“Our new Rhapsody Collection came out during lockdown in April. Though we had to cancel our annual catwalk show, the collection received great response both from brides and buyers.” Anita Benes of Daalarna Couture on what’s new at the brand
To say I’m a little obsessed with Daalarna Couture’s latest collection, Rhapsody is an understatement. BOY is it heart-stoppingly good. Prepare to covet everything from voluminous balloon sleeves, to exquisite lace, breathtaking illusion necklines, fashion-forward silhouettes and floral detailing that’s like falling into a state of botanical bridal heaven. It’s a collection where texture plays a huge, beautifully whimsical part – be it with whispering feathers, dreamy tulle or structured appliqué. A collection which a bride can be her true, free-spirited self in. Delightedly, I managed to catch up with Daalarna Couture ‘s designer, Anita Benes to discuss all things Rhapsody and lockdown…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before: “Fear, worry, strength.”
After: “Trust, cooperation, challenge.”
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“I usually wake up early as all of my three kids are home now. After breakfast they study online, so the morning routine is pretty much the same as before, the only difference is that we are not stuck in traffic during morning rush hour. 🙂
I also work from home, I spend more time now in front of my computer however, which is pretty intense. I don’t have time to create new routines or habits, there is always a lot to do around the house. The only new habit I’ve adopted while in lockdown is that I cook more and I bake bread every day. It’s amazing! 🙂
I love spending more time with my family, but I really miss my team and the process of creating something new and exciting in the atelier. I think a lot about the new Daalarna collection and I’m trying to find new inspirations for the upcoming season.”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“We closed our boutique and atelier in Budapest for over a month, but luckily we could re-open early May. Brides are in a difficult situation, many of them have had to postpone or even cancel their big day which is really sad. Still, our clients are very optimistic, and they think that their wedding dress is the only thing now that they can be sure of in regards of wedding planning. Brides can rely on us and as we can still manufacture, their dresses will be ready for their big day. We also try to help them with tips and advice – we’ve started a new column in our online magazine and asked wedding vendors (photographers, wedding planners, florists etc.) to tell their stories and provide their advice to brides.” Click here to discover Secret Stories by Daalarna Couture now.
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “Anna Decker – pilates instructor.”
No.2 “Egy csipet torta – they make amazing sweets and cakes.”
No.3 “Unicef Hungary.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“The freshly baked bread I make.”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“Gin and tonic and a good book.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“Yeast for baking.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“I started missing the morning traffic jams…”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“FaceTime.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Grocery shopping.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Spending time with my husband and our three children.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My parents.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“My pilates trainer sent me a video of exercises that I could do at home. She made this video only for me.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“Our new Rhapsody Collection came out during lockdown in April. Though we had to cancel our annual catwalk show, the collection received great response both from brides and buyers.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Spending more time with my family.”
No.2 “My beautiful garden.”
No.3 “A walk in the woods.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“We have so many great restaurants in Budapest. I will visit them all! Thus, I don’t have to cook for everyone like now :D”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Maybe it’s strange, but I am not a Netflix type of person. I hardly watch TV. I prefer books or a magazine.”
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
The Love of a good Woman by Alice Munro
The Testaments by Margaret Atwood
Kitchen Secrets by Raymond Blanc
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“Gin, lime, lemongrass, sparkling water – healthier than with tonic :)”
Want to discover more about Daalarna Couture and the brand’s glorious new Rhapsody Collection? Click here.
Read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite designers and brands here on Bridal Editor.
CREDITS
Photography: Éva Papp & Zoltán Schneider
Hair & Makeup: Csilla Kiss
Models: Berta Nagy / Attractive Models & Lilla Molnár / Highlight Models
Earrings and headpieces: Rienne Bride
