Mother-Daughter Design Duo Bernadette Debut

Mother-daughter duo Bernadette and Charlotte de Geyter launched Bernadette in Antwerp six years after a lifetime of shared fashion experiences. Backstage post-show, Charlotte explained that ‘everything led up to starting a brand together, as mother and daughter, best friends, we share a lot of things that we love and find beautiful.” Mom chimed in that as a European buyer for Ralph Lauren, she took Charlotte everywhere; thus, the young lady was exposed to fashion early on, expressing interest in the fashion process. “She taught me a lot about understanding garments. I had the opportunity to see clothing textures and how they were made, and I respected how they were created and how she dressed herself in a free and fun way. It shaped my vision today,” Charlotte added.

The collection, “Sacred Women, Secret World,” reflects the rhythm of a woman’s life from the changing seasons, phases of the moon, and the ‘quiet in-between moments she claims for herself,” according to a show release. In the de Geyter’s vision, this is the time a woman spends in various states of dress and undress. The younger de Geyter sported a charming moon, star, and heart paillette-decorated skirt with a tulle overlay from the collection that wasn’t shown on the runway.

Thus, the collection depicted that from the outset, a satin bralette worn with a bias-cut slip skirt or a comfy sweater worn with tights, the ‘dressing gown’ robe-inspired looks or the various shawls-as-clothing wrapped around the body made to be worn both in and out of the bedroom. “She is in an intimate place, the bedroom, taking time for herself alone in the boudoir. She defines this moment of peace to be stronger,” Charlotte continued.

The collection exuded a timelessness, with hints of details that could range from 90s minimalism to Art Deco-era inspired to Camelot-era styles such as the strapless tulip-waist long gowns or satin opera coats with delicate bow details and pearl buttons. Floral motifs on the satin styles, such as the robes, feminine tailored styles, and long skirts with pockets for ease, demonstrated the innerwear/outerwear trend. Crystal embellishments in the shape of florals gave a sweet touch to grey flannels, while a pale pink floor-length cape was bedecked in shiny crystals resembling moons and large teardrops. Fur accessories were also similarly embellished. However, nothing was saccharine.

“Today’s women take pride and pay attention to details but also want effortless and modern style. We empower them to feel their best and feminine but also comfortable and nonchalant,” said Bernadette, also dressed in an easy skirt and sweater like her daughter, adding, “It felt like the right time to show; we felt good about the collection, and we are ready for it.”