Some girls dream of a fairytale wedding with gilded feathers and crystal fountains. However, the amount of hard work that goes into creating the perfect event can cast a stress spell over the occasion: from the right location to the right type of silverware, every detail matters! Could you imagine turning the high-stakes ceremony into a major fashion collection launch as well?! Now, that’s commitment. Academy alumna Maria Korovilas (MFA Fashion Design) did just that. Her bridal line was launched last summer at her wedding to musician Lawrence Katz at the historic Paramour Estate.
Since Korovilas debuted her collection, it’s been the talk of the town gathering positive media coverage. Recently, Who What Wear said it was “dreamy” and “made for indie brides” and The Zoe Report called it “every boho fashion girl’s dream”! In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, the LA-based designer described her aesthetic as having “a thread-line of nostalgia, with a sophisticated and regal DNA.” Maria’s own gown and veil were accessorized with vintage jewelry and a belt featuring an antique Wedgwood button. When it came to inspiration, the famous location itself served as a starting point. “I drew on its amazing elements for the ceremony, cocktail hour and our Greek-meets-Southern street fair reception. I wanted the end-result to feel a bit Princess Bride meets Big Fish,” elaborated Maria.
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Calling the line and its presentation “beautiful” is an understatement. The surface of each garment is glistening with intricate floral embroidery. Maria learned the exquisite Tambour embroidery technique during her time at the Academy of Art. She fell in love the complex process so much, it became indispensable in her ready-to-wear, and bridal designs.
Maria’s MFA Thesis Collection was presented at the University’s Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week showing. Her sweeping gowns featured Tambour embroidery which took over 600 hours to complete. Today, Maria’s creations are worn by the likes of Blake Lively, Sophia Bush, Carrie Underwood, Peyton List and other film and music stars. In addition to stellar clientele, Maria Korovilas is cultivating a growing social media presence as well. Hers is the gown every Pinterest Bride dreams about, too!
Text by Nivetha Sundar, MA Fashion Journalism.
