la bella vita.: Begitta

Every now and then I am lucky enough to be browsing Facebook pages and come across something amazing. One particular day I came across a label called Begitta. A label from a woman so talented that her amazing designs have the ability to completely take you away to another place.

la bella vita. was lucky enough to be able to talk to Begitta about her passion for design and how she got started in fashion.

1. When did you first start Begitta?

I graduated from college in 2008. The same year I was a student finalist at the National Retail Awards. Officially the label began in 2009 when Begitta was featured at Gold Coast Fashion Week in the HIGHLIGHTS show. From then on it snowballed! Since, I have worked with so many wonderful clients creating beautiful Custom Couture Wedding and Formal gowns. Now, having completed my final studies in Paris last year and have since released an exciting new Ready-To-Wear Collection “Le Chateau”.

2. Have you always been interested in designing?

I’ve always been very creative. I would spend hours as a child drawing and making things and I’ve always loved dressing up. The teachers at my Kindergarten would wait at the gate “To see what Begitta is wearing today”. I guess I have always been drawn to theatrics and pretty things; it was a natural succession to end up doing it for a living!

3. What inspired Begitta?

I guess it has all just been a fluid transition from growing up, loving to create things and being quite artistic. I really couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I love, live, breath to create and what better way to use that passion than to make pretty dresses for beautiful girls!

4. Tell us a little about the label, your designs etc.

Begitta is a label that was born from the dream of love, passion, romance and fairytales. Begitta creates a fantasy of fabric adorned with beauty and elegance that can only come from the sweet surroundings of all that can inspire you.

As a designer I strive to offer garments of excellent quality, fabulous fits and high style, which are well finished and beautifully embellished. Using the five staple words of the label, Feminine, Fun, Flirty, Elegant, Fabulous, each garment is designed with special attention to detail and finishing, using quality fabrics and decadent trims.

5. Which is your favourite collection?

Choosing my favourite would be like picking a favourite child. I think I could choose a favourite piece or two, which would have to be the “Lost in Wonderland” gown; a frothy pink layered tulle concoction with hand draped bodice that has been a favourite among all. The other would have to be the “Lady Divine” gown I created in Paris. It was created using techniques learned from the couturier hand of a designer named Madame Gres. Gres created such wondrous work and dressed the likes of Jackie Onassis and Princess Grace Kelly. Needless to say, it was very inspiring working on the gown using these amazing techniques.

Lost In Wonderland Gown

Lady Divine Gown

6. What are your favourite parts of designing?

My favourite? There are just so many things that I love about designing. The absolute best thing would be the reaction of the wearer. When you work so hard on a dress, whether it be beading, hand draping or a technical pattern, you put your heart into the piece. When it’s finally finished and your client puts on the dress and says “I feel like an absolute princess” it really makes you feel as though you are floating on a cloud. To have someone show such appreciation for your work is such a wonderful feeling!

7. What does it mean to you to be an inspirational women?

I never thought of myself in that way. To do the work that you have so much passion for and to have the opportunity to pursue your dream is such an exciting thing in itself. Life should be about following your dreams, following your heart and having the strength and passion to really go for it, no matter what you come up against.

8. What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?

I have been given so many wonderful opportunities. I cannot begin to thank all the amazing people who have supported me on my journey. To pick just one though, I would have to say working with Peugeot Car Company, creating a custom dress design for the launch of the new RCZ at the Australian International Motor show. To work with such a large and well-known brand has been such an amazing adventure and an absolute dream come true!

Begitta Customed Made Hostess Dress for Peugeot

9. What is next for Begitta?

The future has endless possibilities and so many exciting things to come, most of these I can’t reveal just yet. But I can say that we are excited to be moving into a new studio very soon, which will make room for fabulous new collections as well as some beautiful custom-made bridal & formal gowns!

Some of Begitta's amazing designs...