Custom Craftsmanship

Katya Komarova is the Russian-born beauty that brings off-duty Parisian style to chic leather goods; the award-winning designer and face behind the luxury, sustainable brand that bears her name. Created with the modern woman in mind who desires her own unique style, what sets Katya’s self-titled label apart is its ability to completely personalise each item with interchangeable handles, colours and accents. From coveted micro-bags to bucket-style, belted dual-compartment statement pieces and more, the collection features a variation of colours, straps and handles so customers can mix-and-match, enabling them to create different looks every day. Born and raised in Russia, Katya graduated from Moscow State University of Culture and Arts with a degree in acting then went on to fulfil her childhood dream of becoming a model, beginning her career in fashion. During her global travels, she visited Thailand in 2010, where she met a local artisan who taught her to work with leather. When she returned home to Russia, she crafted a number of leather bags and posted pictures of these bags on Facebook. To her surprise, she started to receive orders. But it was only when a designer friend of hers used her bags in his runway during a fashion week that she realised this is what she wanted to do.

In 2011, Katya established her first label by Mosquito creating handmade leather bags and accessories. Wanting to further her knowledge and experience, she studied bag design in Florence, Italy at Accademia Riaci and only a few months later, she presented her first collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Russia. In 2013, Katya relocated to Australia for love. She launched her namesake label in 2014 presenting limited edition capsule collections. Today, the Katya Komarova brand is focussed on minimal, feminine, versatile leather goods of the utmost quality. Katya Komarova exists ethically and sustainably, producing limited quantities and using natural materials that are stitch-free, enabling every piece of leather to be reused, if needed. Leather is sourced from an Adelaide-based supplier who buys Italian leather. All Katya Komarova bags and accessories are made of vegetabletanned leather which prepares the material in the most natural way using ingredients such as bark mills, woods, roots, leaves and fruits. Katya Komarova mindfully manufactures in Sydney and works with local suppliers who laser-cut pieces to be assembled by hand. Prices range between $150 and $489. Handles and straps are $40 when purchased with a bag. More at KatyaKomarova.com

SAVVY

Style

The estimated cost of the average Australian wedding comes in at around $65,000 (according to a 2017 Bride to Be Magazine survey), surely enough to make a couple reconsider their plans for their ‘big day’. But nuptials needn’t break the bank. There are many less costly options for every aspect, you just need to research. Here’s a stylish selection of bridal accessories that will be kinder to your bottom line.

ASOS fringe maxi wedding dress. RRP $330. asos.com/au

Bec & Bridge Lady Sparkle Strapless dress. RRP $320. becandbridge.com.au

Mime et Moi ‘Change your Mime Heels’ boast interchangeable heels so you can switch from heels to blocks to flats with just one shoe. Heels sold separately. Sandal $239, Heel $50. mimemoi.com/au/en

Neue Blvd initial slides. RRP $69. neueblvd.com.au

Mountain & Moon Palais earrings. $190. mountainandmoon.com.au

HEAD OVER HEELS Roman & French bridal stylists offer a range of scintillating accessories for weddings: bridal headpieces, jewellery, robes, lingerie, shoes, proposal packages, wedding pillows and more. The Riley Bridal Headpiece has been created to be worn on the side or at the back of your head. The lace, diamante and intricate swirls is a luxury head piece with a lot of class and elegance. RRP $219. romanandfrench.com

FLORAL FORWARD According to the experts at Modern Wedding, the trends in wedding bouquets for 2020 include Bright Monochrome arrangements, sticking to a statement colour; Minimalist Magic, which refers to a neat bouquet of roses from soft beige and champagne toned to cloudy pink and blush tints; Classic Blue, in keeping with Pantone’s Colour Of The Year “Classic Blue”, an ocean-inspired combination of ranunculus and grape hyacinths; King for a Queen, using a solo stem of the impressive King Protea plant for impact; and Falling Florals, which comprise cascading bouquets of native flowers, bright orchids and dried foliage that bring the ‘wow’ factor to your wedding.