Q&A: Michelle Corty of Rue De Seine

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Rue de Seine design beautiful chic wedding gowns and bridal dresses for the modern bride inspired by the romance of the Rue de Seine, Paris.  We interviewed designer and owner Michelle Corty to learn more about the Newmarket-based bridal brand.

N. What sparked your interest in fashion design?
My mother was the first person who introduced me to fashion. I remember she used to pick me up from school in heeled boots, ruffled dresses, and giant 70’s glasses. My friends at primary school thought she was a movie star. Those moments inspired me to experiment with my own personal style and then to create. I can’t imagine doing anything else.

N. Can you tell us a bit about the story behind Rue De Seine?
I had spent 7 years creating ready-to-wear in Paris and loved seeing my creations for the everyday, but after making my own wedding gown, I knew it was the next step in my career. I instantly felt inspired by the fabrics and loved being able to create a gown with more of my own style. The dress was romantic, bold, and I was able to dance all night. I was comfortable, but also felt so special. I want our brides to feel the same way I did that day. I hope that I can bring a more relaxed, yet fashion-forward approach to bridal. Our girls are looking for a gown that fits their own unique style.

N. What made you decide on the name ‘Rue De Seine’?
This was the street I lived on and where I married the love of my life. The neighbourhood still portrays that effortless bohemian style that is the inspiration behind the brand.

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N. What is the inspiration behind your most recent collection ‘Moonlight Magic‘?
‘Moonlight Magic’ is pure bohemian luxe, inspired by disco, glitter rock, and a whole lot of love. The intricate beading and hand embroideries might be some of my favourites this season!

N. Your roots in Newmarket are very strong, with your boutique, office, design studio and workroom all located here. What is your favourite thing about having a business in Newmarket?
I love how Newmarket is always busy. Having lived in big cities for most of my life, the constant bustling of the neighbourhood makes me feel at home. The people and commerce also contribute to my love of being here. Seeing neighbourhood locals living out their own dream is so wonderful to surround ourselves with.

N. Since Rue De Seine began in 2012, have you noticed many changes to the modern idea of a wedding?
Yes! Since we started, I have had brides married at Burning Man, under Moroccan tents, and even on glaciers. The Rue De Seine bride never ceases to amaze me with their originality. I feel that couples want to have more fun and we couldn’t feel more inspired by them!

N. If you could design a dress for anyone in the world (past or present), who would it be and how would you dress them?
Bianca Jagger has always been my wedding muse. I would never change her iconic Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket, but I would love to have dressed her for the reception in our Moonlight Valentina gown. The bellowing sleeves and silver beading give this gown hints of Studio 54 meets the modern girl.

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N. Can you tell us how you came to work with Gwyneth Paltrow?
Gwyneth had approached me while I was working in Paris, for a collaboration on a collection sold exclusively to Matches in London. I had recently just helped launch a luxury knit collection and she was a huge fan of the range! The experience of working with Gwyneth was unforgettable and it is brilliant to see her still pursuing exciting new ventures.

N. Do you design with a certain type of bride in mind?
The Rue De Seine bride definitely dances to the beat of her own drum. She is looking for something unique, flattering, and super romantic. When I take the collection on the road, our brides and I are so happy to have found each other.

N. What are some of the latest wedding fashion trends that we can expect to see more of?
Large volumes are making their way back and we could not be more excited. Especially those dreamy voluminous sleeves!

N. What advice do you have for future brides when choosing a wedding dress?
When looking for the perfect gown, try on the unexpected. It will be love or hate, but at least you can tick off those styles that are constantly popping up in your Instagram feed. I often tell our brides to be comfortable, feel beautiful, and most importantly, be you!

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N. If you could pick your top honeymoon destination, where would it be?
Santorini is one of my favourite destinations and where I spent my own honeymoon. The sunsets are out of this world and being perched on the side of a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean is pretty special too. If I could hit repeat on any holiday, it would always be in Santorini.

N. What’s next for Rue De Seine?
Every season we try to push ourselves and industry boundaries. When we started, we had five employees working out of a tiny studio (that we shared!) and today a team of 60 talented people make Rue De Seine possible. Our Production Director, Warren, thankfully never says “not possible” and loves creating new, exciting pieces as much as I do. Designing and creating as a team has become the best evolution and we hope to continue on this wonderful journey.

6A Kent Street
ruedeseine.com
@ruedeseinebridal

Photographer: Janneke Storm for Hello May Magazine
Model: Devon Toi – 62 Models Boutique images: @madlystudio

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