CREATIVE DIRECTION AT CHANTEL LAUREN
A bridal line without the limits of tradition. Fueled by pop culture, bold color, and, most importantly… music.
From 2014 to 2021, I helped shape the direction of Chantel Lauren. Below are some of my favorite years
2018Texas Culture & Outlaw Country
2018 marked a breakout year for Chantel Lauren, pushing beyond the traditional bridal aesthetic with a free-spirited collection that redefined bridal wear without leaning on typical bohemian tropes. We took the essence of Texas and infused it into every detail, creating iconic imagery that captured the heart of Texas culture.
Inspiration:
Rooted in the rawness of outlaw country, the collection drew from legends like Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Merle Haggard. Balancing this masculine edge were gowns named after iconic women like Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, and Annie Oakley.
Musical influences: George Strait’s Amarillo by Morning, up-and-coming artist Granger Smith, and Kacey Musgraves, all helped shape the collection’s narrative.
Vibe:
Raw, free, and rebellious—this collection evoked a sense of freedom and a nod to the outlaws of country music. It was meant to feel authentic, celebrating the bold and the fearless.
Location:
We captured this iconic collection in the metaphorical heart of Texas (west desert of Utah), a perfect backdrop to the outlaw vibe we wanted to convey.
2019Acid Western
Building on the momentum of 2018, the 2019 collection deepened our exploration of iconic country music and early rock and roll. This year, we captured the untamed spirit of life on the road as a rock and roll outfit, blending vintage influences with a bold modern flair.
Inspiration:
Rooted in the lives of country music greats like Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline, this collection celebrated their larger-than-life personas. The influence of modern artists such as Paul Cauthen, the Texas Gentlemen, Lukas Nelson, and Kacey Musgraves brought an acid-trip aesthetic and a nostalgic yet contemporary sound.
Vibe:
This collection is all about big hair, strong silhouettes, and vibrant colors—evoking the rebellious, larger-than-life energy of musicians on tour. It blends the glamour and grit of country music legends with the psychedelic, modern twist of emerging rock influences.
Location:
A backdrop that carried the feeling of a life lived on the road—capturing the essence of backstage scenes, concert lights, and the electric atmosphere of music legends both past and present.
2020The Southern Belle Collection
In 2020, we embraced a softer, more graceful side of Chantel Lauren, stepping away from the rock and roll-inspired bride. The Southern Belle Collection was born, capturing the delicate elegance of the American South.
Inspiration:
This collection was influenced by the soft pastels and intricate lines of South Carolina’s early architecture. We aimed to embody the romance and femininity found in Southern summer tales, drawing on the grace and timeless beauty that feels like something out of a storybook.Vibe:
A significant departure from the raw, untamed spirit of previous collections, 2020 focused on sweet, feminine dress designs. With light fabrics, soft silhouettes, and a pastel color palette, this collection was all about embodying the warmth, elegance, and charm of Southern summers.Location:
We paired this collection with picturesque Southern landscapes—think grand estates, moss-covered trees, and bayous bathed in soft sunlight—to fully capture the atmosphere of a romantic Southern dream.
In addition to the southern belle collection, during 2020 I was able to design and built out our flagship brick and mortar location.
2021Into the Wind
2021 marked my departure from Chantel Lauren, but not before setting the creative direction for what became our most daring and authentically Western collection to date.
Inspiration:
Fueled by the spirit of the West, this collection drew inspiration from the rugged landscapes of the desert, wild horses, and the iconic American pick-up truck. It was a celebration of Western culture, blending tradition with bold, modern elements.Vibe:
The designs were adorned with fringe, conchos, and retro tall-crowned Stetsons. We paired these with handmade jewelry, ensuring every detail added to the authenticity of the Western look. The collection was as wild and free as the desert itself, exuding a raw, untamed elegance.Location:
Shot amidst the vast expanses of the West desert, the collection perfectly captured the wild beauty and open freedom of the American frontier. Every element came together to create one of Chantel Lauren’s finest, most cohesive collections to date.
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