Lady LUX

In fashion there have been some dynamic duos: Dolce & Gabbana, Proenza Schouler, Marchesa. Now joining the list, Bianca De Pietro and Rachele Wendling have teamed up to make their own magic with Bianca Rachele, a line of unique dresses and gowns.

The young designers met in 2006 at Philadelphia University while studying fashion design. The two instantly bonded, debating the ideas of quality versus quantity and timeless custom design rather than mass-produced fast fashion. De Pietro and Wendling ultimately decided to collaborate on a fashion line that focused on perfectly fitted, tailored designs crafted in the best environmentally friendly materials.

LadyLUX via Bianca-Rachele

But before the two began their dream of designing a clothing collection, De Pietro and Wendling had to work hard to acquire plenty of experience. Both talented designers studied abroad at Accademia Italiana in Florence and at the American Intercontinental University in London, gaining international insider knowledge of the industry.

Since graduating, De Pietro and Wendling have gained notable experience working independently with respected designers, including Vera Wang, J. Mendel, Paula Hian and William Calvery.

LadyLUX via Bianca-Rachele

Finally living their dream of a collaboration line through Bianca Rachele, the match-made duo debuted a feminine and romantic Spring 2012 collection titled “Deliquesce” early November. The unique name describes the delicate process of raw materials dissolving over time.

Inspired by spring’s varying weather patterns of mild sunshine and April showers, De Pietro and Wendling paired this seasonal idea with the theme of natural deterioration to create innovative fabric manipulations and organic dyeing processes using silk chiffon, charmeuse, organza and satin.

LadyLUX via Bianca-Rachele

“We try to find beauty in things that aren’t typically perceived as being beautiful and transform it into works of art. We like our inspiration to be deeper than just a color or style for the season,” De Pietro said.

To further elevate the collaboration, the pair teamed up with Katherine Labate, a talented textile designer that shares a similar philosophy, to create one-of-a-kind printed silks and woven jacquards.

Within each piece of the collection, balance and movement are a key focus. Each distinctive design features soft, feminine silhouettes that highlight the shoulders and whimsical movement juxtaposed with complex embellishments of floral appliqués, layered silk, cascade pleating and hand-beaded embroidery. Embracing the gentleness, the collection color palette is subtle, with tones of blush, cream, plum, sea foam, gray and black.

LadyLUX via Bianca-Rachele

Bianca Rachele is a brand to watch. With De Pietro and Wendling’s expertise in construction and technical capabilities paired with their creative imagination, expect the duo to continue delivering complex, progressive designs.

This article was contributed Annette Tang of the Versastyle. You can follow Annette and her fashion adventures on Twitter at @theversastyle.nbsp;

Tagged in: spring 2012, bianca de pietro, deliquesce, philadelphia university, rachele wendling, bianca-rachele,

Fashion / Features