Charlotte Balbier talks about her love for designing wedding dresses
Where did the inspiration come from for you latest collection?
Everywhere and anywhere, every day brings a new lease of inspiration and ideas. My brides are amazing and I love to hear from them with all their wedding news and journey’s. Thanks to social media I keep in touch with each and every one of them. I love to take myself away with my dog Buster for a long walk whilst mulling over ideas and taking in the countryside. I am also addicted 
to pinterest and love to follow all kinds of lifestyle, fashion and wedding boards. My biggest passion is high fashion and haute couture and I love to keep an eye on all the latest collections from my favorite designers.
How has it progressed from your last collection?
With this being my 10th collection the pressure was on to make this collection truly unique and special. One of my goals for this collection was to draw on the last 9 collections, also my brides over the last 10 years as they are truly amazing all so different. Taking what I have learnt and evolving the brand and gowns I set to work to create a new collection that would move not only Charlotte Balbier but also bridal trends in a new direction.
Have you begun to think about the next collection?
Yes it’s a constant on-going process, each collection rolls into the next and I am already well into designing the 2015 collection!
What trends are there currently in the bridal industry?
2014 is all about embellishing definitive looks with modern touches. Brides to be are all about back detail with low cut backs, cutaway daring designs and sheer lace backs all very much on trend. The great Gatsby has certainly had an influence on bridal trends and a nod to the 1920’s is apparent, lots of feather accessories, metallic embellishments and beautiful beading are hot for 2014.
Do you have any advice for women who have just started to look for their wedding dress?
Keep an open mind, it’s good to use magazines and look on line for inspiration but when you go for bridal appointments at the boutiques listen to what the sales advisors suggest as they are experts, 9 times out of 10 they will suggest a dress that turns out to be ‘the one’.
What made you want to become a bridal designer?
I was born into bridal heritage with both my grandparents being in bridal design, manufacturing and retail between the 1960’-1990’s. They had several bridal boutiques across the U.K and a 
manufacturing business that supplied independent boutiques both in the U.K and Internationally. My Mum is award winning bridal designer Amanda Wyatt who is celebrating 20 years at the forefront of British bridal with her own brand Amanda Wyatt.
How have you seen your brand develop?
Over the 10 years as a designer my aim was always to create fresh and exciting designs that still remain true to the brand identity and that are instantly recognizable as a ‘‘Charlotte Balbier.” I have achieved this and grown and evolved the brand from a brand new brand in 2003 to now in 2013 it being 1 of the U.K’s best known and loved British bridal brand with over 40 stockists.
Where would you like to take it in the future?
I am now embarking on a new chapter and looking forward to another 10 years and more staying at the forefront of British bridal and looking to also take the Balbier brand international.
Can you give some examples of celebrity wedding dresses that you loved?
I have a few! My favourite from history is Princess Grace, everything about how she looked was so beautiful. My favourite modern day bride is Kate Moss, her Boho style wedding dress and wedding was styled to perfection.
Who would you love to see in one of your wedding gowns?
Michelle Williams would be a dream bride, her Red carpet style is flawless. I love how she has her own style and mix’s old Hollywood glamour with a modern day edge, love her.
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