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Nu Bride Presents Rita Colson
So on Friday this happened!
I had the absolute pleasure of producing a debut bridal collection launch for chic London designer; Rita Colson in front of VIP industry and press at one of my favourite venues, RSA House.
It was not only a debut for Rita’s 2017 bridal Collection, but it was also my debut catwalk show. Never produced one before, but I have produced theatre show before and always thought, so was excited to accept the challenge! Let me tell you it was a project that was an absolute joy to be part of.
Rita’s designs are refreshingly modern with a classical twist, infusing luxurious crepe and silk materials which are ethically sourced. Rita is influenced by pretty much everything around her. Creativity oozes out of her and her passion for life is infectious. Rita has a huge love for art, music and dance, so we knew we wanted to incorporate all three of these aspects into her catwalk show, so we incorporated live music and dance and what better back drop to host the event than the elegant Tavern Room; at Royal Society of Arts.
Rita is wonderfully creative so working together was a dream. We knew from the beginning we wanted to infuse live singing Rita was keen to have opera and we decided to have this juxtaposed against contemporary / hip-hop dance to mirror the inspiration behind her designs.
“My debut collection is inspired by my love of bold silhouettes, vintage, and playful textures. A collection that celebrates the craftsmanship of intricate beading, applique of 3D flowers over lace cleverly styled and put together”
The collection is designed with the independent woman in mind, who enjoys investing in classic pieces, and always opts for style and what suits her body and not necessarily what’s ‘trending.”
The back stage buzz all day was deliciously quietly calm. I love producing events where I can just let the team I have entrusted, to work their magic and do what they do best. I had such a fantastic team on board, eager to support and laugh with each other throughout the day
We wanted a fresh black and white theme to match the elegant simplicity of Rita’s branding. With a few inspiration boards, we created an elegant fresh white and pantone green palette with impeccable florals by Miriam Faith Flowers, featuring seasonal flowers including beautiful fresh blossom, roses, anemones, ranunculus and more. The room smelt as heavenly as it looked.
The tone of the event was set by this incredibly elegant stationery, a clever illustration of one of Rita’s designs by the wonderful De Winton Paper Co.
The uber friendly and talented Matt Maurice and team were on hand with our chic sound, production and lighting.
As guests arrived, they were treated to delicious canapés and fizz to the soulful soothing sounds from the beautifully talented singer MA.RI.AM in tow with her acoustic guitar.
Models were beautified by incredibly popular mother and daughter duo; Joyce Connor on make up and Hayley King on hair. Always a joy to have around, with a tale or two to tell! Our models; Charlotte, Ceci, Juliet, Masha and Nyakor were accessorised by beautiful Jewellery and hair accessories from Kelly Spence and shoes from one of my favourite shoe designers: Charlotte Mills Bridal and boy did they rock the catwalk!
Our models were an absolutely joy to work with and I am not just saying that. Beautiful authentic women, inside and out.
And let me talk about our beautiful Soprano Abigail. Absolutely sensational.
The show opened with a powerful performance by Jermaine Joseph our incredible dancer and Abigail Broughton, who was wearing a stunning red crepe dress from Rita’s forthcoming evening wear collection. Abigail’s voice gets right into your very being, absolutely stunning, the opening to Casta Diva was performed by contemporary and hip-hop dancer Jermaine who told a beautiful story of a best mans journey through dance. A beautiful contemporary juxtaposition against the opera. The audience was in for a treat!
The models smouldered their way down the catwalk to opera classics Summertime and Mio Babbino Caro, with a finale to Omar’s ‘Ghana Emotion’ a nod to Rita’s heritage, where Rita received the most heartwarming reception as she took centre stage. It was a joy to see all the 15 months of work come to this wonderful crescendo.
It really was a pleasure to work with such a talented group of people.
As a bride to be I got so frustrated by seeing lots of different versions of the same thing on the catwalk, by not seeing different versions of women and race diversity on the catwalk, I wondered what the barrier was. I learnt from producing and casting this show, there is no barrier, it is simply about intention and creativity. We effortless cast 5 beautifully diverse women in our show in their 20’s right up to their 40’s. It really isn’t difficult, the desire and the intention simply has to be there. Thank you Rita Colson for wanting to design chic and elegant designs for all different types of women. . Be the change you want to see in the world. Strive. Achieve and dare to dream. Anything is possible.
Enough from me. Check out the stunning images from Cecelina Photography and this beautiful video from Urban Cinematography that reduced both Rita and I to tears!
Video
Behind The Scenes
The Show
More Information
Rita offers a made-to-measure and couture services from her West London base and her dresses will shortly be available in selected boutiques. Prices start from £1850. If you would like further information please visit:
The Talent
Designer: Rita Colson
Produced by Nova Reid, Nu Bride
Photography: Cecelina Photography
Video: Urban Cinematography
Flowers: Miriam Faith Flowers || Hair: HK Hair Artist || Make Up: Joyce Connor Make up || Lighting & Sound: Matt Maurice Events || Linens: Over the Top Rentals || Jewellery: Kelly Spence || Shoes: Charlotte Mills Bridal || Stationery: De Winton Paper Co || Venue: RSA House
Singers: Abigail Broughton | MA.RI.AM
Dancer: Jermaine Joseph
Models: Charlotte Brooke, Nyakor Riam, Masha Kaya, Ceci Zhang, Juliet Gough
Stunning absolutely stunning!
Thank you Teneisha!
How wonderful?! Such a gorgeous event and what a way to make a debut! I love everything about it. The performances, the designs, the models, flowers, etc. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you kind Heather!