In Conversation With Anastasia of Carte Blanche Bride
Born out of the desire to create a more personalised and bespoke wedding dress shopping experience, Anastasia Tushuizen founded Carte Blanche Bride.
Photography Lei Lei Clavey
With an extensive background in high-end fashion, Anastasia says her love for working with someone looking for their ideal wedding dress was something that she always loved, and creating Carte Blanche Bride has enabled her "to provide a serene experience where you feel heard and empowered to figure out what you really want: to envision what your perfect dress feels like before you start sifting through the silk." as she puts it.
The boutique, located in the leafy Melbourne suburb of Malvern, houses bespoke handmade French wedding dresses and prides itself on being the only Australia stockist of designers Laure de Sagazan, Margaux Tardits, Atelier Blanche and Donatelle Godart. In 2021, in partnership with Tania Stokes Couture, Carte Blanche Bride also launched Courte Collection, a capsule of Melbourne-made designs for intimate and town hall wedding ceremonies and cocktail parties with a sustainability focus.
We sat down with Anastasia to learn more about her, her business and what makes Carte Blanche Bride the success that it is.
“I’ve always loved finding beautiful, hard-to-find pieces and knew I could fill that gap and create something extraordinary.”
Tell us a little about Carte Blanche Bride, how you came to be, and the philosophy behind the brand.
French language and culture have 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 also know and understand the female form, they have world-class fabrics and lace at their fingertips, and their ability to cut and sew impeccably means the product is always a notch above. Carte Blanche Bride is the world for women with purpose and personality to feel at home and experience customised, bespoke service that matches their wedding look of dreams.
What inspired you to start Carte Blanche Bride?
With a range of high fashion roles throughout my career, there was always something extra special about working with a woman who was getting married. Over time, I heard the same frustrations from women planning their wedding. Finding a wedding look that spoke to their sense of style and desire for quality and aesthetic. Too many of my girlfriends and friends of friends were having less-than-pleasurable experiences finding their own wedding look. I've always loved finding beautiful, hard-to-find pieces and knew I could fill that gap and create something extraordinary.
What is signature to the Carte Blanche brand?
The experience, without a doubt. I work closely with all my clients, from choosing the look to styling and the final fittings. It's nearly impossible to find this experience anywhere when shopping for a wedding look. Women comment on the sense of calm on arrival - that they are exactly where they are meant to be from the first moment they step into the Parisian-styled showroom. We spend more time listening to our clients than any other part of the process - that's where the magic lies.
What key trends are we seeing emerge for 2023 and beyond?
A statement sleeve. Embroidered fabrics rather than lace fabrics. Odes to old Hollywood Glamour.
What are your key pieces of advice for someone looking for their ideal gown?
1. Attend dress appointments solo (controversial, I know!); it's an intimate and important process, especially if you know your own style and have external influences that can be stressful.
2. Book and confirm the wedding date + venue before you start shopping.
3. Research the styles/designers online first to keep appointments to a minimum; you'll save time and your sanity!
4. Don't show people your wedding dress once you've decided; it's nice to keep some mystery.
You can find Carte Blanche Bride on THEODORE Magazine by CLICKING HERE, at carteblanchebride.com.au or over at Instagram @carteblancebride.
Also, be sure to visit carteblanchebride.com.au to shop from their beautiful jewellery and accessories available online for Australian and New Zealand clients wanting to add final touches to their wedding look.
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