Celebrated designer Bianca Frew, known for her exquisite bridal and evening dresses, has embraced a new chapter: motherhood.
Bianca met her husband, Marc, at a braai towards the end of lockdown.
“Marc had just returned from Europe and was still a bit of a mystery around town,” she laughs. A few beach walks and dinners later, Marc mentioned he was moving out but didn’t yet have a place. “I jokingly told him he could move into my spare room… as housemates, of course. Well, he never left!”
Now settled into their Salt Rock home with baby Sofia and a few dogs, Bianca says life on the North Coast “feels like a dream. It’s relaxed, full of sunshine, and there’s always salt in the air. It makes me feel like I’m on holiday.”
Life in fast forward
The past year has been a whirlwind. Bianca and Marc moved into their new home while she was eight months pregnant.
“I was still unpacking boxes a week before our baby arrived,” she laughs.
Since then, she’s tackled renovations, cared for a rescue dog through major operations, and moved her Bianca Warren Designs flagship studio from Umhlanga to Simbithi Office Park, just days before giving birth.
“It’s been chaos, dust, baby bottles and gratitude,” she says. “I have learnt you can do it all, but preferably not at once! I’m thankful for our health, our home, my husband, Sofia and the dogs. It’s been a year of love, growth and learning to laugh through the madness.”
Redefining strength
Bianca has always been independent and driven, but motherhood has shifted her perspective.
“I used to think strength was all about independence and hard work. But slowing down to play on the floor, watching Sofia reach milestones, seeing the world through her eyes – that’s true success.”
Sofia is her miracle, arriving after two years of IVF, ICSI and countless fertility appointments.
“The journey tested me in every way, but she’s taught me what real resilience looks like. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,and the most rewarding. I hope my story can bring hope to other women going through similar journeys.”
The magic of a first Christmas
This festive season is extra special for the Frews.
“For the past five years, Marc and I have travelled over the holidays, but this year we are staying home on the North Coast with family,” Bianca says.
“My sister, her husband, their little boy and their dog are here from Europe. The two little cousins, both under one, will celebrate their first Christmas together – something I have dreamed about for years.”
Christmas, Bianca says, is about slowing down, soaking it all in and starting new traditions.
“I want to raise a little girl with a big heart. There’s no better time than Christmas, surrounded by the people we love most.”
Details: www.biancawarren.com;
IG: @biancawarrensa
Photograph: Pagiel Chetty Makeup: Michelle Haywood
Festive fun with Bianca
Favourite Christmas movie: The Holiday.
“I’ve seen it so many times I could quote it line for line and it still makes me cry.”
Go-to holiday treat: “A traditional roast on Christmas Eve and a month-long advent calendar.”
Christmas morning vibes: “Pyjamas, chaos, wrapping paper everywhere, babies giggling, dogs underfoot and carols playing far too loudly.”
Favourite festive song: “Anything by Hillsong. Their music brings warmth and reminds me of the season’s true heart.”
Must-have tradition: “A family beach walk on Christmas morning, followed by breakfast together, sand between our toes, coffee in hand and the dogs racing around. Marc always makes giant prawns on the 26th.”
