Boutique bridal brand Bella Belle was the brainchild of high school friends Erina Ardianto and Veronyca Kwan. The two had a shared passion for footwear and noticed a glaring void in the market. “Women, especially brides, were often forced to choose between comfort and aesthetic appeal,” Kwan explains. “The available options were either unappealing white shoes or stylish ready-to-wear colored ones that didn’t quite match their bridal vision.”
Together, Kwan and Ardianto founded Bella Belle with a clear mission: “to redefine bridal footwear by designing shoes that are both exceptionally comfortable and exquisitely stylish.” Now, the brand is available in wedding boutiques in the U.S. and Canada, Asia, Europe, and Australia. For the coming season, the co-founders want to expand Bella Belle‘s global presence. “To achieve this, we’re enhancing our online presence and establishing a stronger foothold in key international markets. We’re also excited to introduce more inclusive designs that reflect diverse tastes and traditions,” Kwan says. “Our goal is to ensure that every bride, no matter where she is, can find the perfect pair of shoes that make her feel special on her big day.”
The designer sat down with Footwear Plus to cover the latest when it comes to footwear for walking down the aisle.
Tell me about your SS25 vision.
Our SS25 collection will embody our commitment to combining comfort with elegance, offering designs that are as varied and unique as the brides who wear them. By embracing global influences and focusing on inclusivity, we’re ready to bring Bella Belle’s signature blend of beauty and comfort to a wider audience.
How has the wedding market evolved and what is today’s bride looking for in footwear?
The wedding market has undergone a significant evolution, with today’s brides seeking footwear that blends style and comfort seamlessly. Traditionally, brides were limited to choices that often sacrificed one for the other. However, contemporary brides are increasingly prioritizing both aesthetic appeal and wearability.
At Bella Belle, we understand this shift in preferences. Modern brides are drawn to shoes that not only complement their bridal attire but also ensure they can dance the night away in comfort. Trends such as bows and pearls have become popular, adding whimsical and romantic touches to bridal footwear.
Our shoes at Bella Belle are designed precisely with these trends in mind, offering intricate detailing like delicate bows and embellishments that resonate with today’s bride. Each pair is crafted to be as comfortable as it is stylish, using premium materials and thoughtful construction techniques.
Where do you find inspiration for your designs?
Inspiration for our designs at Bella Belle springs from a diverse array of sources that resonate deeply with our experiences and the world around us. We believe in drawing creativity from everyday moments and meaningful narratives.
During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Metamorphosis collection emerged as a tribute to resilience and transformation. This theme, influenced by personal experiences and reflections on overcoming adversity during the unprecedented time, led to designs like “Eve,” a shoe that depicts a fresh beginning and growth.
Our Champagne Era collection is inspired by a phase of life celebrating big or small achievements. The shoes in this collection are indulgent with sparkles and are dance floor-worthy. The glamorous shoes resonate with brides looking to be superstars on their day and beyond.
Our Poetry of Love collection takes inspiration from classic poems that stir emotions. The collection features rhyming embroidery and flowers to depict the flowery language used in poems. We even shot the campaign in Lake Como, the summer residence of famous poets in the yesteryears.
At Bella Belle, each design tells a story that connects with our journey and values. Whether inspired by cultural influences, personal milestones, or artistic expressions, every shoe is crafted with a blend of creativity and significance. Our aim is to offer brides not just footwear, but pieces that resonate with the depth of their own narratives and celebrations.
What are some of your favorite trends of the moment?
At Bella Belle, we’re excited about the dynamic trends shaping bridal footwear today. Two contrasting yet equally captivating trends that have caught our attention are minimalism and maximalism.
Minimalism continues to resonate with brides seeking understated elegance. Clean lines, simple silhouettes, and subtle embellishments define this trend, appealing to those who appreciate timeless sophistication. Our minimalist designs focus on refined details and impeccable craftsmanship, ensuring each shoe makes a statement through its understated simplicity.
On the other end of the spectrum, maximalism celebrates opulence and extravagance. Bold embellishments, intricate patterns, and luxurious materials define this trend, catering to brides who desire shoes that are as eye-catching as they are luxurious. We embrace maximalism by incorporating lavish details such as rosette flowers, which have emerged as a standout motif in our recent collections.
Rosette flowers, in particular, have become a significant trend in bridal footwear, adding a romantic and whimsical touch to our designs. Inspired by the natural beauty of floral arrangements, these intricate embellishments adorn our shoes, enhancing their allure and charm.
What’s next for the brand?
Looking ahead, our vision for Bella Belle is centered around bringing the concept of the prettiest 12-hour shoes to brides globally. Our commitment to combining beauty with comfort has driven our success, and we’re eager to expand this offering to brides around the world.
The decision to go global is rooted in our belief that every bride deserves shoes that not only enhance their bridal ensemble but also support them through a full day of celebration. Bridal footwear has traditionally been overlooked in terms of both style and comfort, leading us to innovate with designs that meet these essential needs.
By focusing on international expansion, we aim to reach brides from diverse cultural backgrounds and regions. Each Bella Belle shoe is meticulously crafted to embody elegance, using premium materials and ergonomic design principles that prioritize comfort without compromising on style. Whether a bride is walking down the aisle in New York, Tokyo, or Paris, our shoes are designed to ensure she feels as beautiful and comfortable as possible throughout her wedding day.
Our global approach also includes enhancing our online presence and establishing partnerships in key international markets. This strategy allows us to offer personalized service and accessibility to brides worldwide, ensuring they can discover and experience the perfect pair of Bella Belle shoes that reflect their individual style and vision.
