Pina Fiorenza - Erin O`Connor

To me, creating doesn’t begin with a
business transaction in mind, but rather
a feeling that is poured into each design
without all the rules and regulations of
gown making. This is what makes a true
creator stand apart from the rest. In
the following pages, I share my personal
designer’s notes about the gowns and the
inspiration behind them. Each bride has her own personality, and so does
each gown. Although the designs are mine, I believe that when a bride finds
and wears the perfect wedding gown, it becomes hers and hers alone.
Pina Fiorenza
Pina Fiorenza, owner and head designer
ANTI
UE
ANTI UE
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ANTI UE
ALESSANDRA
I STYLE : 2815/2816 I Sizes : FLATTERING IN ALL SIZES, 6 – 22
I Colours : White; Ivory; Soft Gold – WITH Pale Pink, Green &
Gold embroidery I Fabric : Semi-delustered satin, purposely
chosen for its rich reflective quality in photographs
This strapless two-piece gown was
inspired by an antique handmade
crystal necklace with its own mirror
reflection – a rose, the symbol
of romance. The A-line skirt gives
a slimmer look, with rosettes to
complement the bodice. The skirt’s
drape creates an illusion of length.
The gown may be ordered without
the overskirt to leave the A-line
pure if desired. Thin shoulder straps
may also be added upon request.
The chapel-length train can be
bustled over the built-in petticoat.
Satin‑covered buttons finish the look.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ANTI UE
ANGELIQUE
I STYLE : 3590 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 14
I COLOURS : WHITE; IVORY I Fabric : Crystal organza
The timeless sea is powerful and
also calm. So is the Angelique. Like
surf rolling onto the shore, this twopiece gown’s skirt features layers
of weightless organza that move in
waves. The sweetheart neckline and
contemporary design of the bodice’s
corseting accentuates and enhances
a smaller bust. I’ve lined the under
bust with diamante and given the
bodice an embroidered, hand-beaded
organza overlay. A small sweep over
the built-in petticoat allows the bride
to walk freely with no need to bustle.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ANTI UE
MARIELLA
I STYLE : 3053 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 18
I COLOURS : SILK WHITE ONLY I Fabric : Embroidered silk chiffon
An old English rose inspired me when
creating this classic ballroom-length
gown. Quietly stunning but definitely
no wallflower, its embroidered buds
complement the strong design lines.
I think the plunging V both in front
and back create a bit of playfulness.
The diamante buckle is in the spirit
of Chanel, but can be replaced with
a Chanel-style bow if the bride
prefers. The invisible zipper is hidden
inside the seam for a clean finish.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ANTI UE
ANNABELLE
I STYLE : 3057 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 16
I COLOURS : SILK WHITE ONLY I Fabric : Double-sided silk satin
A beautiful piece of antique Spanish
lace led me to create the Annabelle’s
beading and embroidery. Made of the
softest, most touchable silk satin, this
strapless gown’s silhouette accentuates
the figure. In addition to enhancing
the bodice with a waist‑whittling V
line, the Spanish-inspired embroidery
on the elegant chapel-length train and
hem create an alluring image. Made
of sheer silk organza, the matching
hand-beaded and embroidered
bolero jacket gives the bride
optional day and evening looks.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ANTI UE
SOPHIA
I STYLE : 3605 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 20
I COLOURS : WHITE; IVORY I Fabric : Semi-delustered satin
This strapless gown is my tribute to
an enduring bridal favourite – the
tulip. The wrap skirt forms a tulip
shape that finishes with a handmade
flower at the hip. The skirt overlaps
and creates the illusion of having
an opening. The embroidered
bodice features miniature handbeaded three‑dimensional flowers.
Design details include hand‑beaded
crystal teardrops along the
waistline, satin-covered buttons, a
built-in tulle petticoat and sheer
lace edging at the neckline.
ANTI UE
alessandra
angelique
mariella
STYLE: 2815/2816
STYLE: 3590
STYLE: 3053
ANNABELLE
MYAH
SOPHIA
STYLE: 3057
STYLE: 3601
STYLE: 3605
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
MOLLY
I STYLE : 3604 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 14
I COLOURS : WHITE; PALE PINK I Fabric : Rouched tulle
Inspired by the hottest fashions in
Manhattan, this head-turning fishtail
has been reinvented for the bride
– a perfect fit for the modern
princess with her own story to
tell. A superb interpretation of its
Forties predecessor, the traditional
long fitted bodice is cut higher to
elongate the legs. Three-dimensional
flowers and pearls dot the bodice
upon row after row of finely
rouched tulle. I’ve cut the tiers of
tulle on the skirt on a 360-degree
circle for fabulous full-blown flair.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
LUCY
I STYLE : 3597 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 20
I COLOURS : WHITE; IVORY I Fabric : Semi-delustered satin
The Lucy gown is all about
celebrating femininity. Pearls, crystals,
glass beads, hand-beaded flowers
and a hand-beaded looped waistline
lend to an overall effect of refined
elegance. The spaghetti straps and
scoop neckline create a lovely
cleavage. The skirt looks simple but
is just as complex – a full circle with
only one seam at the back. It folds
into half-knife pleating, creating a
bustle look. Details include draping
pearl arm bands, a built-in tulle
petticoat and satin-covered buttons.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
BIANCA
I STYLE : 3880 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 – 16
I COLOURS : WHITE; SILK WHITE I Fabric : Silk organza
The Bianca gown was inspired by the
sparkling bubbles in a flute of French
champagne. The elegant combination
of silk organza and pearl, crystal and
glass hand-beaded embroidery creates
a flowing, glittering gown that’s made
for dancing. Hand-beaded straps
plunge down to form a V toward the
centre of the bust line, framing and
elongating the neck. The sophisticated,
figure‑hugging cut adorned with endless
rows of stunning Swarovski crystals
and beads is for the bride who can’t
wait for the fun that begins after 5:00.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
CHARLOTTE
I STYLE : 3595 I Sizes : FLATTERING IN ALL SIZES, 6 – 22
I COLOURS : Ivory with Gold and Silver embroidery; White with Gold
and Silver embroidery I Fabric : Chiffon backed with delustered satin
Inspired by Hollywood starlets of
the Art Deco age, the Charlotte
gown makes glamour look effortless.
Behind the dazzle and shimmer are
complex layers of structure and
style. The bodice features baroque
gold and silver embroidery, ribbons,
sequins and hand-beaded crystals.
Corseting and boning underneath
support the bust and shape the waist.
In chiffon, the skirt’s rear drape is held
in place by an embroidered “broach”.
The A-line skirt has its own tulle
petticoat and a chapel-length train.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
GRETA
I STYLE : 3607 I Sizes : MOST FLATTERING IN 6 –14
I COLOURS : SILK WHITE ONLY I Fabric : Double-sided silk satin
This is a modern tribute to the silver
screen era when women like Greta
Garbo were first able to show off their
femininity in figure-hugging gowns. It is
chic, head-turning, and sexy in a soft,
glamourous way. Cut in an Empire
style with gentle pleating, it enhances
a small bust while giving a sleek
look to the rest of the body. Handbeading in Sworovski crystal flowers
follows a curvaceous pattern around
the body to create movement over
silk satin. A small chapel-length train
gathers up into an elegant bustle.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ERIKA
I STYLE : 3061 I Sizes : FLATTERING IN ALL SIZES, 6 – 22
I COLOURS : Ivory with Platinum and Ivory beading and
embroidery; White with Platinum and Ivory beading
and embroidery
I
Fabric : Delustered satin
This beading was designed for the
wedding of my own daughter, Erika,
who requested floral beading that
wasn’t too “flowery.” Because she
loves glamourous yet understated
fashion, the style is simple yet elegant.
Luxuriously beaded to look like
embroidery, the motif features the
Fiorenza fleur de lis with flowering
vines and blossoms circling the
entire bodice. The elongated bodice
gives the illusion of a longer waist,
and the sweeping full skirt has a
petticoat and chapel-length train.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
GABRIELLA
I STYLE : 2116 I Sizes : Flattering in all sizes, 6 – 22
I COLOURS : WHITE; IVORY I Fabric : Double-layered organza
Inspired by the first winters of my
childhood and their breathtaking,
crystalline snowflakes, the Gabriella
is actually a gown for all seasons.
Despite its frosty inspiration, the
double-layered organza is light
enough to wear in summer. Finished
in French seaming, the A-line gown
has a bodice embellished by beaded
crystal snowflakes. The neckline is
a thin organza band dotted with
hand‑beading to echo the gown’s.
An invisible zipper creates a seamless
silhouette; a built-in tulle petticoat and
chapel‑length train add a touch of flair.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
NICOLE
I STYLE : 5868 I Sizes : Most flattering in 6 – 14
I COLOURS : IVORY I Fabric : French satin
The legendary Australian film star
inspired this design with a gown she
wore. Simple to look at but a truly
unique design achievement. Using
only 15 bias-cut tiers of French satin
that is as soft and slippery as water,
I created a gown that needed no
beading or embellishment. When
this strapless beauty is worn, its sole
special effect – movement – steals the
show. Slimming and comfortable, the
Nicole is one-of-a-kind creation that
feels sensual to the skin and the eye.
MOLLY
CHARLOTTE
GABRIELLA
STYLE: 3604
STYLE: 3595
STYLE: 2116
LUCY
GRETA
NICOLE
STYLE: 3597
STYLE: 3607
STYLE: 5868
BIANCA
ERIKA
STYLE: 3880
STYLE: 3061
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
CLAUDIA
I STYLE : W3A0065 I Sizes : Flattering in all sizes, 6 – 22
I Colours : Pale Pink with Pink embroidery; Ivory with Pink embroidery
I Fabric : Organza, satin, embroidered French tulle
Here’s a gown as beautiful and fresh
as the delicate springtime cherry
blossoms that inspired it. Classically
beautiful with an elegant softness,
the organza skirt has four tiers to
accentuate shape and add height.
The separate strapless bodice has
a slight sweetheart neckline and an
embroidered French tulle overlay
of cherry blossoms and branches.
Design details include a chapel-length
train, built-in tulle petticoat and
satin-covered buttons. Thin shoulder
straps may be added upon request.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
TALIA
I STYLE : 2117 I Sizes : Flattering in all sizes, 6 – 22
I COLOURS : White with Gold embroidery; Ivory with
Gold embroidery I Fabric : Delustered satin
I created this two-piece beauty for
the youthful bride, dreaming of an
enchanted wedding with her own
Prince Charming. Despite its excellent
structure, the Talia gown was designed
with extra panels for naturally flowing
movement. Its bodice laces up in back
in addition to a comfortable side
zipper. The shape and the placement
of hand-beaded embroidery gives the
waist a slimmer look, as does the long
corseted bodice. Design details include
a cathedral-length train, a built-in tulle
petticoat and satin-covered buttons.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
DOMINQUE
I STYLE : 3615 I Sizes : Flattering in all sizes, 6 – 22
I COLOURS : WHITE; IVORY I Fabric : Semi-delustered satin
I made this gown for the perfect
white wedding. This two-piece is the
ultimate in simplicity and softness,
giving the bride luxurious richness
and a hint of romance. The corseted
bodice elongates the waist and is
adorned with Swarovski crystals,
pearls and hand-beaded embroidery.
The scoop neckline creates an almost
off-the‑shoulder effect, edged with
a ribbon of hand-beaded organza.
The skirt features a pleated organza
underskirt over a built-in tulle petticoat.
Satin‑covered buttons finish the look.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
ANASTASIA
I STYLE : 3056 I Sizes : Flattering in all sizes, 6 – 22
I COLOURS : White with Platinum embroidery; Ivory with
Platinum embroidery I Fabric : Delustered satin
Saint Anastasia is the protector of
my home town in Sicily. The princess
of the collection, the Anastasia gown
is inspired by romantic Baroque
architecture. Topped by a halter-look
neckline, the long, slimming bodice is
adorned with hand-embroidery, seed
pearls and Swarovski crystals. The full
skirt has extensive embroidery and
pleats that create dramatic movement.
A flouncy built-in tulle petticoat
and cathedral-length train complete
the breathtaking fairytale image.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
SABRINA
I STYLE : 2357 I Sizes : Flattering in all sizes, 6 – 22
I Colours : White with White and Silver embroidery; Ivory with
Ivory and Silver embroidery I FabriC : Semi-delustered satin
The two-piece Sabrina gown was
created to give a bride of any shape or
size a beautiful figure on her wedding
day. The long corseted bodice has
hand-beaded pearls, bugle beads
and embroidery purposely designed
to slim the torso. Underneath,
strong fusing and boning every two
inches hug and shape the body.
The neckline’s gentle wave is echoed
on the bottom of the corset. The
A‑line skirt is left simple and elegant,
cut inward to minimize the hips
and draw the eye upward. Available
with or without shoulder straps.
CLAUDIA
TALIA
DOMINQUE
STYLE: W3A0065
STYLE: 2117
STYLE: 3615
ANASTASIA
SABRINA
STYLE: 3056
STYLE: 2357
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
FRANCESCA
I STYLE : B2A1377 I Sizes : Most flattering in 6 – 12
I Colours : Silk white with black hand-beaded French lace
and feathers; Silk white with ivory hand-beaded French
lace (no feathers)
I Fabric : Double-sided silk satin
The Francesca evokes the feminine,
fabulous feline. Superbly sleek,
this sheath moves in very serene,
self‑assured manner. It could be
worn in a cathedral with a mantilla
veil or as a slinky after-five sensation.
I’ve double-lined this gown in silk
so the skin can enjoy its sensual
softness. Overlaid from hip to floor
with exquisite, heavily hand-beaded
French lace, it is in the pattern of
the original Chantilly rose. Design
features include braided silk straps,
a low back and long, fine accent
feathers in the black beaded version.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
COCO
I STYLE : WDA0856 I Sizes : Most flattering in 6 – 18
I Colours : Ivory satin with Antique Gold lace; Ivory satin
with Ivory lace I Fabric : Double-lined satin with lace
Dedicated to glamourous gowns from
the Art Deco era, the Coco gives
lace a fresh and stunning look all over
again. A demure way to show off a
pair of beautiful legs and shoes, the
front split lends a bit of sexiness while
allowing comfort and movement.
The gently curved neckline lengthens
the neck and the signature Fiorenza
hip band minimizes width. Spaghetti
straps and a low back complete the
picture. It’s double-lined for softness
and privacy. The chapel-length train
is heavily hand-beaded with tiny
bugle beads, sequins and pearls.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
valentina
I STYLE : 2484 I Sizes : Most flattering in 6 – 20
I Colour : Silk White only I Fabric : Double-sided silk satin
There is nothing quite as beautiful
to me as the sight of bold yet gentle
flowers spilling over a trellis. This
gown has the same strength and
softness. The Valentina’s sharp lines
are balanced by the softest fabric.
The lovely floral and lattice design
at the waistline is formed by handmade ribbon lace and beading upon
French silk tulle. Made of Italian silk,
the key hole opening at the neck
line gives the impression of a halter
but straps are secured at the back. A
chapel-length train finishes the look.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
MYLIE
I STYLE : WDA1001 I Sizes : Most flattering in 6 – 18
I COLOURS : SILK WHITE I Fabric : Double-sided silk satin
This gown was created for the bride
who is a sophisticated yet simple
fashionista – the clean lines and
plunging, exaggerated V in both front
and back in combination with the
signature Fiorenza hip band give the
effect of elongating the neck and
the waist. This luxurious silk satin
feels so good to wear and looks
radiant in photos. Swarovski crystals,
bugle beads and pearls tastefully
adorn the neckline and hip band.
Design details include satin-covered
buttons and a chapel-length train.
FIORENZA
www.fiorenza.com.au
AUDRY
I STYLE : 3878 I Sizes : Most flattering in 6 – 16
I Colours : Ivory satin with Ivory hand-beaded tulle; Soft Gold satin
with Ivory hand-beaded tulle; Soft Gold satin with Black hand-beaded
tulle
I
Fabric : Semi-delustered satin with French tulle overlay
This gown was inspired by the bride
who wants to look like a princess
– a sleek, non-traditional one. This
extravagantly hand-beaded gown
would be beautiful on anyone who
loves luxury. The lace work is what
makes it so special. It’s not actually
lace at all, but the look of lace created
by elaborate beading, accentuated
by sparkling black onyx crystals or
ivory aurora borealis crystals. I’ve
detached the lace from the satin to
let the two move freely as they please.
The gown has been cut in fishtail
type panels for optimal fluidity.
FRANCESCA
COCO
MYLIE
STYLE: B2A1377
STYLE: WDA0856
STYLE: WDA1001
VALENTINA
AUDRY
STYLE: 2484
STYLE: 3878