We Fell In Love – Scotland's Wedding Blog » Scotland's Wedding Blog

Masthead header

Ideas+Inspiration

From New York, with love

This autumn, leading bridal designers from Vera Wang to Claire Pettibone descended on the Big Apple, to showcase their latest designs at New York International Bridal Week. Scottish accessories brand, Corrine Smith Design made its debut at the show to great acclaim, and now has its designs stocked in bridal boutiques from New York to Japan. Now that she’s over the jet-lag, we caught up with Corrine for all the backstage chat.

NYC hosts the bridal market, which attracts the industry’s top names, each spring and autumn.
Why did you decide to go global and exhibit at New York Bridal Week?
Over the last 18 months there has been a huge increase in the number of brides from all over the world, particularly in the US, ordering their accessories from us, with many asking where they could try them and purchase them. With the increase in demand for our pieces, we decided to build our brand further by supplying high end bridal boutiques. With this decision made, and lots of interest in our designs from the international press, we decided to book a trade show to secure some exclusive stockists and establish the wholesale side of our business. After some extensive research, NY bridal market definitely ticked all the boxes for us.

Designers showcased their latest designs to an international audience.
For those who have never been, can you describe what it is like?
The show itself was fantastic, with so many wonderful bridal designers all in the one place at the same time, many of whom we got to meet and chat to. For me personally it was such an inspiring experience, being able to see next season’s dresses up close, touch the fabrics, admire the beadwork and detail, and appreciate the silhouettes. In between seeing buyers, my sketch pad was always handy and is now jam packed full of ideas for my next collection, which will be brought to life in the spring of 2013.

As well as gaining some new international stockists, who are high end luxurious bridal boutiques, we will also be collaborating with some very well respected designers, which is really exciting…..more on that soon!

It was most definitely all we expected and so much more. We will definitely be heading back across the pond at the same time next year.

Corrine is pictured with Joelle from L’Atelier Blanc, Beirut – Corrine’s accessories are now being stocked globally, in countries including Lebanon.
What was the highlight of your trip?
There were so many highlights, it’s difficult to single one out. For many years I have admired the sublime work of LA-based designer Claire Pettibone, so I was thrilled to get the opportunity to chat to the designer herself, and true to form she could not have been more lovely.

We also had a visit from the fabulous Renee Strauss of reality TV show Brides of Beverly Hills, who was so taken with our designs that she insisted we send her some pieces for Season 3 of the show, which will begin filming shortly. We will definitely keep you up to date with all the latest news on our impending International TV debut!

Model Sarah showcases an Olia Zavozina gown and Corrine Smith ‘Honeyblossom’ headpiece.
Which trends do you think will be hitting Scottish shores soon?
During the show we partnered with Olia Zavozina, a Nashville-based designer who was exhibiting across from our booth. Olia’s beautiful model Sarah wore some of our headdresses during the weekend and many were captured by the US press. We were in awe of Olia’s gowns and hope they will be arriving to UK shores before long.

Another designer who caught our eye was the emerging talent of Rania Hatoum. Rania only opened her boutique in Florida in 2010 and already has an amazing array of gowns and a beautiful 2013 spring collection, which we had the pleasure of viewing while in New York. Certainly one to watch.

Since returning from New York we have been working on ideas and sourcing new materials to experiment with. We have returned with so much inspiration and, rather than focusing on upcoming trends, we are most definitely looking to set some of our own! Watch this space for all the latest news and developments. The future is looking very bright for us and we are very excited about the direction we are heading in!

Florida-based designer, Rania Hatoum has been tipped for success.
Having flown the flag for Scotland in NYC, Corrine has since celebrated more success. At the recent Vows Awards – the awards for the Scottish wedding industry – Corrine Smith Design won Best Bridal Accessories for the 5th consecutive year. Huge congratulations from all at We Fell In Love!