designer feature: why we’ve fallen in love with rue de seine
At Union, we’re driven by a need to offer our brides a unique and unforgettable selection of gowns and accessories. To do that, we’ve carefully curated dresses from around the world, building relationships with designers that reflect the free-spirited elegance of our West Coast brides.
When we came across Rue de Seine, we instantly knew they were the right fit for our mission. Based out of New Zealand, their collections stand out with flowing silhouettes, bohemian-inspired embroidery, and lace designs that they think up entirely in-house. As we get ready to host a Rue de Seine trunk show — using our new appointment format — we wanted to share their story and the work they put behind each of their stunning dresses.
The face behind the brand
Behind every brand, there’s a story, and in this case it lies in the life of Rue de Seine founder and designer Michele Corty. While she was living in Paris, Michele was constantly inspired by the creativity, passion, and art that she found on the Rue de Seine. She was so drawn to it, in fact, that she and her fiancé chose it as the location for their own wedding.
When she returned to New Zealand, Michele opened her boutique in honour of the street and the city that have inspired so many of her designs.
Why we love their dresses
One of the things that make Rue de Seine so special is that they do everything in-house. What that means is that their teams are responsible for conceptualizing and crafting each dress from beginning to end — they even design their own lace! Each Rue de Seine gown is the result of the creativity, passion, and artistry of their designers, cutters, and machinists. And by having everyone under one roof, teams can communicate and collaborate often, inspiring each other as they continue to craft gorgeous, bohemian-inspired bridal couture.
The Rue de Seine team believe that design is a collaborative art form — and we couldn’t agree more! With exclusive lace designs, the design team is pushed to create fashion forward gowns that reflect the bohemian spirit. And to put their ideas to the test, designers work with seamstresses to give life to their creations.
Beyond stunning design, quality is another core feature of Rue de Seine’s collections. Each dress is constructed by one seamstress, so that the finish is consistent from head to toe. Once a gown is complete, quality controllers review it to make sure that it is just as magnificent up close as it is from afar.
A sustainable ethos
As if gorgeous dresses weren’t enough, Rue de Seine also shines in their commitment to their community and sustainable practices. They work entirely with local manufacturers, and donate unused materials to a local university. The company also offers multiple graduate positions every year, ensuring that they play their part in building the next generation of fashion creatives.
What’s not to love?!
Have you caught the Rue de Seine bug? We don’t blame you! We’re hosting a trunk show to feature they’re newest gowns between June 19 and 21. Click here to book an appointment, and if you have any questions, send us a note!