Step by step Alaïa - How Christina Sfez created the Alaïa dress
Airy and floral : The new Christina Sfez wedding dress, named Alaïa, is revealed step by step by the designer. Thanks to photographs taken in the workshop and inspiring moodboards, Not only will you learn manufacturing secrets, but you will also discover how to wear them at your wedding. "Luminous, light and sensual"... The Alaïa dress is a nugget of know-how in which we dream of saying "yes!"
Step by Step Alaïa
What are your inspirations behind this new Alaïa wedding dress?
Christina Sfez : “ The Alaïa dress was born from a mix of ideas from future brides who came to our showroom in San Diego. This season there were many weddings located in desert regions of California, such as Palm Springs or Joshua Tree. So I had many requests for dresses based on these locations. The desert is an organic region, dazzled by sunlight on sandy soil and rock. For this reason, I wanted to accentuate the light with the presence of beaded embroidery so that the desert sun is reflected and shines on the silhouette of the bride's dress. In contrast, I wanted to give the illusion of movement from the desert wind with a lightweight vaporous skirt in slightly shiny silk chiffon.
This season, there were many weddings based in desert regions of California, such as Palm Springs or Joshua Tree, so I had many requests for dresses based on these locations.
Runway haute couture Valentino / Runway haute couture Dior / Images Gorunway / Chiffon silk dress designed by Leann Marshall / Painted flowers by Deer Art Studio / Sketch Christina Sfez
Why this name of Alaïa? Is it a tribute to the creator?
No, it is the first name of the daughter of Anne, our workshop manager, who works with me on the making of the dresses: it is a dedication for her daughter.
Lightness, volume, embroidered beaded flowers for the wedding dress Alaïa
Why did you choose this cut?
I wanted a close-fitting bust to highlight the bride's head and upper body. For maximum lightness and volume, I created a vaporous skirt in a double umbrella to accompany the movement created by the bride.
Can you tell us about the materials used?
To create the bust of the bust of the Alaïa dress, we used silk organza superimposed with a tulle embroidered with flowers, pearls, and sequins. While an organza flounce adorns the entire armhole, the skirt is made of silk crepe and chiffon embroidered with flowers and pearls at the hips.
And this delicate floral embroidery, how did you imagine it?
I imagined it in collaboration with Anne. I submitted my sketch and moodboard to her before we discussed it over the phone. Working together for several years, I have complete confidence in her. We have no problem understanding each other. The embroidery flowed very easily from our collaboration.
Do you have a secret or fun element to share around this new creation?
With the current situation, I was unable to go there to create this wedding dress with Anne. So we made it remotely using videos and photos.
“ The Alaïa dress in 3 words : bright, light, and sensual ”
What accessory would you pair with it?
To give character and modernity to the look, I would imagine the Alaïa dress with mother-of-pearl pair of earrings.
On the feet, we combine comfort and style with shoes in old pink velvet and Magritte Flor spool heels by Asoka.
A beauty look that you think would go well with it?
I can easily imagine a good-looking pink makeup with a line of white eyeliner for a modern and graphic side that highlights the look. On long hair, I would opt for a low braided dancer bun with an ivory matte velvet ribbon. On a shorter cut, loose hair and double beaded barrette on one side!
If you had to imagine a dream wedding around this dress, what would it be?
I imagine a union with an intimate setting in a raw concrete building in the middle of a desert and mineral background. On the decoration side, I visualize a range of neutral colors punctuated with terracotta, vegetable green, and black. All minimalist and modern.
Flowers black background @colortheorydesign.co / Flowers white background @doctorcooper via The Anti Bride / Faces invitations by Lise Mailman @papier_and_co / Colorful invitations @swellpress/ Alliance/ Villa in Arizona Amangiri Resort / Table blanche / Décor en liège Tiffany Lusteg
