FashionBride’s Interviews: Catherine Deane

It’s not the destination but the path you choose they say! And I find that this is a perfect motto for Catherine Deane that created a bridal brand not only for the bride but also for a better future. Her work is an explorative journey to deliver exceptionally crafted dresses that bring joy and beauty to customers while remaining true to our values and having a positive effect on society. To learn more about her work we asked her to answer to some of our questions. Read bellow to find out what Catherine had to tell us and don’t forget to check her website!

1.When did you decided to become a designer and why did you find this domain interesting?

I was inspired to make my own clothes as a young teenager, in those early years I was drawn to lace and embroidery, sheer fabrications and feminine styling. I loved to create feminine beauty and after learning how to knit and embroider with my Grannies and being taught to use a sewing machine by my Mom, I had found the tools to create. This early foundation armed me with the courage and curiosity to pursue a career in fashion and start my first label in South Africa at 20 years old.

2. Talk us through the first years of your work. Maybe you could tell us what did change in time? Are your designs different from the very beginning?

Life is an evolution, a constant change, so while the work has advanced and matured – the spirit remains the same – feminine, delicate, ethereal and a constant play with contrasting elements, fabrications and textures. I have had the good fortune to design and create brands across 3 continents (South Africa, London, Hong Kong), and to be supported by an amazing team to produce and deliver beautiful product to an international customer base.

3. Why should a bride-to-be choose one of your designs?

Because she feels enchanted and delighted when she adorns the dress.

4. Do tell us a bit more about your inspiration sources.

There are so many – for me it is feeling connected to something greater than my own singular existence that inspires me – a precious moment with a friend, a breath of warm wind caressing my skin when standing atop a mountain, the smell of rain on green fields, inspired architecture in harmony with its landscape, treasure hunting in antique markets, meditation.

I look inside myself and use how I ‘feel’ as an indicator of being closer or further away from what I want to create. While having a deep sense of trust in the benevolence of the universe we live in, even when times appear chaotic and challenging.
I have to say that this is becoming easier to master as I’m getting older, I have failed many times but I am grateful for the opportunities to learn.

5. Have you got any piece you’ve created and that has a very special meaning for you? Can you describe it or can show us a picture?

They are all beautiful, but one of the latest creations; the AMELIE dress, is close to my heart. I love to play with layers of texture, bringing contrasting elements together to create balance and harmony. The Amelie consists of layer upon layer of sheer fabrication, starting with a silk lining, then a delicate lace underlayer, which is veiled in gossamer fine French silk tulle and finally offset by 3 dimensional flower & diamante embroidery (handcrafted in India) at the waist and shoulders.

6. From your point of view, how should a perfect bride look like?

To me it’s more important how she feels.

My understanding of the word ‘perfection’ is a state of feeling complete bliss in the moment.
Therefore, my wish for a Catherine Deane bride is that we may contribute to creating this moment.

7. And tell us what would you give her and, maybe, other brands can’t.

We empower her feminine spirit.
We give her the opportunity to give back to community, as every dress we sell we donate a year’s worth of educational toys go to an under privileged child in South Africa, through our collaboration with the UNLIMITED CHILD – www.unlimitedchild.co.za

8. Last but not least, do you have any advice for FashionBride readers?
Don’t ever give up on your dreams. You were given them for a reason, trust this and keep seeking until you find those things that bring you joy and bliss, and then keep seeking further.