Divine, enigmatic, magical and luxurious — there are not enough words to describe the new Annie's Ibiza bridal line, a long-awaited yet natural evolution from designer Annie Doble. The gowns (which could easily be mistaken for works of art) embody rich undertones of gothic romance and folklore with a fusion of indelible vintage silhouettes, meticulous hand embroidery, regal feathers, trendy sheers and masterful corsetry. Collaborating with fellow avant-garde artisans, designers Richard Quinn, Clio Peppiatt and Silvia Astore each brought their unique eye to the collection, adding an extra touch of magic while staying true to the brand's core. Authentic 17th-century craftsmanship and techniques accentuate the beauty of the female form, each piece morhping into a true expression of historic fashion artistry that emphasizes timeless allure. It's these same techniques at the heart of the brand's sustainability processes, limiting production quantities and incorporating deadstock for an anti-mass market approach. Here, we sit down for an exclusive one-on-one chat with the designer to peel back the inner layers behind her debut collection and discover first-hand the beauty of her creative vision and inspiration.
Firstly, congratulations on your debut bridal collection! Bridal feels like a natural progression for the brand, where did the initial spark all begin?
Thank you so much! Yes I do feel like bridal has been such a natural progression because we’ve always designed occasion and party wear. We’ve had so many customers come in looking for their second wedding look, so that spark naturally came from there. What we do at Annie’s is so unique, so there’s alway been that potential for a fun party dress that can be worn to a hen do or wedding afterparty.
The collection is spilling with a sense of mythology and folklore, what inspired your creative vision for the collection?
I love that you mentioned mythology and folklore because they're two of my absolute favourite things! My creative vision for anything only works because I must be deeply in love with everything I design. I love antique techniques especially, you’ll see a lot of 1920’s intricate embroidery and thread work inspired by 17th century hand stitching, there’s so much history behind the flattering shapes and corsetry. This sums up my whole focus; creating timeless pieces that are still fun.
Where does your design process begin, walk us through your process?
I like to keep a natural fluidity to my designs that can evolve from sketching and pulling at random ideas in my mind. My process has even once begun at the sight of a singular bead, and so not restricting myself to a specific structure means I can translate this small feature into a whole dress.
Your collections are undeniably steeped in a rich history, incorporating masterful couture techniques, corsetry silhouettes and embroidered fabrications. How do you find that delicate balance between the classic and bringing it into today?
I obviously love Victorian shapes, corsetry and classic silhouettes. I think it’s approaching everything with my own interpretation, incorporating the way I would dress certain pieces is what brings it into the now.
You incorporate such unique fabrications and embellishments, how does this influence your designs?
I’m constantly in a state of reinvention, picking at the smallest details of random things I love. I adore tapestries, especially the 17th century one in my collection, I pull at techniques and elements within this and bring it into my design process. I’m constantly challenging myself to uncover rare, forgotten methods that even at my own cost are difficult and expensive to reproduce - but that’s why not a lot of people do them anymore and I love it even more so for that reason.
You have always been a pioneer for sustainable practices, how have you carried this through to the heart of the bridal line?
Sustainable practice is at the core of Annie’s. We produce in small runs always using deadstock cottons, silks and natural fibers, a key focus that we’re continuing into our bridal collection.
How would you describe the Annie Ibiza bride?
She’s outgoing, loves to stand out and wants to push the boundaries in all aspects - she’s ready to be the center of attention on her big day! I see myself in my clients and I think that’s so important.
What advice would you give to the brides who are looking for their dream wedding dress?
Come to us and we’ll design it for you!
