It was one of those magical moments, Giselle watched on as her daughters playfully giggled and wrestled amongst the pillows scattered about the studio. The space was piled high with textured rugs, crinkled linen blankets and soft, luxurious fabrics from their seaside home. Gleefully, Sabine 6, and Mira 4, discovered the potted pampas grass, shredding it and throwing the fibres in the air. Giselle’s husband, Ollie, joined their girls in the spirit of the moment and the four of them became wrapped up in this effervescent warmth, light spilling onto their faces, giggling, embracing, pampas grass fibres everywhere.
After their session Giselle reflected on how relaxed and natural her experience in the studio had been, their photographer was so warm and attentive, he already seemed to know what was about to happen and captured every second of it, he didn’t miss a beat. Both Giselle & Ollie hadn’t expected their session to feel so genuine and natural or the environment to be as inviting and suited to their lifestyle. Previous experiences of photography had lead them to believe it could be a stiff and formal affair. From the start the girls were enlivened and the experience felt fresh. It was honest, it was raw and it was something they all shared together. With so many elements of their lives coming together in those moments, this shared memory felt truly special and unique, something they will cherish together.
This experience dovetails perfectly with the ethos evident in Giselle’s own personal passions. From the luxurious, textured, minimalist tones through to the rendered detail and meticulous care of each moment, this is who she truly is. Having studied fashion in Melbourne, Giselle worked as a designer for a prominent bridal couturier before striking out on her own and starting Livrie Couture. As a couturier her approach to design is as personal and unique to each individual as the garments themselves. The journey she takes with each of her clients is completely bespoke, explorative and genuinely rewarding. Sewn into each garment is the love and care of a woman who knows this piece has a past, a present and a future. Her garments are events in themselves and their evolution from conception to design is filled with details that mark the occasion it is worn for.
It is no surprise, then, that Giselle’s experiences as a mother brought her to start Petite Liverie, couture for children. It was in designing a dress for her daughter that she experienced what it can mean for a mother and daughter to bond over this shared experience. She realised early on that Sabine’s dress would not be a puffy, frilly affair, describing her daughter as strong, courageous, feminine and free. Instead she created a two piece that is bold, beautiful and full of
flair. She finds the relationship between mother and daughter and their knowledge of eachother fascinating and an intrinsic part of her designs. The movement of this two piece encourages the wearer to be free and to flourish, it is comfortable and aesthetically striking without being coquettish. All elements she draws out of the wearer and embodies in her gowns.
From sourcing materials, to fittings, to final touches, each step of creation is something she can enjoy with her client. She recounts a particular bridal piece she made recently in which the bride to be had a collection of gorgeous gold antique sequins that had belonged to her grandmother. These sequins held special significance as they were wondrous pieces she had played with as a child, her memory of them tied to that of her grandmother. When her mother sent her these, the meaning implied by including these as features of her wedding dress resonated deeply. The journey involved in designing these pieces into a garment took both Giselle and her client from local boutique suppliers all the way to couturiers in Paris and back again. The look of this garment was so unique, that it inspired some of her clients to dive deeper in getting to know themselves through couture. To be this involved in threading your own history is something truly special and this resonated in her studio experience with us.
In everything she does, Giselle’s approach is one of sustainability, harmony with the environment and of authenticity. In recounting balancing the needs of her business and new motherhood, she admits it’s easy to feel pulled in different directions. She recounts the early days as a whirlwind that provided plenty of challenges. With gratitude she describes her network of friends as being consistently supportive and encouraging in her endeavours. This pivotal change in her life highlights an inner strength she possesses in cultivating rewarding relationships with all who know her. This is no less evident than in the love she shares with her husband and her two wild daughters.
In that moment at Verve’s South Melbourne studio, amongst the papas grass and the rugs, the reflection of contentment and happiness skillfully captured is a genuine snapshot of Giselle’s world. Her girls are growing into themselves and they are full of life and vivacity. The journey her partner and her have taken until now, the things they have learned, the struggles, the joys, these all form part of the visual tapestry of their lives together. The love between Giselle & her
family, the warmth of their relationships and the strength of their connections are all memories candidly evident in the lush imagery made in that moment. These lived experiences we share are everything, to capture these is to honour their memory and the road you have taken to get there.
