As we shuffle through the racks looking at wedding gowns, how often to we actually consider the lives of the designers? Yes, we know their names, their legacies, but do we know them? Do we know their inspiration? Do we know their hopes and dreams and fears? Kate Bedrick of CLD StyleHouse opens up about the life and love of bridal designer Claire Pettibone -- and it makes us love her even more!
As the daughter of artist parents - her father, a pioneer in the appropriation movement of the 1960’s, and her mother, a talented photo-realist landscape painter - it was perhaps inevitable that Claire would enter a creative field. She spent her early childhood in upstate New York in a nineteenth century home filled with antiques and art. As a young girl, she studied ballet and then focused on a career in fashion while attending Otis Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles. This exposure to design and art remains a source of inspiration for the poetry in motion that Claire designs today.
Claire and Guy met in a nightclub in Hollywood and after going on a first date, it dawned on Claire that Guy matched the description of a “blind date” a girlfriend had been trying to arrange. She called her friend the next day, asked what his name was, and yes, she had met the same “Guy!” The rest, as they say, is history and the pair married the same year they opened the business. As CEO of the company, Guy ensures Claire’s vision has come to fruition. Together, they collaborate on all marketing and direction for the brand.
The Washington Post hails her collection as “proof positive that bridal fashion is keeping up with the runway”… The Los Angeles Times calls her a “Style maven”… and Say Yes to the Dress’ Randy Fenoli confirms, “Claire has a cult following.” Brides across the globe are enamored with her ethereal style and when Priscilla Chan chose an intricate embroidered gown for her nuptials to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Claire Pettibone became a household name.
Each season tells a unique story, and the beautiful embellished fabrics that Claire dreams, sketches and drapes are the first chapter. As the brand continues to grow, the designer maintains her signature style and upholds the standards of quality and couture craftsmanship. The collection is available in many of the world’s finest bridal salons.
The company and Flagship Salon is housed in The Castle, a historic Los Angeles landmark built in 1928. Claire and Guy are extremely grateful for the opportunity to share this artistic heritage. They live in Los Angeles with their daughter Lorelei.
The Claire Pettibone collection embodies the designer’s vision of vintage romance with an enchanted bohemian spirit. Since launching the company with her husband, Guy Toley, in 1994, the self-described true romantic has brought her feminine sensibility to fashion. After a successful decade creating luxurious lingerie, Pettibone introduced couture bridal gowns in 2005 and so began a real shift in wedding style. The garden, vineyard, rustic and vintage inspired weddings that have become so ubiquitous, showcase many of the designer’s creations. Claire’s gentle use of color, couture details, European laces and graceful embroideries flutter and flow to make a woman look and feel like a goddess.
As the daughter of artist parents - her father, a pioneer in the appropriation movement of the 1960’s, and her mother, a talented photo-realist landscape painter - it was perhaps inevitable that Claire would enter a creative field. She spent her early childhood in upstate New York in a nineteenth century home filled with antiques and art. As a young girl, she studied ballet and then focused on a career in fashion while attending Otis Parsons School of Design in Los Angeles. This exposure to design and art remains a source of inspiration for the poetry in motion that Claire designs today.
Claire and Guy met in a nightclub in Hollywood and after going on a first date, it dawned on Claire that Guy matched the description of a “blind date” a girlfriend had been trying to arrange. She called her friend the next day, asked what his name was, and yes, she had met the same “Guy!” The rest, as they say, is history and the pair married the same year they opened the business. As CEO of the company, Guy ensures Claire’s vision has come to fruition. Together, they collaborate on all marketing and direction for the brand.
The Washington Post hails her collection as “proof positive that bridal fashion is keeping up with the runway”… The Los Angeles Times calls her a “Style maven”… and Say Yes to the Dress’ Randy Fenoli confirms, “Claire has a cult following.” Brides across the globe are enamored with her ethereal style and when Priscilla Chan chose an intricate embroidered gown for her nuptials to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, Claire Pettibone became a household name.
Each season tells a unique story, and the beautiful embellished fabrics that Claire dreams, sketches and drapes are the first chapter. As the brand continues to grow, the designer maintains her signature style and upholds the standards of quality and couture craftsmanship. The collection is available in many of the world’s finest bridal salons.
The company and Flagship Salon is housed in The Castle, a historic Los Angeles landmark built in 1928. Claire and Guy are extremely grateful for the opportunity to share this artistic heritage. They live in Los Angeles with their daughter Lorelei.
Here's a sneak peek at Claire Pettibone's Castle!
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