Inside our first ever bridal style residency at The Brownstone. In 2023, we hosted L.A.-based Stylist Olivia Ivey Bannock and NYC-based designer Lesea Berry at The Brownstone for an unforgettable event. Olivia, Lesea and myself were beyond excited to collaborate together for a dynamic and synergistic event that celebrated luxury bridal style - something I am eager to bring to my clients in Boston. Read more.
In late 2023, we hosted L.A.-based Stylist Olivia Ivey Bannock and NYC-based designer Lesea Berry at The Brownstone for an unforgettable and unprecedented Bridal Stylist Residency. Olivia, Lesea and myself were beyond excited to collaborate together for a dynamic and synergistic event that celebrated luxury bridal style - something I am eager to bring to my clients in Boston. See below for a Q&A on The Brownstone’s first-ever Stylist Residency, and an exclusive styling session with Olivia Ivey Bannock.
See below for a Q&A on the Bridal Stylist Residency:
Q: Being that the Olivia Ivey Bannock x HF Bridal Stylist Residency was the first of its kind at The Brownstone, how did you come up with this concept?
A: I wanted to bring what normally can only be found in the likes of NYC or L.A. to Back Bay, where I knew my Boston-based clientele would jump at the opportunity to experience couture womenswear and the perspective of a stylist. It was a no-brainer to bring in L.A. stylist Olivia Ivey Bannock and luxury womenswear + bridalwear designer Lesea Berry - the synergy between the three of us was evident from our first virtual meeting. It was exciting to see our fine jewelry and diamond engagement rings styled with these bespoke pieces from Lesea - from a more effortless everyday skirt and jacket combination to that classic wedding look. Her styles really do complement the feminine figure beautifully.
Q: What did the event consist of?
A: The two-day style residency was designed to engage both brides and wedding guests but also stylish women who wanted a new something in their wardrobe. First - an Open House where our clients could come in and browse a selection of RTW pieces from Lesea’s collection, HF jewelry and a selection of high-end accessories sourced by various designer brands from Olivia. For those craving a more bespoke experience, private appointments were offered the following day with the three of us, allowing the opportunity for our clients to design several bridal looks with our guidance. We also hosted an invitation-only bridal cocktail hour for some of the region’s top tastemakers to come and meet these two dynamic women in person, bringing many of those social media connections to life in person! We partnered with Jaleigh of The Friend Club for an invite-only Cocktail Party, where hospitality/wedding industry leaders could mix-and-mingle in The Brownstone, surrounded by gorgeous designs and sparkling jewels. The Friend Club is a new platform to share inspiration, and we had the exclusive opportunity to help launch its jewelry category. The joining together of Boston’s most talented planners, editors, tastemakers and more was such a treat - conversation (and champagne) were flowing beautifully the entire evening.
We feel so lucky to have worked with Dana of Henry + Mac Photography, Jimmy of JNG Event Consulting for florals, Max Ultimate Food for catering as well - all of whom made this event feel fresh and exciting for our community. Oftentimes, our clients come to us first during their wedding journey, so it's valuable for us to have great relationships with local wedding vendors. In this case, these vendors are some of the best in the nation and some we wholeheartedly recommend.
Q: What do you hope this event provides to your Boston audience?
A: It is my deepest hope that my collaboration with Olivia Ivey Bannock provided the chance for my clients to be introduced to a bi-coastal, luxury bridal experience that is really needed in Boston. I am always eager to find stylists, designers and brands that I feel will appeal to my clientele’s lifestyle and exquisite taste.
Q: Any upcoming stylist residencies on the horizon for 2024?
A: We are beyond excited to host more synergistic residencies with like-minded designers and brands in 2024. No spoilers - but there are some really exciting things to come here at The Brownstone.
A *Bonus* Styling Session With Olivia, Here On The Spark:
Directly from Olivia Ivey Bannock herself, see below for styling inspiration on how to pair Lesea Berry’s elevated pieces with designer accessories and HF jewels.
Look #1: The Engagement Party
‘This is obviously one of my favorite looks of Lesea's collection. The look is very versatile. Here I am wearing the Josephine Jacket as a top, paired with a patent nude pump with gold details. For jewelry, I wore a 6 carat diamond tennis necklace and simple mini hoop earrings to bring some shine to my face.’ - Olivia
Look #2: The Bridal Shower
‘The Tracey Dress is really a ‘WOW’ moment with its loud and daring print. A diamond tennis bracelet, or colorful cocktail ring and earrings will add to the drama of the dress, while a classic pump or sandal in a lilac or pink will keep the look cohesive and approachable.’ - Olivia
Look #3: The After-Party
‘The best part about the Eleanor Blazer Dress is it allows you to incorporate a fun shoe and show off your legs! Opt for an embellished moment or maybe try ‘something blue.’ Keep the jewelry more classic so as to not compete with the shoes and dress. Diamond studs or something dainty is definitely the move.’ - Olivia
Excited to attend, collaborate or host an event with us? Get in touch.
