November 15, 2017 Retailer Feature — Blanc de Blanc
Meet Angelea, the beautiful boss lady behind Pittsburg's Blanc de Blanc Bridal Boutique:
The story behind your boutique?
After college, I moved to New York City with hopes to make my way working in the Bridal fashion industry. It had always been in the back of my mind that I eventually wanted to own my own business, something fashion related that supported independent designers. I scored the best post-grad job ever working for a Brooklyn-based bridal designer. I learned the in's and out's of bridal design and sales while working at the flagship boutique. After working at the Brooklyn bridal boutique for a couple of years, I was then ready to branch off on my own. I spent my last summer in NYC writing my business plan and researching bridal designers. I moved back to moved back to Pittsburgh late September 2016 and within two months, started renovating the firehouse.
The name:
The name Blanc de Blanc was inspired by the French term meaning "white from white". Blanc de Blanc is also a type of champagne that is known to be wonderfully elegant and fresh, just like my vision for the boutique. I played around with other names but Blanc de Blanc Bridal was the one that had a special ring to it and stuck.
The location:
Our boutique is located on the second floor of a historic firehouse that has tons of open loft space and unique character. Our neighbourhood, Carrick, is just a quick drive from downtown Pittsburgh area. I chose our location because our firehouse building is very special to my family and I. The first floor of the building has housed my mother's garment business for the past 10 years. Growing up, I spent my summers coming to work with my mom and learning to sew in the production room from her seamstresses. The sunlight drenched space on the second floor had been used for storage for all of those years. I saw the beauty and had the vision to transform the second floor into something beautiful and magical. Our boutique is a hidden gem and it never gets old seeing our bride's faces light up with amazement as they turn the corner and enter the boutique. Fun fact: there is an old safe in one of our fitting rooms that used to hold all of the Marriage Licenses for the town in the early 1900s.
Favourite Truvelle gown?
It's so hard to choose a favorite Truvelle style but I am currently smitten over the new Kim gown. I love the effortless, ethereal style of the flowing chiffon skirt, the unique criss-cross chiffon back that is tied together with the sublet bodice beading.
How would you style it?
I would style the Kim gown with a vegan fur jacket by Nili Lotan, strappy metallic gladiator Valentino sandals, minimal Baguette stick earrings by Moucin, and a moody yet colorful wild bouquet.
How did you discover Truvelle?
I discovered the Truvelle bridal line when I was working at Schone Bride in Brooklyn. From the first time I saw the Truvelle collection, I was in love. Each gown was so unique and the silhouettes compliment many different body types. I just knew that Truvelle was a very special bridal line and I was certain that they would be a part of my own boutique someday.
How would you describe the Blanc de Blanc bride?
The Blanc de Blanc Bride is style-conscious, fashion-forward, and modern. She wants a unique wedding day look that encompasses her true beauty and individuality. Our brides are also seeking an intimate and one-on-one shopping experience as opposed to the traditional bridal boutique craziness.
Dream wedding?
Late fall in southern Italy — the Almafi coast with my nearest and dearest friends and family. The ceremony would take place with the Mediterranean Sea as our backdrop, followed by an amazing family-style dinner at an infinity table, fabulous Italian wine, and dancing the night away under the stars.
