Le louvre

 

Le Louvre is an iconic Melbourne fashion boutique and one of the world’s oldest fashion institutions alongside Bergdorf Goodman and Selfridge’s, celebrating 95 years in 2017. Luxury at Le Louvre is a way of life and this extends to the exquisite edit of wedding gowns on offer. 

www.lelouvre.com.au

 
_COL0409.jpg
Louvre Georgina Skinner 4.jpg
Le Louvre by Earl Carter 1.jpg
Le Louvre by Earl Carter 2.jpg

Where did Le Louvre’s journey begin?

Le Louvre’s journey began with its founder Miss Lillian Wightman; a marvellously clever woman with an unusually entrepreneurial mind for her era. Le Louvre is the sole reason they call the now world-famous eastern end of Collins Street ‘The Paris End’. Our transition to South Yarra in 2010 marked a new and significant transformation of the brand, whilst protecting the very core of its soul – intimate and exceptional service for stylish women of Melbourne, and indeed, Australia. 

Le Louvre is renowned for its intimate service can you describe the experience? 

The experience starts with the bride’s appointment. We have one private salon to show our bridal collection. Brides come from all over Australia and New Zealand for our experience and selection and we always want to ensure the salon is available exclusively for them.

We always consult with our brides to gain a clearer sense of their individual style, the wedding dress code and location.
We then set to work offering up the looks that will work within this criteria. Brides are intrigued by our intimate selection of styles. We search endlessly for the finest wedding looks and it is a much simpler and pleasurable process for the bride to find the perfect style when someone has done the hunting for them. Our role is to find the most beautiful and unique gowns to celebrate the female form and present them to our brides in a relaxed and luxurious space. That is what we offer at Le Louvre.

What is on trend this season?

We have seen a growing interest in the second wedding dress over the last 12 months. Our brides love to change into a party dress for later in the evening and we adore any opportunity for a fashion fun moment! Aside from these party gowns, we prefer to shy away from ‘in-the-moment’ looks as they get tired very quickly. A style that complements a woman’s figure, personality and event is always on trend. Fits and fabrics change over time and we always remain youthful in our selection.

What is your advice for brides-to-be looking for their ideal wedding gown? 

Trust that the boutique assistants are experts and are there to help you and guide you in your choices.

It’s such an exciting journey, searching for your wedding dress and by all means, do all the research you want. However, there is nothing better than trying the real thing. The feel and experience of wearing a wedding dress is the most important part. Does it look stunning? This is your first, easily answered question. You will be wearing your wedding gown for between 8 and 12 hours, so ask yourself is it comfortable? Can I sit down in it? If there is beading, is it itching or irritating you? 

Trust your instincts. You know when you feel amazing in something. You don’t need to try on hundreds of dresses to discover this. The process can get too tiring and confusing.

Best part of working in bridal couture?

Working closely with a client for one of the most important events of her adult life is a very special and rewarding role. From a fashion perspective, the wedding gowns we carry are the closest thing we come to couture in Australia. We offer access to the most exquisite fashion brands in the world like Marchesa, Chloe and Valentino. The fabrications, finish and workmanship in these gowns are second-to-none and we feel extremely lucky to walk amongst these works of art every day.

How do you go about curating the collection in store?

A significant part of Le Louvre's 90-year history is the idea that fashion, art and design are one, and together, they create a unique and wonderful experience. Georgina Weir (Owner and Director of Le Louvre) travels the globe to ensure the offering to her clients is world class and ahead of the game. The store is not just a shop, it is an artful sanctuary for anyone to enter and experience. Georgina fills the store with beautiful things and the right mix of people who care about you when you enter. This experience is utterly lost in the new era of fast, internet-fuelled fashion. To see, touch and feel the beauty when buying a piece of Valentino, Yves Saint Laurent or Chloe at Le Louvre has to be experienced to understand the difference.


lelouvre.com.au

 

Picture Myer Mural Hall

Picture Myer Mural Hall