By Andrea Plell / Source: Ecouterre

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Gone are the days when bridal gowns were passed down from one generation to another like family heirlooms. Contemporary wedding dresses are more likely to be purchased new, worn once, and then stuffed into the back of a closet never to be seen again. Despite all that time, effort, and money that goes into them, those visions of lace and tulle are the epitome of disposable fashion. Unless, of course, you’re Annaborgia. Determined to shake up the status quo, the vegan-clothing brand has launched a capsule collection of bridal threads that are the antithesis of mass-produced, one-wear gowns and their oft-ridiculed bridesmaid counterparts.

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I DO AGAIN
A former wedding photographer, Annaborgia founder Daniela Degrassi has spent more than a decade hearing the complaints of unhappy bridesmaids.

“I always found it unnecessary and weird having the bride’s best friends all dressed up in the same way: in disposable, often unflattering styles and colors that would deny their own personalities to shine,” Degrassi told Ecouterre. “As I understand the importance of traditions, we must also keep in mind that conventional bridesmaids clothes are just not sustainable.”

With Annaborgia’s wedding line, Degrassi opted for classic yet sumptuous styles such as high-waisted palazzo trousers, structured organza bustiers, open-back lace-panel tops, halter jumpsuits, and airy floor-length gowns with calla-lily tassel ties.

Described as merging “minimalism with…fierce femininity,” the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals–certified collection draws inspiration from the strong iconic females Degrassi looked up to as a child.

“My Dad had a strong personality and my mom, quite the opposite, was very submissive,” she said. “In my eyes, that was just not right. So I looked up to literary heroines and movie stars like Katharine Hepburn and longed to be as independent and strong as those females. I guess that made me a feminist since I could remember.”

All garments are cut, sewn, and finished in San Francisco using Japanese textiles and nontoxic dyes.

“I love to support local businesses and being able to contribute to our economy,” said Degrassi, who divides her time between her native Italy and the Bay Area. “We don’t mind the higher production costs as we believe such artists should be paid for their talent. We simply cut the retail route and are now only selling online to give our designs a more competitive price tag.”

True to their rewearable nature, the pieces easily transition from day to evening, spring to fall, wedding day to honeymoon. The fact that they’re wrinkle-resistant also allows jet-setters a greater ease of travel without the extra environmental burden of dry cleaning or ironing.

Read more @ Ecouterre