Joe San Antonio's latest bridal collection, "Nouvelle Vie," is an exploration of new beginnings and personal transformation. Fresh from the joy of welcoming her second child, the bridal couturier has infused this collection with a blend of old-world elegance and contemporary flair. Inspired by the journey of every bride stepping into a new chapter of life, her designs embrace non-traditional patterns, intricate textures, and a timeless color palette of ivory and off-white.
In an interview with Preview, Joe San Antonio walks us through the process of bringing her 2025 bridal collection to life, including exclusive insights on her muse, actress Bianca Umali.
Preview Exclusive: Joe San Antonio Talks About Her 2025 Bridal Collection "Nouvelle Vie"
Congratulations on your new collection, Joe! Could you tell us a little bit about the concept and creative vision behind this lineup?
"There have been a lot of changes happening in my life for the past few months. I've done my dream of doing Paris Fashion Week, and I just gave birth to my second child after waiting for eight years. The concept of this collection is like a new beginning. 'Nouvelle Vie' means new life in French. Every bride will have a new life after walking down the aisle, and this collection is a mixture of the old and the new me as a designer."
Are there any influences that shaped this collection? How did they inspire your work?
"In this collection, I did not restrain myself from thinking out of the box. I wanted to show brides what I can do besides our traditional wedding gowns [with pieces that] would still look elegant and timeless."
What are the main design elements that defined this collection?
"I played with a lot of textures like electric pleating, direct beading, and hand embroidery. I [stuck] with two colors for this collection that I know will complement Asian brides, such as ivory and off-white."
How long did it take you to complete this collection?
"It took me three months to do the whole collection, as the hand beadings are very intricate. It really took time."
Could you walk us through the production process?
"With some of the gowns, we really had to outsource the best laces and fabric from abroad before the show. But for some, we had them custom-patterned, such as those with embroidery patterns and linear direct beading details in the gowns. I'm very hands-on with my gowns, and I personally did the layouts on how the electric pleated gown will flow. I want the audience to see the intricate details in each."
What makes this collection particularly unique from your past collections?
"I wanted a different approach from my previous collection. I went for non-traditional patterns of laces, and linear and architectural beading. This collection embodied a more textured and bolder side of me."
What was it like to have Bianca Umali walk for your latest bridal show?
"I was so thrilled when she said yes to walking for me. She is truly a beautiful girl inside and out. She is one of my muses that I feel at ease with. She definitely brings out the best in people, and she really brought my vision to life."
Could you share with us why Bianca was chosen as the muse for this collection?
"When I was doing this collection, I wanted to have an authentic approach in designing my gowns, and I thought that Bianca would be the only one to pull off such looks! I personally designed the finale gown for her, and I thought about what she would look like when she becomes a bride."
What message do you wish to convey through this collection?
"I want to show them there's something you can look forward to in your new journey. And when choosing a wedding gown, they can just be themselves."
Can you share any fun facts or unknown trivia about this collection?
“I actually designed some of these dresses during my bed rest before giving birth!”
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