C’EST TRES BON | Q&A WITH CARTE BLANCHE BRIDe
“I want my clients to experience the refinement and warmth that is Carte Blanche Bride from the moment they discover the brand”
- Anastasia, Owner Carte Blanche Bride
I am excited to share my interview with the beautiful Anastasia, founder, and director of Carte Blanche Bride who today has launched their stunning new branding and website.
Carte Blanche Bride is the only Australian stockist of bespoke, couture, French wedding dresses from designers Laure de Sagazan, Margaux Tardits, Atelier Blanche, and Donatelle Godart. Their elegant, detailed, beautiful designs match value with uncompromised exclusivity and quality.
Whether you know what kind of wedding you want, or you feel as though you’re stepping into a world unknown - Anastasia and team help you find the magic that you need to make your day special.
Anastasia brought me on to photograph images for her new brand launch and website. I walked away loving our chat that I wanted to share it with you also. We spoke about how to find the perfect dress for you, juggling a successful business and motherhood and style!
I hope you enjoy our Q&A!
Thanks Anastasia!
Lei x
Tell us about Carte Blanche Bride
I want my clients to experience the refinement and warmth that is Carte Blanche Bride from the moment they discover the brand. Just as my showroom does so perfectly, I wanted my branding and website to feel that same warm. I chose to work with Hello Hello Studio; Jarrad and Hayley have a beautiful approach, and it was such a joy sharing my vision and allowing them to reflect that back to me with magical new branding and online experience concepts.
The branding is more beautiful than I could have imagined. It’s also such a personal journey sharing your business baby with someone else and entrusting them with it.
On a personal note, after listening to your interview on Jai Long’s podcast, you spoke so eloquently on your passion in communicating your style and service on every level. I knew we had to connect (and here we are today)!
Where did the inspiration for Carte Blanche come from?
My career in luxury fashion started straight out of uni, I knew I wanted to be in the industry but was never exceptional at design or sewing, the business and buying side was the place for me. There was always something extra special about working with someone getting married. Over time, I heard the same frustrations from clients; finding a wedding look that spoke to their sense of style in an authentic and safe space without pushiness or prejudice.
French language and culture have also been a huge passion of mine since I was a little girl; I've travelled there for work and play for a long time. The French know and understand the female form, they have world-class fabrics and lace at their fingertips, and the know-how for exquisite cuts. So Carte Blanche Bride began.
Any tips for brides trying to decide on the right wedding dress/silhouette?
We have the internet and social media at our fingertips. Do the research first and settle on 2-3 designers that just speak to you, then find your wedding dress from these brands. Keep it simple!
Choose some keywords on how you want to ‘feel’ on the day – comfortable, elegant, timeless, sexy, romantic and use these to help narrow down your options. Sometimes the most overwhelming part is too many choices.
If something doesn’t feel right in any part of your wedding dress shopping or purchasing experience it probably isn’t. No matter how many people think you look perfect, if it doesn’t feel like you try something else.
Share with us a Carte Blanche gown, styled to perfection for your dream client!
The new NALA Dress by Margaux Tardits; incredible embroidered tulle bodice with a breathtaking sunray pleated silk skirt and a complimenting sunray pleated bolero.
For accessories: the Elise Tsikis 24-karat gold plated PENSEE earrings in Medium, Chantelle undetectable briefs (the best underwear for your wedding dress and life in general!), Amina Muaddi Rosie 60mm Sling Back crystal pumps (dance all night kind of height!) and the Amina Muaddi crystal box clutch.
Then for the dance floor, changing into our new Courte Collection custom Juliette gown with masculine bow tie in recycled satin!
NALA Dress by Margaux Tardits, available via Carte Blanche Bride.
MOTHERHOOD & BUSINESS
Tell us a bit about you, your family and the village that supports you.
I am Melbourne born and bred, but ever since I can remember the world map was my home! I just wanted to explore and discover, I love different cultures and languages. Shoes are one of my many sartorial weaknesses. I’m also enjoying experimenting with fun colours and crazy upholstery at home at the moment – despite my love of white and cream tones at work.
I have 2 children with my husband who also runs his own business. He is an unwavering support, he’s my go-to for working out solutions and never shies away from dealing the honesty card when I need it! My parents live nearby and care for my 11-month old one day a week, and my in-laws in country NSW relocate to Melbourne for my trunk show events for extra support. Plus my close knit girlfriends who know the juggle of work and children, and are there around the clock.
What motherhood has taught you so far?
Sometimes I’m so overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for and raising a little human, but I just adore seeing the world through their eyes. Plus dance parties are acceptable any time of day now!
What is something you’ve learnt about yourself & business since becoming a parent?
Now that I’m reflecting on it, owning a business and being a mother seem to have quite a bit in common.
The to-do list never seems to be finished
Growth happens not in linear stages, rather in spurts
Life passes in a blink of an eye, so I try to be mindful in my personal-life and business to be completely present acknowledging that this takes effort (and isn’t without occasional tears!) It is so important to take moments to be in awe of the miracles and transformations that take place all the time.
How did you navigate running the business once becoming a mother?
I’ve really had to come to terms with the imperfect; it wasn’t in my vocabulary before becoming a parent. It’s forever a work in progress, with which many fellow parents I’m sure resonate.
Despite the juggle, the decision to be by-appointment allows flexibility to cater to my clients and provide amazing service while enabling all the demands of very young children. It’s by no means smooth-sailing but every day I refine the process and continue learning.
Running a business whilst parenting young children can have its moments. What are your 3 tips for balancing business and motherhood?
Always, always eat breakfast and lunch! I can no longer run on empty (or solely coffee) especially with toddler tantrums, night wakings and early mornings.
Lean into your humanness at work; professionalism is utmost priority in my business, but so is authenticity and I become closer to my clients and make more meaningful connections when I am also myself. You can be amazing at your job and also vulnerable.
Working parents should be acknowledged every day, all the time. Sharing stories, experiences or even just a “you’re doing so great, well done”. Sometimes just getting out the door in clean clothes (and breakfast!) is truly a feat and I never understood until I had my own children.
All the Mummas I talk to say that outsourcing keeps them sane! Do you have any recommendations?
I’ve invested in Woolworths ‘Delivery Unlimited’ this year! No more ambitious treks to the supermarket with 2 children under 3 years of age! (or less treks anyway). I love that you can select ‘green delivery’ options. So worth it.
Cleaners, my fortnightly angels. Phew.
PERSONAL STYLE
I love your style. Do you have a style ethos?
You’re so SWEET! Thank you. I don’t think I do have a specific ethos as such, but through my personal shopping and styling work over the years, I have learnt how important it is to buy in ‘outfits’, not single items. I always mix and match back into my staple pieces; but buying something on its own is risky and why so many people never wear the clothes they buy.
My favourite brands (the list is endless but you have to stop somewhere!); Chloe, COS, Stine Goya and RM Williams.
I love Chloe and it’s one of my favourite brands of all time; effortless, chic and ultra feminine but so wearable. Stine Goya is a Copenhagen-based designer; super playful and I get my fix of bright colours and femininity outside of work. I’m also so thrilled RM Williams is back in Australian hands and I just love their longevity and timeless style.
How has your style evolved over the years?
I used to be a lot more experimental with my dressing when I was younger. I now enjoy being very feminine, more prettiness and playful; less edginess. My approach now when I buy something is to make sure I not only ADORE it, but that it will last a solid 5-10 years.
What items are you loving and lusting after at the moment?
KHAITE Amelia Leather Tote in caramel – the perfect hold-all for life in general!
Maison Sabben Bien Aime gold-plated heart earrings – just arrived from Paris and they have such a gorgeous 1980s Saint-Laurent vibe to them
Chloe Lilli suede platform slides – heaven, on my summer wishlist!
