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Crystal Lu Talks About Casablanca Bridal's Upcoming Collection
This week Casablanca Bridal is showcasing their newest collection at Bridal Week Harrogate and Creative Director, Crystal Lu sat down with Bridal Buyer to discuss these much-anticipated styles and provide a sneak peek into what inspired each bridal look.
Since its establishment, Casablanca Bridal rapidly ascended the ranks, becoming one of the most sought-after and recognized bridal gown manufacturers in the world. Their commitment to superb quality, original design, and intricate detailing has easily set them apart from other bridal brands. Unlike mass-produced gowns, every Casablanca creation is a unique masterpiece, adorned with hand-beaded details and exquisite laces, tailored to the specific desires of each bride. Each gown is made-to-order and made-to-measure!
Your parents have turned Casablanca into a globally leading bridal fashion company. What do you think has set Casablanca apart over the years?
Throughout the past 25+ years, my parents have consistently empowered brides to infuse their wedding attire with their distinctive personas. Their commitment to customizations has allowed Casablanca Bridal the ability to assist brides in bringing forth their true selves. We have noticed an increasing number of brides enthusiastically embracing our extensive customization capabilities. By seamlessly blending elements from multiple dresses in our collection, brides fashion entirely new styles that remain exclusive to them. We are proud to be able to offer brides this unique opportunity!
Our advantage lies in our private manufacturing facility, affording us the capacity to offer these bespoke designs at competitive and affordable prices. This approach captures the very essence of Casablanca Bridal: honouring tradition while highlighting individuality. We want to ensure that every bride not only finds her dream dress but also an expression of her identity that resonates beyond the wedding day itself.
Can you tell us more about your private manufacturing facility?
At the heart of our bridal company’s proudest achievements stands our very own state-of-the-art manufacturing facility. This remarkable building is a testament to our unwavering commitment to producing high-quality bridal gowns. We uphold ethical practices and embrace sustainable manufacturing processes in everything we do. Our entire manufacturing staff can enjoy walking through our indoor garden and koi pond with high glass ceilings, recreational activities such as ping-pong & basketball, and even catch a movie at our indoor theater. Our factory also allows us to craft exquisite gowns in a way that ensures every intricate detail is brought to life using the most sustainable methods. Our holistic efforts, from harnessing renewable energy to embracing made-to-order styles, embody our dedication to environmental consciousness while treating each bride with the exceptional care they deserve.
How do you view the upcoming 2024 season?
We are proud to unveil the much-anticipated collections from Casablanca Bridal, Beloved and Le Blanc. These new styles are the epitome of Casablanca’s commitment to crafting looks that resonate with the hearts of brides. Inspired by femininity and fearless innovation, providing brides the ability to customize their wedding day look, these new collections are poised to redefine the journey towards "I do."
Casablanca Bridal is a women-led business with 25+ years of experience committed to designing and sustainably manufacturing bridal gowns of excellent quality. Our privately owned factory allows us to monitor & facilitate the entire production process. As a result, every gown is made-to-order and never mass produced. Each gown is unique, offering extensive yet affordable customizations to meet every bride's needs.
What inspired your latest Casablanca Bridal collection?
Royalty, High Society, and Quiet Luxury
Our 2024 Casablanca Bridal collection is an exquisite fusion of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Introducing "Luxe Romance" by Casablanca Bridal – a collection that draws rich inspiration from the captivating charm of Old Hollywood glam infused with iconic 90's fashion elements—think square and scooped necklines, structured bodices, and dramatic Basque waists. Imbued with light Coquette influences, this collection features vintage beading and pearl embellishments, alongside handcrafted florals that bring each gown to life. "Luxe Romance" is a celebration of the unending pursuit of sophistication.
What inspired your latest Beloved collection?
Rustic, Serene, and Ethereal
The “Mountain Oasis” collection embodies the whimsical nature Beloved is known for. A mermaid-inspired, tropical escape offered the perfect backdrop for these free-spirited styles. This collection features soft cascading silhouettes, botanic laces, long dramatic trains, whimsical accessories, and lots of tulle to twirl in.
What inspired your latest Le Blanc collection?
Sculpted, Clean, and Modern
Le Blanc’s “Sculpted Elegance" collection by Casablanca Bridal is modern art at its finest. Designed for the bride who appreciates the beauty in simplicity and the depth of tradition, these new styles embrace modernity with every silhouette. Featuring gowns with clean lines and texture, striking asymmetrical elements and luxurious satin are incorporated into structured corsets, dropped waistlines, and low-back styles. Each dress is intentionally designed highlighting the natural beauty of each bride who chooses to wear it.
What is your favourite dress from each collection?
2567 HEPBURN by Casablanca Bridal embodies the vision of our “Luxe Romance” collection. Inspired by Old Hollywood glamour, this tulle ball gown features a 90’s scoop neckline with a folded, pearl-beaded lapel. HEPBURN offers versatility with detachable spaghetti straps, allowing for a customizable touch to your glamorous look. Her satin corset bodice and eye-catching Basque waistline create a flattering silhouette inspired by vintage Casablanca styles. Up the drama by adding her gathered tulle opera gloves, reminiscent of her iconic namesake to complete the look. HEPBURN can also be paired with her matching, pearl-trim fingertip veil. Accessories sold separately.
Style BL444 ARIEL from the “Mountain Oasis” collection by Beloved embodies rustic serenity. Crafted for the free-spirited bride, ARIEL is made from stretch matte satin and lined with soft fabric for added comfort. She is adorned with 3D petal lace made from tulle to add a touch of nature-inspired charm. ARIEL'S design is a testament to timeless beauty, featuring a flattering sweetheart neckline on a sheath silhouette. One of the most notable features of this gorgeous gown is her exposed corset in the back and her dramatic 64'' train. ARIEL also offers versatility with detachable spaghetti straps, allowing brides to personalize their look. While the fingertip veil and the matching cape are available separately, they complement ARIEL’S ethereal qualities.
Style LE149 AVE perfectly embodies the “Sculpted Elegance” collection by Le Blanc. This wedding dress redefines bridal sophistication with its clean, modern lines and sculpted beauty. Crafted from perfecting satin and charmeuse, AVE boasts a sheath silhouette, scoop neckline, and an enhanced sexy back that is both sleek and flattering. This gown comes with detachable spaghetti straps and a cape, offering versatility and the opportunity for brides to personalize their look throughout their wedding day. AVE is the epitome of modern elegance, designed for the bride who desires a gown that is timelessly beautiful and contemporary.
What does the future hold for you?
At Casablanca Bridal, we believe there’s a difference between designing a dress for your wedding and designing a dress for your marriage. Over the next 25+ years, we envision a journey that transcends the wedding day, transforming it into the cornerstone of a dream marriage. Our co-founders, Kevin & Gloria Lu, are at the forefront of this vision, driving a non-profit initiative known as “Celebrate Forever”. This endeavor offers free education and resources to empower newly married couples, cultivating healthy relationships and families that stand the test of time. Through Celebrate Forever, we believe that fostering individual growth triggers a ripple effect, enhancing relationships, nurturing families, and fortifying communities. As we embark on this path, we're committed to the idea that healthy marriages cultivate a thriving world—a core philosophy that epitomizes the essence of Celebrate Forever.
At the heart of our new collections lies the importance of showcasing femininity in a way that’s authentic and individualistic. Each bride possesses a unique story and style, and our collection is designed to amplify that narrative.
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