What is dreamt up in your mind when you think of French wedding fashion, friends? It’s luxury lace, soft silks and oh-so-on-trend while being effortlessly cool, right? Cue, Carte Blanche Bride, which is all of those things, wrapped into one very chic online bridal destination for solely French designers and their delicious gowns – which you will see in abundance below. And let’s not forget accessories, which you’ll find here.
Owner, Anastasia, has carefully curated a selection of exclusive and exquisite designers that you can peruse online (some pieces made to order, some you can simply add to cart), or book an appointment to try on. We recommend the latter if you can swing it as you simply must see how these designer gowns sit on the body and move with you. You’ll find the one-of-a-kind Carte Blanche bridal gowns in the flesh at their Melbourne showroom where you have the space entirely to yourself – a luxury seldom enjoyed in the industry – and in pop-up trunk shows around the country (Sydney and Perth are coming soon!) You can sip champagne and relax knowing that the experience is a judgement-free zone with Anastasia’s priority to ensure every bride feels special and finds her dream dress. Not possible? No worries, you can even book a “digital dress date,” complete with gowns delivered to your door for a virtual appointment. You can also find a snippet of how they wear in recent photoshoots and fashion content here.
Price-wise, (‘cause we know you’re wondering) range from around $5500 to $10000 for gowns and upwards of $125 for accessories. Head to CBB’s Directory listing with us here for more info and contact details, plus the reason behind the name – a lovely ode to the journey you will embark on when heading into Carte Blanche Bride. But first, scroll down to see five of our favourite designers stocked and a little about each of them, too…
ATELIER BLANCHE
Sheer blouses, mixed with raw silk ruching and smocked for texture combine to create unique silhouettes and plunging necklines that remain oh-so classy thanks to the design lines and luxe materials. Paired with silk crepe skirts that fall so perfectly from the waist, the French duo behind Atelier Blanche clearly have the know-how to execute cool French wedding fashion at its finest.
MARGAUX TARDITS
If you’re a lace lover, Margaux Tardits is a must. Snippets of skin sit under perfectly placed details to keep one’s dignity intact while feeling sexy when sauntering down the aisle. Expect design lines like pleated skirts and intricate waist embroidery for figure-flattering results. For more, check out this designer in action in one of our editorial photoshoots, All In On Details.
COURTE COLLECTION
Worth noting, this is the in-house brainchild of Anastasia (of Carte Blanche Bride) and Tania Stokes Couture who came together to design and produce (made in Melbourne, no less) a collection of gowns for the minimalist bride who wants to buck tradition and boast a short piece for their nuptials or needs something more low key for a civil ceremony, or reception. It’s also on the more purse-friendly side of things, with prices starting at $665. We like it so much you’ll find one in our recent round-up, 20 Looks To Elope In and editorial, Girl On Fire.
LAURE DE SAGAZAN
Thanks to the delicate lace detailing and more relaxed fit, Laure De Sagazan gives off romantic feels while remaining modern in feel. Look out for sophisticated long sleeves and cute cap sleeves, balanced by low backs and the sweetest florals. And if you want to see more, check out an incredible piece featured in a past shoot of ours, Let Love Bloom.
DONATELLE GODART
Tailor-made in her Paris space, this designer boasts a two-piece delight, silk chiffon in spades, embroidery to die for and even a knit (trust us, paired with a silk skirt this is a unique and incredibly cool Winter wedding option), along with a pearl-adorned, organza shirt dress that you simply have to see. Elegant and oddly calming, people.