Suzanah Lombardo

"I see myself more as a fashion artist rather than a designer, creating gowns that are wearable and artistic," says Suzanah Lombardo. A quietly spoken yet glamorous young woman, her newly opened bridal salon in Grattan Street, Carlton reflects a similar finess. The tiny shop front reveals a jewel of a salon where Suzanah plies her trade.

Tell us about your training
and background.
Sewing and design are in my blood; my mother was a great dressmaker. I completed a three year Bachelor of Art in Fashion Design at RMIT and then worked in London in the high fashion division of the Clements Ribeiro team. Afterwards I worked for one of Europe's top couture designers, John Galliano.

What attracted you to bridal
couture?
The old traditions and history of couture techniques. The luxury of beautiful fabrics and attention to detail. The personalised service with a client allows you to create one-off masterpieces that indulge in exquisite fabrics, or create new fabrics with embroidery, beading, lacework, etc... The sky is the limit. You can be yourself in creating a special gown and making dreams
come true.

Tell us about opening your new
boutique.
"A new name to remember in Melbourne". I wanted to create a salon with the feeling that you're walking into a boudoir or a palace that's oppulent and the bride feels like a princess where all her dreams can come true. I chose French antiques and rich, warm colours. It has a relaxed atmosphere and old fashioned personal service. I want people to feel like they're in one of the most
beautiful shops in Melbourne.

What are your inspirations when designing?
They come to me at any time of the day, even when I'm walking in the street, and especially when I'm by the ocean. I usually start with colour, which may come from flowers or nature, then I source fabrics that are fine and luxurious which inspire me and usually dictate the style of design. Many classic black and white movies are inspiring. Art would also be a major inspiration, from Monet
to Renoir.

Describe your style.
Stunning fabrics and textures; very elegant, simple and individual. I like to cater for all personalities and budgets. I want a woman to feel inspired and I aim to capture the natural inner beauty each person has. Using couture techniques I can create a gown to be remembered - after all, it will be the most photographed dress you'll ever wear and I believe it should reflect your personality and style. I pride myself on seeing through the entire wedding gown experience resulting in a gown hand crafted to you. A visit to the Suzanah Lombardo salon is a must.

Where do you see your place in Melbourne's bridal industry and what point of difference will you offer brides?
I'd like to breathe new life into the world of bridal couture. I personally fit all my gowns and am at all my consultations, down to the final
fitting.

Clients will feel the
benefit of personal service. I am very passionate about my dresses and source and hand pick all of my exquisite fabrics. Embroidery and beadwork is done in-house. Natural talent is visible in my own
signature gowns and I also design individual gowns for the bride-to-be. Keep your eyes peeled for
new designs.

Describe a favourite wedding gown that you have created.
It is called 'Crystal', a very haute-couture gown in pale pink and ivory tulle. Each pleat is hand draped and hand stiched creating swirls that are flattering around the figure. There are hand painted
flowers creating a dreamy, floaty look. This dress took many hours to
construct and was a labour of love.

What embellishments feature on your gowns?
I source some of my fabrics from Europe. I have designer lengths from some major designers overseas. Some of my gowns are embellished with hand sculptured silk organza and silk satin flowers that are made in Melbourne. I also make flowers in-house from our own fabrics to match the gowns, and these are often dyed to match. We are also making our own bags and shoes with beading and pretty details. We do make evening wear and gowns for bridesmaids - off the rack, or we make to order.
We have a selection vintage jewellery pieces for sale (one of a kind pieces) as well as contemporary crystal jewellery.

What other designers do you admire?
Dior for the 50s glamour and styling. Balenciaga for the innovative construction. Christian Lacroix for
amazing fabrics and use of textures, colour and laces. And, of course, John Galliano, a true genius of his time.

Suzanah Lombardo
115 Grattan Street
Carlton, Vic.
Ph: (03) 9347 1080