Bridal wear for the Modern Woman | Created by Sophie Douglas
Our designs are classic yet modern, bold yet refined, while remaining unapologetically feminine.
Looking for the outfit for your wedding day is never an easy decision. Brides could be looking for that something that is a little unique, that is a reflection of their own personal style, and something completely timeless. Well, local designer Sophie Douglas, and her new Bridal wear label, Luna Joy, has debuted one-of-a-kind bridal range; Lever de Lune.
Sophie, originally from Grafton in Northern New South Wales, has been an adopted Novocastrian for the past 13 years.Sophie transitioned into fashion after a career in the corporate sector.
“I first studied fashion design straight after high school. I went to the Fashion Business Institute in Sydney for a couple of years, and I had a job in the fashion industry after that. Then I got a bit side-tracked by a business degree and a law degree and the whole corporate sector; which I worked in for a couple of years,” Sophie told me.
Sophie’s creative side was still bubbling away while working away in the corporate sector, but it wasn’t until she was pregnant with her daughter that she decided to pursue her dream.
“I knew I wanted to come back to fashion design, and when I was pregnant with my daughter, I knew it was the time. It’s been a process over the past three years of building Luna Joy to a place where I wanted to be.”
The culmination of this process was the launch of the label and its debut range Lever de Lune held at Muster Point Collective in Mayfield mid-August.
The launch showcased the label’s first six designs, including three gowns, two tops, and a pant. The designs are elegantly classic yet modern, bold yet refined, and of utmost importance, unapologetically feminine.
“Our focus is on clean, simple lines, with elegance drawn from flattering silhouettes, quality fabrics, and subtle design features.”
Sophie states on the website that her pieces are created for the modern woman. But what exactly is a modern woman?
“Relaxed, sophisticated, and classic. Someone who is really after that relaxed vibe, and they want to feel and look really good in what they’re wearing. She’s worldly, she’s curious and she has good taste, she knows what she likes, and she knows what fits her body well.”
While the debut range is small, it still allows for brides to create a style suitable to their own style, with the option to mix and match tops with pants or switch outfits from ceremony to reception.
“I wanted to have separate pieces so that women could design their own unique look. Whilst the gowns are really popular, I wanted to do something a little bit different. So, that’s why I’ve also got the bridal suit.”
So, why did you choose bridal wear to design?
“I really love construction and the detail. Couture just thrills me. I love watching how they do it. I could endlessly watch Dior YouTube videos.
“So there was a desire to learn how to sew properly and how to do it well. And also, when I was getting married, I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted. Bridal really ticked a lot of those boxes.”
The brand is ultimately about bringing variety to brides in Newcastle. Luna Joy allows brides the opportunity to find a piece or pieces that are comfortable, timeless, and ultimately reflect their personality and style. Offering a unique service and garments, brides can purchase pieces directly from the website. Each piece is then made to order to the bride’s size.
“I want women to feel really comfortable and unintimidated by the process of choosing their unique, personal look.”
Sophie also offers consultations by appointment at her studio space in Hamilton. Brides can be measured to determine their size and discuss their style and which piece will be the best fit for them. If you’re sample size you can even try on the pieces.
If you’re engaged and looking for a piece for your special day, head to the website, browse the Lever de Lune range and learn about the concept behind Sophie Douglas’ Luna Joy.