Five minutes with Brisbane wedding designer, Brad Webb of Darb Bridal Couture

No doubt, Brad Webb and his award-winning Brisbane label Darb Bridal Couture are already on your radar, for this industry icon is proof that style truly is the time-honoured test of time. We’re huge fans here at QB, and so it was a pleasure to recently have a quick catch up with this master couturier to ask a few questions about his enduring passion for bridal design, his style inspiration and what’s next for Darb Bridal Couture.

QB: What sparked your interest in wedding dress design?
Brad: “I would have to say the freedom to create. A wedding gown is all about making a statement of a brides style. It’s also the chance for a bride to feel the absolute luxury of a gown that has been custom made to her body, it not only looks stunning but it is a delight to wear.” 

QB: What inspires you and who are your style icons?
Brad: “A few things give me the inspiration to draw on. Firstly it’s the fabrics I use, I love exquisite silk, delicate lace and embroidery, and the luxe feel of these always spark ideas in my head as soon as I see the right piece. I’m also inspired by the whole vibe that a bride is wanting to create, at times it’s almost a case of me just closing my eyes and visualising her in her dream setting – and the ideas immediately start to flow.  Of course, my style icon has to be Dior. The lines and cuts and classic elegance of his designs simply transcend time, proving that style is always in fashion.”

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QB: Describe your style in 3 words:
Brad: ” • Classic • Sculptured  • Luxe”

QB: When designing a new collection, what is your process and do you design with a certain type of bride in mind? Do trends matter?
Brad: “When designing a new collection part is created from imagination and part is inspired by fabrics and embellishments. Trends don’t matter because to me, bridal design is classic. Of course, you need to remain current and I like to scatter the collection with fashion-inspired elements but the strength of my label lies in the fact that I like to do my own thing rather than follow the crowd.”

QB: Do you have a favourite material to work with?
Brad: “Oh, I adore silk, I just can’t get enough of it.”

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QB: What do you do to relax?
Brad: “Sleep! 😊 But, in all seriousness, I do love to indulge in a bit of Chip and Joanna Gaines, they really are food for the soul.”

QB: What is your most treasured possession?
Brad: “Well, that would be The Spirit of Ecstasy, she is the bonnet ornament from the Rolls Royce motorcar. It’s a long story but I love her sitting on the mantle.” [QB: we want to hear more!]

QB: What advice would you give to brides-to-be searching for their dream dress?
Brad: “Oh, that’s easy, come see me straight away. The next best thing is to keep an open mind as to design an look. A wedding gown is a very personal thing and it can come down to how a cut makes you feel when you are wearing it. While styled fashion shoots are fabulous for drawing inspiration from, you can’t make your decision based solely a look you’ve seen. Another tip is to try to limit the number of guests you take shopping with you. It’s lovely to share with your family and friends but too many people can overwhelm and make it hard to focus.”

QB: What’s next? What do you look forward to most for the future of Darb Bridal Couture?
Brad: “We do have some very exciting things going on but are keeping them under wraps for the moment. Stay tuned!”

You can find Darb Bridal Couture in the Brisbane Arcade, 7/160 Queen St, Brisbane City and check out more of the couture collection here.