CLAUDIA & STEVEN
Old Hollywood Glamour Meets the Modern Bride
Claudia in Custom Antoinette Fusillo
Sculptural minimalism found its stage in Claudia’s custom Antoinette Fusillo wedding dress, a design that merged Old Hollywood glamour with the modern sensibilities of today’s bride. Melbourne bridal designer Antoinette Fusillo is renowned for her architectural approach to draping, and here it unfolded with a fluid precision that felt both timeless and forward-looking.
The gown carried Antoinette’s signature mastery of structure, meticulous draping wrapped elegantly across the bodice, framing Claudia’s neckline in a soft, off-the-shoulder silhouette. This technique, instantly recognizable as Antoinette Fusillo’s hand, worked not only to accentuate form but to create a dialogue between sculptural lines and delicate movement. The fabric skimmed gracefully over the body before falling into a seamless train, its understated grandeur a deliberate departure from overt embellishment. Instead, the craftsmanship spoke louder than any ornamentation.
A soft tulle veil layered the look with ethereal delicacy, diffusing light as it caught the morning sun. The combination of sharp architectural design with the whisper of tulle created a balance between modern restraint and bridal romanticism. Claudia’s entire presence was elevated by this interplay, her aura radiant and her poise reminiscent of Old Hollywood icons.
Transitioning from atelier to aisle, the setting of The Stones of Yarra Valley offered the perfect stage for such a vision. On a winter’s morning, crisp air framed the vineyards in a still beauty. Every detail from Claudia on the balcony to the way the gown’s train cascaded over rustic flooring, the golden warmth of family gathered close, felt composed yet natural, a living editorial moment.
"You didn't just design and bring my dream gown to life, you brought calm, kindness, and your signature touch to every moment. Having you by my side as I stepped into that day is something I'll treasure forever" - Claudia
What resonated most was how seamlessly the gown reflected Claudia herself. The design wasn’t about theatrics. It was about distilling her personality into couture. The elegance was confident, never forced, and the dress carried the weight of intimacy as much as artistry. In Claudia’s own words....
“To me, this dress was pure elegance, and better than I could have ever envisioned. We kept it modern, but made it timeless. It brought structure and softness—every fold and detail thoughtfully crafted. You created perfection.” – Claudia
This sentiment encapsulated not only the dress but the philosophy of Antoinette Fusillo’s bridal couture. The outcome was not just a dress, but a memory etched in fabric. A gown that served as both an heirloom and a reflection of the present moment.
Photographer: Studio Danielle
Minimal grandness defined the final effect. It was a study in less-is-more, where purity of silhouette triumphed over embellishment, and elegance resided in the subtleties. From the off-shoulder neckline that whispered of old Hollywood starlets, to the sweep of the train that commanded a modern runway appeal, the dress became an intersection of eras.
For Claudia and Steven, the day marked the beginning of a marriage. For us, it was a privilege to witness their love and Claudia’s transformation into a bride. It was the culmination of couture, where craftsmanship, individuality, and emotion converge to create a gown that will forever be remembered.