Today’s blog post marks another long overdue piece from my Asia travel archives, but I wanted to share it anyway because these couture gowns are just too exquisite to skip over. If you have an appreciation for painstaking craftsmanship as I do, then you’ll also love my latest brand crush: Vernalmania.

---

BRAND CRUSH: VERNALMANIA – COUTURE GOWNS WITH A STORY

Vernalmania is a line founded by my good friend, Ribbon Hsieh (whom I met while interning at Jason Wu here in NYC), and her partner, Blanca Lin (an alumni of the prestigious haute couture school, Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, in Paris). Blanca has also worked under famous haute couture designer Yiqing Yin. So with those impressive credentials, it’s no surprise that the gowns you’re about to see are so opulent and plush beyond words.

You can see from the photos that I’m wearing three very distinct dresses – all of which come from a special collaboration between Vernalmania and Musée Project (a couture brand inspired by the different museums around the world). This particular collection hones in on the assortment of ancient Chinese artifacts and artwork housed in the Taipei Palace Museum. It is the most famous museum in Taiwan and also a major tourist hotspot. I was thrilled to see these pieces come to life because they boast so much culture and history.

The first look features a dress that was motivated by an antique blossom painting. I love how the color and complex floral stitchings embodied everything about the painting. The attached sequin pieces were also super emblematic of the coral berries (also in the painting). It felt as surreal on as it looks.

The second dress was inspired by a bejeweled hair crosspiece, which is evidenced by the the floral inlays cascading down the torso of this gown. I was smitten by the meshing of the sumptuous sheer and pleated fabrics. If you’re familiar with fashion design at all, you can probably imagine the level of difficulty involved in piecing this gown together.

Finally, the last piece was absolutely magical. It was inspired by a painted snuff bottle – and closely resembled the lacquered relic with the rounded floral design spread across the chest. The silk accents combined with the delicate fabrics made it an ethereal masterpiece. To see the full collection, visit Vernalmania here.

As I’ve said multiple times before, I love supporting up-and-coming brands, and Vernalmania is definitely a couture brand to watch. Their meticulous (and undetectable) hand stitching and use of the finest fabrics are conspicuous – and I was blown away by the attention to detail and quality craftsmanship engrossed in their designs. Be sure to stay tuned to their 2018 winter collection, which spans a dreamy set of exquisite dresses and coats.

---

Photography by Austin Donohue

---

For more of my favorite brands, check out my favorite silk robes from Carine Gilson:

Brand Crush: Carine Gilson – Couture Lingerie & Silk Robes

Or this luxurious dressing gown here:

Luxurious Dressing Gowns Fit For A Burlesque Star

---