Ballito fashion designer Cari St Quentin has launched her own bespoke bridal and evening-wear brand.
With a strong eye for detail and a love of vintage style, Cari’s work brings together classic elements and contemporary cuts. Her inspiration draws from eras like the 1930s, reimagining bias-cut slip dresses with updated silhouettes. We chatted to her about bridal trends and what to know when it comes to choosing a dream dress.
What advice do you have for brides who feel overwhelmed when choosing a gown?
Decide on your budget beforehand – this will help narrow down your choice of boutique or designer. Your wedding dress should be a reflection of who you are, so look for a dress that feels like ‘you’, as opposed to blindly following trends. I would start by trying on different dresses to find the style and fit that flatters you the most and that you feel the most confident in. It’s also very helpful to have an idea of what you’re looking for, so put together a mood board of your favourite dresses.
How do you balance current bridal trends with your love of vintage-inspired design?
I make use of details that were popular on dresses in the 1930s and ’40s – like pleating, smocking and tucks – and apply them to contemporary silhouettes. Compared to vintage dresses, today’s woman would wear something with a slimmer fit, narrower strap and a lower neckline. We’re seeing a return of vintage details in global trends, so taking inspiration from the past actually feels very ‘now’.
What details or design elements are you loving most in bridalwear at the moment?
There are so many exciting trends that I love right now! Basque waistlines are having a moment. We’re also seeing a lot of satin dresses with sheer lace panels, both in ready-to-wear fashion and bridal trends. I’m really excited to take these details into some gorgeous dresses this year!
Details: www.caristquentin.co.za;
IG: @csq_bridal
Photographs: natalie jane creative
