Maria and Simon Ryan have officially launched GAIA, the new name for the bridal label that they originally founded in 2013, together with a dramatic new collection.
Originally known as Catherine Parry, the new name and branding has been created to reflect the more fashion-forward design direction that the label has taken in recent years and to give the brand a striking, modern and aspirational new image.
Simon Ryan, one half of the husband and wife team behind GAIA, explains the reason for the new name and fresh new image: “As our collections have become stronger and increasingly fashion-forward we began to see a growing disconnect between the modernity of our designs and the Catherine Parry brand name, which suited the more traditional look that our collections had five or six years ago. A lot has changed since then and we really feel that the time is now right to realign our brand with our product offering. GAIA is the perfect fit – it’s a modern name that more accurately reflects the fashion-forward design ethos that’s evident in our collections.”
GAIA was unveiled to the label’s retailers at the beginning of March, where they were treated to a preview the label’s show-stopping new collection for Autumn/Winter 2020. Named ‘Riviera’ in recognition of the region that has inspired the new designs, the new collection comprises of 16 modern styles that redefine bridal fashion and feature on-trend details and fabrics, with polka dot tulle, luxurious stretch crepes and exquisitely beaded laces.
GAIA’s co-founder and designer, Maria Ryan, comments “This has been a really big step however we’re absolutely thrilled at the overwhelmingly positive response that GAIA has received from our retailers who are so excited for the new styles to arrive in their boutiques. It’s incredible how many enquiries our retailers have already received for GAIA from brides-to-be since the first images of the new collection were teased on our Instagram feed at the beginning of May.”
While more images and videos of the Riviera collection will be released at the end of June, a preview of the new styles is available online and on the GAIA instagram feed. The new styles will be available at GAIA retailers from August.