The always anticipated Leanne Marshall debuted her Autumn / Winter 2021 Leanne Marshall Bridal collection this week in New York, NY and brought romantic elegance with a hint of edginess.
Leanne Marshall Bridal stunned on social media with a preview of some of the pieces on Tuesday October 6th, but the full collection consisted of gowns, separates, capes, sleeved and sleeveless gowns. Standout pieces included 2 hand dyed gowns with hues of purple, blue, vibrant orange, blush, and of course traditional whites.
When speaking about her AW2021 collection on Instagram Leanne said:
“(To be honest), I didn’t think I wanted to do (a collection this season) with all that’s going on this year. I didn’t feel inspired. Eventually, I kicked my (butt) into gear to create just a “few” new things. And then those few gave birth to more ideas and it felt good to create. And then I ended up with a rather full new collection. Which, I’m quite pleased that I pushed through and did it despite hesitation.”
This vibrant and beautiful collection came during a time when some have found it difficult to find inspiration, creativity and beauty in the world. Leanne Marshall pushed through the darkness to give us one of her most beautifully crafted and inspired collections to date.
Leanne Marshall’s sophisticated designs are known for their light, flowing lines, feminine details and timeless elegance. With touches of classic and modern, sophistication, Leanne Marshall has captured an effortless grace and timeless elegance in her collections.
Vassilis Stratigos is a Fashion Hairstylist from Athens Greece. With applied arts and industrial design background, Vassilis studied professional hairstyling in Italy and Greece. As a fashion hairstylist, Vassilis was the Official Hairstylist of L’Oreal Paris in Greece for 3 years and is now also the hairstylist of a local TV presenter. He has worked on multiple cover shoots for magazines such as Vogue, Grazia, Madame Figaro, and many others. Vassilis will also be the main hairstylist at our retreat for photographers and cinematographers ALCHIMEIA!
But now, he will give us some tips, on how to keep your hair looking like from a magazine in this exclusive interview for Ellwed!
So let’s dive right into it and get to know Vassilis Stratigos, Fashion Hairstylist!
What is the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is certainly creativity. I believe that creativity is the best boost at any job. It never makes you bored, instead it always makes you passionate about what you are doing.
You are also working with many celebrities but mainly as a fashion hairstylist. However, if someone wants to hire you for their wedding can you serve them as well?
My main field was, is and always will be fashion. In a small market like the Greek market is unavoidable to become a hairstylist for celebrities as well when working in fashion hairstyling. Which is fine because it gives you publicity and a chance to grow your business. All that leads to be requested from brides as well. I’m very, very happy to serve them! It’s always a pleasure, fun and an honour to style bride’s hair.
What hairstyles do you suggest for summer destination brides? Should they be considering having their hair up or more relaxed and flowy?
Summer is the season of freedom. Bridal hair should reflect that feeling as well. I love a relaxed and flowy hair for summer destination brides. The only factor that could make me go for an updo is the wind!
What trends do you see picking up in the world of hairstyling in Greece?
Greece has the same trends in every season as all modern countries. Only colors of hair should be adapted to person’s natural or tanned skin tones. They should prefer more warm tones for their hair either they are brunettes or blonds. Long or short bobs are in the front line and loose waves are the “it” hairstyle along with “do-it-yourself” updos and ponytails.
How is this pandemic affecting you and how are you currently dealing with this process?
The pandemic was a strange situation for all of us and has affected every working person. Personally I’m always optimistic and I tried to stay calm during this period. Fortunately hairstyling is always in demand. In that case there is still plenty of work for me. I’m doing my best to protect myself, my clients and my colleagues of course. The use of a mask and visor as well as sterilization of my tools and personal hygiene are a must!!!
Is there something all women who are visiting hairdressers should pay attention to in these days of Covid-19? What preventative measures do you suggest?
Of course! They should always check if their hairdressers wear their masks, visors, gloves etc. They also shouldn’t stay in a salon with more than the defined persons. Clients should also wear their masks when necessary. The most important preventative measure for me, is to be responsible for ourselves. That way we can be responsible for other people as well.
What is the one thing that drives you in your line of work and where do you find inspiration?
Every day I try to spend at least half an hour watching new things about my profession to learn and grow. Being updated is very important. My inspiration can be anything. A painting, a song, a movie, a person or a vintage campaign.
And for the last question. Vassilis, as a Fashion Hairstylist what advice would you give to someone who wants to get married in Greece and will hire a hairstylist?
Greece has a lot of talented people working in weddings and events. Including hairstylists as well. One who is interested in booking a Greek hairstylist should check their social media first and their resume. Availability should be checked right away, not at the last minute. For me, personal contact is really important. It would be great if you can meet your hairstylist before the trial or the wedding. If not, one should provide them with all the details, wishes and requirements possible.
If someone wants to get in touch with you, where can they find you?
Welcome to Ellwed Talks, the first podcast about destination weddings in Greece!
Join us in this new episode where we talk with Anna Wilson, wedding planner from Greek Dream Planners.
In this episode, Anna will share some tips on using Greek traditions for your wedding as well as useful advice to help all busy brides from around the world plan their dream minimalistic luxurious wedding in Greece.
Listen the interview here
Tell us a bit about your story, what lead you to your current career path?
I started my Greek destination wedding business after I moved to England in 2014. It was always a dream of mine to be able to create and bring to life my couple’s vision of their special day. In 2015 after I completed my course I launched my wedding business website www.greekdreamplanners.com
What inspires you in the business and daily life?
My brides are my inspiration! Each one of them is unique and each one of them will bring her vibe that will spark my creativity and this is what I truly love about my job, being excited and inspired by each of my beautiful brides.
What was your best experience as a wedding planner? What do you like about weddings in Greece?
The best thing about my work is that I get to travel and see all the beautiful places and breathtaking locations of our beautiful country.
What advice do you have for brides getting married in Greece?
Two things, Firstly, plan 1 to 2 years in advance, Greece is a popular destination and venues/vendors get booked early on. Secondly Be prepared for the paperwork you will need to take care of if you are planning on having a civil legal wedding by sticking to the specific timeline guide of the paperwork process.
What trend do you see picking up in the world of weddings?
I still see the trend of the metallic, geometric elements combined with velvet fabric at darker shades at the modern touches still being in.
Is there one question that almost every client asks you about their wedding in Greece? What is it and what is your answer?
No, not really. That is because right from the start of our work together with my couples we have timeline guides, spreadsheets and reminders for EVERYTHING. Having it all planned ahead of time and taken care of well in advance, leaving my couples to enjoy partying and enjoy their engagement as stress free as possible. I always make sure all payments are done with a month before their wedding that way they don’t have to worry but only about the Hen dos and their Bachelor parties.
Which is you favourite location for a destination wedding in Greece and why?
I love all of Greece anywhere is beautiful, and it totally depends on my couples and their dream to where their wedding will be.
Tell us a bit more about what you are currently working on?
So one of the projects that I am working on at the moment is in cooperation with ELLWED, where we are super excited to announce that we have created an online DESTINATION WEDDING WORKSHOP for brides to be where we will be helping them plan, giving them pro tips on the How To’s for them to implement and plan their entire destination wedding without the need to hire a wedding planner!
I am also a Greek wedding planner trainer. I train others through my online Greek wedding planners course to become a professional certified wedding planner in Greece. This though is now with a waiting list as the course will open again in September. Anyone interested in becoming a wedding planner can Pre- Register via the link provided below.
And for the last question, what advice would you give to all couples who want to get married in Greece? What is that one important thing your brides should know or pay attention to before coming to Greece?
Mainly is to make sure they are prepared for hot weather and windy weather if on an island. To make sure their dress is light and airy as well as comfortable. Same as their shoes.
If someone wants to get in touch with you, where can they find you?
These are some unprecedented times and this pandemic is affecting wedding suppliers the most!
One thing is for sure, we will probably never going to get the chance to slow down like this again! Therefore, use this time wisely! Surely for some it has been tough having to work hard through this pandemic. However, for most wedding suppliers, who got to stay at home and send time with their family this is the time to cherish for ever!
So, while working from home, and not having to run from meeting to meeting, use this time to focus on your brand and your couples!
Photography, George Stratigis
RESPECT THE SITUATION
Respect the situation your couples are in. Try to find a common ground to solve the issues that arose because of this pandemic. If you can afford it, think of helping the affected couples in any way you can. Donate your time, your services, your expertise or even financial help. Keep the lines of conversation with your couples open.
DON’T STOP GROWING
Invest in your brand! This is the time to focus on your branding and get marketing investments in place! If you need to boost your sales, get to networking events and invest into growth! The new way of education and growth is now! Improvement is needed at any stage, and now is your time to invest in your business growth! At this point, attending conferences, workshops and educational programs is a must!
QUOTES FROM SELECTED WEDDING SUPPLIERS
In an interview with Bridelux, award winning luxury cake maker Elizabeth of Elizabeth’s Cake Emporium said: “Symposiums have gone from “nice-to-have”, to a “must-have”! Because we need to recover and wedding shows and conferences are one way for us to get great advice, meet like-minded people network and be seen. Self-development is absolutely needed to take our businesses to a next level. Studies have shown from 2008 when the crash happened, the companies that continued to invest in their people and self-development came out of the recession much quicker. They survived compared to the companies that didn’t, because they continued to market and develop.”
Fashion and wedding photographer George Stratigis says: “For me it is worth it as a goal to have strong collaborations. Inspiration is the motivation, we don’t want to “loose”. We need to create a new visual language. After all this we will have a new order. We share an intellectual chemistry and we need to move higher above on a personal aesthetic invention. We lead a new artistic movement/collective that grows on the border of wedding and fashion imagery. And we do it for us.”
Photography, George Stratigis
MARKETING IS A MUST
Social proof is always needed for all professionals! And even more so now when this pandemic is affecting all wedding suppliers. So focus on your marketing, update your website with fresh images and start getting those submissions and all your press features in order! Don’t cancel your promotions which might set you back or even to recession. Reach out to blogs and magazines like Ellwed to get your work featured! Be productive and creative! Plan for the next styled shoot. Make sure you know what is the purpose of this styled shoot and how you will use it afterwards. You can also join group styled shoots like our portfolio building retreat to get the high quality images which will get you one step closer to the feature!
UPGRADE YOUR ACCOUNTS
Update and grow your social media channels. If you may have noticed, some companies like Facebook and Instagram have already introduced new features and renewed some components. Yes, this pandemic is affecting wedding suppliers the most, however some have already redesigned their sites and added new projects! You should do something too and not stay behind! Even if it is only a small change as new blog post.
PIVOT
Think positive and use this downtime to start a new project or finish your old one, which will bring you the extra income you might need. What is that one thing you were always dreaming of doing but never had the time to do? Take action now and grow!
Photography, Kimon Kaketsis
Greek/Canadian Photographer Kimon Kaketsis used this time to create a new project Alone Together! “Our imposed confinement has forced us to cancel or postpone events and celebrations. However we are witnessing our relationships strengthen as the pandemic has been an opportunity for people to connect virtually in a more meaningful way. Our very concept of connection is being re-examined as we isolate and socialize in new ways. In order to stay inspired and engaged within our new constrained lives, I hope to create a new series of images that capture moments of love through an unlikely lens by using ‘screenshots’ as a medium.
This image “session” will have the couple invite the photographer into their home with a video chat. In that way we can create moments that will not only highlight the relationship between them, but also between the couple and photographer.”
AND FINALLY, GET READY
Get your business ready for the possible increase of inquiries and events after this period will pass. Be prepared to offer valuable knowledge about the new age events your couples will be asking for. The couples might reassess their values and what is more important to them. The weddings might become more intimate or more family orientated, others might get even bigger celebrations. Therefore you need to be ready to address the issues such as Eco-conscious choice, sourcing local suppliers and products, of no wastage, flower recycling and more attention to hygiene. It is vital for you as a pro to educate yourself and arm yourself with all the information. You will have to educate your clients how the market has changed, what is possible for their case and why some prices might have increased. Remember, it is your responsibility as a professional to guide and educate your clients.
Photography, George Stratigis
Now, get back to business!
If you have a quote for us, or a project to share, feel free to get in touch with your ideas and we might feature them too!
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