Interview with Anna - Creative designer
Anna Campbell, known for her exquisite craftsmanship and timeless designs, believes that every bride deserves to feel confident, unique, and empowered on her special day. Fueled by passion and a deep love for authenticity and glamorous fabrics, Anna Campbell's brand is all about inspiring contemporary brides.
Today, we're chatting with Anna, the creative force behind the 'Written in the Stars' collection as we dive into the inspiration behind the collection and what she hopes it'll bring to brides-to-be.
“a masterpiece handcrafted with pearls and sequins, meticulously sewn one by one by our team of artisans to create the dreamiest dress.” — Anna
Q.: The collection name 'Written in the Stars' is so evocative! Could you give us a glimpse of the key elements brides can expect in this collection?
A.: There's definitely a ton of sparkle in 'Written in the Stars'! It wouldn't be an Anna Campbell collection without that signature shimmer. I envisioned a lineup that puts the bride front and center, so you can expect a lot of intricate detailing—think sequins, beads, and pearls galore.
Picture this: a star-studded night sky with constellations that twinkle like dreams come true. That's the kind of magic we've woven into this collection. We really let our imaginations run wild.
Take, for instance, our Rome gown—it's a masterpiece handcrafted with pearls and sequins, meticulously sewn one by one by our team of artisans to create the dreamiest dress. Its form-fitted shape, square neckline, and deep open back exude a sexy yet sophisticated allure. It's the kind of gown that will make any bride feel uniquely incredible.
Q.: What emotions do you hope brides will experience when they wear your designs?
A.: Confidence, a sense of playfulness, and a hint of irresistible sexiness. It's all about letting her true self shine and making her big day as magical as it can be. That's always been our aim —creating a look that makes her feel like the only star in the room, where she's simply, beautifully herself. It's all about her being HER.
Q.: What do you like the most about the creative process?
The Unexpected Moments and the power of teamwork. - Anna
A.: For instance, the Wren and Stevie toppers came to life during one of our team brainstorming sessions. We were just bouncing around random ideas, playing with the various embellishments we had on hand. And just like that, two toppers emerged, each with its own unique personality. One's bold and sexy with embellished tassels, while the other leans towards soft and romantic, featuring an exclusive French-inspired lace.
Q.: Where are the gowns created?
A.: Our gowns are both designed and meticulously sewn right here in Melbourne. If you could see our studio, you'd be in awe! It's filled with meters upon meters of fabric and embellishments, creating a truly dreamy atmosphere.
For me, it's crucial that our team bonds, so even though our boutique team spends most of their time in-store, they also get the chance to connect with our production team. Being around the sewing machines has always been inspiring for me—it's an integral part of the creative process and helps us understand the craftsmanship behind our gowns.
Take, for example, our Honey gown. What may appear as a lace gown is, in fact, a custom-designed beaded lace, exclusively crafted for us. It's also constructed from over 10 meters of fabric to achieve that beautiful A-Line shape. Just imagine cutting this amount of fabric—it's quite an impressive sight as it drapes over the edges of our enormous cutting table.
Q.: How does this collection differ from the previous?
A.: You know, each collection is a fresh canvas for us, and it's amazing how unique they turn out every time. But at the heart of it all, our core values remain the same—uniquely crafted hand-embellishments, exclusive lacework, those beloved bridal separates, and that timeless feminine silhouette we're known for.
Now, what sets 'Written in the Stars' apart? Brace yourself for grander trains and some exquisite new bust shapes that are bound to leave you in awe. You’ll be completely astonished with Dove—it's a showstopper. The deep V neckline is utterly irresistible. While it exudes a seductive allure, the incredibly handcrafted lace adds a soft, enchanting touch. And with its form-fitting silhouette, it's a gown that's both voluptuous and unforgettable.
Q.: Your collections are known for their intricate details, including unique lace and embellishments. Why is it so important for you to create bridal gowns and separates that are so unique and different from the norm?
A.: It's all about celebrating each woman's authentic self—that's what fuels our passion. We believe in crafting gowns that aren't just unique and exclusive to us, but that make every bride-to-be feel truly exceptional on her big day. It's that individuality and making her feel special that keeps us going.
Q.: Sustainability means a lot to you – how did you incorporate it into your design through this collection?
A.: Sustainability is something that really matters to us, though we admit it can be quite a challenge, both in terms of effort and cost. We're not exactly where we want to be just yet, but with every collection, we're determined to push ourselves a bit further on the sustainability front. We're always asking ourselves how we can work more sustainably and create pieces that are kinder to the planet.
In the case of 'Written in the Stars,' one notable step was using fabric from previous designs to craft limited mini versions. Plus, all our gowns are made to order, right here in our Melbourne studio. To minimize waste, we pre-cut our laces and embellishments to fit the patterns. And any off-cuts that do happen are put to good use through our Silk & Stitch initiative.