine would make doll clothes out of old socks and bits of lace. She has since traded dolls for brides. Claudine is proud to carry on a family tradition of Old World couture craftsmanship, begun by her great-grandmother.
Been A Pro Since: Claudine designed her first gown, of white satin and lace, in 1969. She’s been designing custom formalwear for discerning women ever since.
Signature Style: Romantic, artistic, elegant.
Design Philosophy: “My brides don’t have to settle; each is given exactly what she wants.”
Fashion Inspirations: “I draw my creative vision from each individual bride—her personality, body structure and taste.”
Most Important Question For Clients: “How do you want to feel?”
Average Price Range: $3,000–$6,000, depending on design and fabric selection.
It’s In The Details: Claudine’s gowns are all French-seamed or completely lined. Beading and embroidery are done by hand.
Extras: After the wedding, Claudine cleans and preserves your ensemble in museum-quality packaging.
Known For: Her expert redesigns of heirloom gowns; patience, listening, and detailed creativity.
Why Go Custom? “Brides come to me for personal attention, honest expert advice and a truly unique gown.”
Notable Clients: Won’t divulge names, but her special occasion gowns have been worn all over the world, from the Emmys in L.A. to the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia.
Fun Facts: Claudine is a world traveler, Tai Chi practitioner, certified scuba diver, and white-water rafter.
Couture SF/Christina Hurvis Couture
The Early Years: With a degree in art, Christina headed for Paris where she studied at the prestigious Parsons School of Design. Then followed stints with Christian Dior, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Nicole Miller.
On Her Own Since: 1996. “I started my business out of New York, then came to San Francisco in 2002.”
Fashion Influences: Balenciaga, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent.
Typical Customer: “A cosmopolitan career woman who wants something unique but classically beautiful.”
Signature Look: Bias-cut retro gowns with a dash of Hollywood glamour.
Style Summary: Sleek, sophisticated, European. Specialties include hand-finishing, rich fabrics and an expert fit. “I love the elegance of a perfectly tailored silhouette, with just the right accents.”
Fashion Philosophy: “The girl wears the dress, the dress doesn’t wear the girl.”
Price Range: “My custom gowns start at $2,500. I have all the lace and beading done in France by authentic, traditional artisans, which determines the difference between a $3,000 and a $5,000 dress.”
Most Memorable Creations: “I like to use part of a vintage gown, such as pieces of lace from a bride’s mother’s gown appliquéd onto a new silhouette.”
Studio Feng Shui: A spacious, airy loft in San Francisco’s artsy SOMA district. Very private.
The Process: A bride visits Christina’s studio, tries on gowns from the collection, and then they brainstorm to customize her own bridal style. “It’s a very creative, low-key environment. I love working one-on-one with a bride, helping her look gorgeous. We have so much fun!”
Custom Plus: “The bride can see how the dress evolves, and we can make changes during the process if necessary. The goal is a completely individualized gown made to fit.”
Advice To Brides: “Be sure to consider the setting of your wedding when you decide on a dress, and have a budget in mind before you begin.”
Filed under Fashion, Wedding Dresses