THURSDAY THREADS – ASTRAL SUNDHOLM CIRCA BRIDES
Astral Sundholm Circa Brides, sound familiar? There was a lot of love from you Bijou readers for their last vintage inspired collection when the label was known as Circa Vintage Brides. “I feel like I have finally stepped out from behind the curtain with the new company name Astral Sundholm Circa Brides. There were two reasons behind this decision to re-brand, first was the “Vintage” in Circa Vintage Brides was confusing brides as the dresses are new and secondly many influences including brides wanted me to put my signature on the collection as they felt it was more personal to them to put a face the collection” explains creative director Astral.
The rebranding of the label has been timed to coincide with launch of the new 2014 “New Romantics” collection which focuses heavily on the silhouette whilst maintaining that signature vintage design twist.
Designer Astral Sundholm previously worked with Julien Macdonald as his pattern cutter before becoming the go to for celebrities and designers looking for high end Vintage dresses. Most recently Astral sourced Charlotte Riley’s gown for the premier of Batman in New York which was noted by Vogue.com as one of the best dresses. Astral’s passion for vintage design is exposed with each bridal collection and this year there is a slight favour for 70’s romance. “Especially the one shoulder gown and my obsession with quilted waistbands on Gabriella and Xanthe which is strongly influenced by the designer Yuki also seen in past collections Ava and Honey waistbands” says Astral.
All the wedding dresses are cut in exquisite silk crepes, satins or lace and along with her signature quilted waistbands, are all produced in England. Having been at one of the key bridal markets last week, I predict that separates or the illusion of a separate top and skirt (like Amelia below) are going to be huge in 2014/2015.
This Tallulah wedding dress is my personal fave from the New Romantics collection.
To view the entire New Romantics Collection from Astral Sundholm Circa Brides head to: www.circabrides.com
CREDITS
Photographer: Natalie J Watts Photography –www.nataliejwatts.com
Hair & Make up: Nicci Jackson – www.londonmuse.co.uk
Model: Magdalena Buczek
Designer & Stylist: Astral Sundholm of Circa Brides
Assistants: Rosie Chapman & Sara