Our Hello Vendor profiles give you the chance to take a peak behind the scenes and get to know these incredible talents. First featured in issue 14, Designer Shannon Pittman shares her experiences in the industry and what it is about Bo and Luca that makes us swoon. Having recently moved their flagship store from Brisbane to busy and bustling Sydney, we’ve fallen in love with their new Surry Hills boutique, whose charming Parisienne elegance has us falling over ourselves for a visit.
Tell us a bit about your background. I lived in the Middle East when I was in my early 20s for about 7 years and I learnt certain skills and techniques of draping fabric through an apprenticeship with an Indian tailor that lived near my house in Dubai.
How did you get into the bridal gown game? My grandmother was a bridal wear designer and fashion was intrenched in me from a young age. I love creating beautiful things that are heirloom pieces. A woman’s wedding gown is one of the most precious items she will wear in her lifetime and hopefully a treasure to hand down to her children, which I feel so privileged to be able to create.
Talk us through your typical day? Arrive early at the studio, try to get through as many emails as possible, check on our overseas stockist orders. Check on our production team to see where everything is at. Chat with the Studio Director and staff to see how the studio is running. Go over design work and mood boards for collections. Have dinner and try to get through more emails.
Describe the Bo & Luca bride in three words? Independant . Feminine. Classic.
Where did the name Bo & Luca come from? The names are from a song that I used to love when I was a child growing up.
And why the move? We recently moved the studio from Brisbane to Sydney as we wanted to be surrounded by a creative hub of individuals within the industry. As most of our brides were travelling from around Australia and internationally, we felt Sydney was a central destination for all.
Tell us about your new collection? Our new collection was released at the end of August. Think minimalist feel, subtle beading and simplistic lines. Uncomplicated pieces that feel good and look beautiful on the body.
And your fave design we should look out for? The Marigold’ it’s beautifully detailed in a subtle way and very feminine.
What bridal trends are you expecting to see next year? I feel that there will be a lot of sheer fabrics used in up and coming collections along with a lot of shorter reception style ceremonial dresses.
What are your favourite fabrics to work with lately? I love working with silk chiffon and silk georgette, there is so much freedom and fluidity in these fabrics that move with the body.
What’s your most popular gown to date? The ISRA’ two piece and the beautiful Parisienne’ gown.
Any tips for brides-to-be still searching for the perfect gown? Stay true to your personality, choose a gown that you feel comfortable and confident in and that makes you feel happy.
See something you like? Head over the Bo and Luca to check out the latest collection, book and appointment or simply peruse the new Saint Georges bohemian inspired pieces (whoops, where did that 15 minutes go?) Big thanks to wedding photographer and all round nice guy Scott Surplice for the gorgeous photos of the new Bo and Luca store. You can check out some of Scotty’s wedding work here.
CREDITS photography Scott Surplice Photography // Designer Bo and Luca.