B@C: What overall effect are you trying to create when designing a dress?
CB: I want my bride to feel the most beautiful she has ever felt in her life when wearing a Charlotte Balbier dress. The dress that each bride wears should reflect her personality and who she is. My collection is aimed at the bride of today who wants to show her individuality and wants to look totally feminine and fabulous on her special day.
B@C: So what made you want to design wedding dresses in the first place?
CB: I was born into the bridal industry and it just seemed natural to follow in the footsteps of my Mother (Amanda Wyatt). From being a little girl I always wanted my own collection and launched the Charlotte Balbier collection in 2003.
B@C: Ah so you’re continuing the family business! But your collection has a very different identity to that of the Amanda Wyatt collection. Where do you get your inspiration from?
CB: So many things inspire me. I follow fashion very closely and always keep on top of the latest key looks from the catwalk. I read all the fashion magazines, Vogue and American Vogue are a must. I’m a big fan of Oscar dresses, I always stay up each year and watch them just to see who is wearing what, it’s just so glamorous. But fabrics also play a big part. I get very excited when I find a new lace I love and the dress is born from that material. Lace is my passion! But I love silks and taffetas also. I think my collection has a very strong vintage feel to it, I am inspired by all things vintage and I add my personality and love for all things feminine and girly to this to make the collection.
B@C: Yes you can clearly see the vintage and lace themes in the collection. Thinking about the Oscar fashions which celebrities do you keep an eye out for?
CB: I really admire Nicole Kidman as she always looks so elegant and refined. Ditta Von Teese is just gorgeous, she is so glam and I love the 1950’s theme she always has to her outfits, she is also a fan of Christian Louboutin shoes like me! Like most woman am a big fan of Audrey Hepburn, she really did have the most amazing style and was just beautiful.
