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T8 finally hit! This one has been brewing, which made it a Great day to stay in and be inspired with something beautiful..new lace design 🐝 Stay safe everyone ❤️

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Timeless Brides

We have always been conscious what happens to our dresses as we design, during creation and the afterlife. Our Peony Rice style signature always included being feminine, easy to wear, no fuss for our practical brides ( yes practical as we women are even on the wedding day) . Designed as pieces that can be worn over and over again, and of course looking our best for the day. Meet Maria one of our styles that's essentially become timeless. It was created more than 10 years ago and is still favored by our brides even today. She's a two in one silky slip with a floral cotton lace overlay. It turns out she's great for brides who want to slip into something more danceable for the night, a back up emergency or a fab piece for taking on the honeymoon for a romantic dinner. The slip dress is detachable so she can be switched out and worn with a color number underneath. Or if you are confident enough to just wear a gorgeous La Perla number underneath the lace, that's cool too and just wear it as a top. So many endless possibilities. Even turn it into a christening number for your baby. Isn't it lovely that a dress can stay with you forever and has a story to tell later. https://www.peonyrice.com/.../style-maria-2-in-1-lace...

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Happy days ahead, perfect British wedding. A silk gown trimmed with a gorgeous delicate French floral Lace in a cut in a classic gentle fishtail. ❤️❤️❤️one of our many favorite laces #peonyricebrides #weddings #uk #britishweddings #celebrate #bride #brides #madetoorder #custommade #madeinasia #weddingphotography #weddinginspiration #peonyrice #tatianagown #weddingdress #brautmode #hochzeit (at London, United Kingdom) https://www.instagram.com/p/CP-7Z68Lchg/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Beautiful and modern Chinese wedding with the bride in a custom lace Qi Pao.. we loved working on gowns like this especially to compliment the location, ceremony and the bride’s unique personality and elegance. It’s a joy in our hearts to work with exquisite silks and laces. A real blend of East and west . The Location was gorgeous - a quaint traditional courtyard house.. can’t wait for more of these !!

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Visualize good vibes and celebrations and dancing the night away. Coming soon whatever the size ! It’s those nearest and dearest that count. Good times with @sugarnspicemsia #tbt #peonyricebrides #weddings #penang #malaysia #brides #bridalparty #weddingphotography #loveclub #weddinginspiration #bridalinspiration #madetomeasure #madetoorder #madeinasia #confetti #celebrations (at Hong Kong) https://www.instagram.com/p/COS2QRprf6z/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Just us #loveforever #prewedding #paris #photoshoot #peonyricebrides #bridalinspo #weddingphotography (at París, France) https://www.instagram.com/p/CRsYCivLJLW/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Excited to complete this one, counting the hours to complete the stitching #qipao #peonyrice #bridetobe #weddingdress #brides #moderndesign #bridalinspo#civilweddingdress #cityhallwedding #floralembroidery #handmade #handstitched #sundays #hongkong #旗袍 (at Hong Kong) https://www.instagram.com/p/CTJSlNzLLAu/?utm_medium=tumblr

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Peony Rice Bride Caitlin, California, USA

A perfect fall wedding set in the lush green mountains.

This was definitely one of our favorites for a bespoke gown. Romantic, feminine and with sleeves! From the first moment, our bride had a thoughtful, sure vision which makes it so much easier for us to design into her wedding dress. She described each part of her wedding-to-be that we were almost there. Her husband to be was also so supportive of her interpretations. Love filled our studio! 

The Japanese petite fleurs lace met the occasion draped over silk crepe, with it's little sprinkle of flowers in the design and two gorgeous edgings to play with. Soft gathers at the lace with the silk and a small train fit the chic boho-esque wedding setting.

Of course there was also a little drama with a detachable cape subtly adorned with hand stitched pearls. 

A beautiful rich decadent color theme for the special day held at the Paradise Spring Mountains  deep in the Sierra Mountains, Oakhurst, California - with her husband in a deep burgundy velvet tux, bridesmaids in Blue and groomsmen in forest green.

We loved how the colors all came together for this setting in the forest right down to the table decor. Truly chic with glam and very grown up decadent feel.  How much more special could it get to share all this love on this memorable day. We are always deeply touched when we see the wedding photos and how the whole event come together.

Even better than our imaginations took us with all the many details that went into the day. Congrats to this wonderful couple.

View more on the wedding day from Wedding Photographers Vitae Weddings

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20 Things to do & love about Hong Kong right now

What’s not to love about Hong Kong? Our designer Pauline, shares her top 20.

What inspires you in Hong Kong?

So so much, daily sightings – heritage buildings, architecture and Art, HK is a very abundant place for art. From street art and random sightings in old neighborhoods to discovering a whole range of local independent artists who work in different mediums. And of course the international art scene that is also present here. If you need a change of scenery you can jump in a cab or bus and you are on the beach in half hour.

A lot is getting lost here in the way of the the old Hong Kong as we know it – neon signs, buildings, makers, crafts so it’s incredible if we are lucky enough to see it even for a moment, so it’s important to me to get a sense of that now. 

1.     Favorite place in Hong Kong?

So so many – endless list. I am in love with this city.  Being so close to the outdoors with an unexpected view of the mountains, city and sea all together in a perfect light. Lush Nature sitting right next to the density of high rise. That’s pretty unique. Walking distance too.

2.     Favorite food?

Has to be discovering traditional Cantonese and ethnic foods that remind me of being an immigrant Chinese with a childhood in England not really knowing where they came from. Love seeing that little old lady or man selling something homemade -  Hakka bun or dumpling or a village shop selling local honey in a  pop bottle. Happy local bites have managed to stay and most of it is quite healthy. You feel the love that went into making it.

My favorite area for this is Sham Shui Po – an older district – total gem sitting next to the hole in the wall food spots with it’s electronics, secondhand markets and off course fabrics. In contrast there’s lots of cool new places also popping up. Art & Coffee. Interesting to see how neighborhoods are changing in this new era. Another place worth a mention - is Dignity Kitchen - a Singaporean social enterprise that serves up yummy Singaporean food housed in a renewed heritage building at 618 Shanghai street -  i love their Pandan cake!

3.      Favorite Drink

Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. Nothing beats the thirst but this. Better than any bubble tea. Bring your own container or bottle even better. Look out for the few drink vendors selling it and the traditional Chinese herbal teas which are great for cooling and keeping your body heat in check during the summer months. My fav spot is Kung Lee Sugarcane Store on Hollywood road, Central, intersection near Lyndhurst. It’s a family business spanning a few generations.

4.     Favorite mode of transport

Has to be the Star Ferry, 5 minutes on that after a long day – just takes every thing away. It’s very therapeutic. That really hasn’t changed for me since the early mid 90’s traveling here for work.

5.     Favorite place to shop

More of a browser than a shopper these days. I have everything I need. Love all the antique shops along Hollywood road in my neighborhood with all their unique offerings. Unfortunately many are no longer operating since this tough year. I look out for special exhibitions to learn more about Chinese antiques. My fascination with craftsmanship done the old way. There’s always little surprises down the side streets. Love all the nostalgic & random stuff. Sometimes there’s a few treasures to be found.

6.     Favorite HK artist

I love dimension and have an obsession with typography and textured works. I have been quite intrigued by the local artist Michell Lie and her Chinese brushwork inspired pieces mixed with some contemporary elements. There’s a beautiful fluidness in her work that i can just get lost in for a short while. Currently exploring ceramic artists in the city.

7.     Favorite place to explore

Old industrial neighborhoods around HK – the Mills are fantastic – repurposed textile mill now focusing on the history of HK textiles, sustainability, supporting local projects. Such a great place to hang with it’s shops, exhibitions and museum.

8.     Favorite temple in HK

The Chi Lin nunnery in Diamond Hill, very different from the other traditional temples you see in South China, I feel very calm when I am here and it’s not far to get to. If you need a couple of hours out. It’s perfect and there’s a lovely landscape oriental garden next to it too. For a further out trip– Tsz shan Monastery is quite special and a must .

9.     Favorite sighting

Often you will see parts of movies or TV series being shot. People don’t really bat an eyelid to it. It’s great to see a part of the neighborhood lit up with lights, cameras and crew and you know there’s some action going down.

10.  Favorite place that doesn’t feel like HK

Some of the Hikes –Cape d'aguilar, Cape Collison, some of the further out little islands that you can only access by boat. The landscape and vegetation here is so diverse.

11.  Favorite night time spot

Has to be the peak – but anywhere with a clear night view of the Harbor I am happy with. A sunset hike via the many paths to the peak is perfect way to soak in the city.

12.  Favorite fashion discoveries

PoHo neighborhood has lots of small design boutiques, some fashion, lifestyle and accessories. PMQ is another fab little area full of small boutiques and workshops. Love checking out the side streets in Central too and some of the other districts. The side alleys are the best places to discover something. Mongkok behind the ladies markets has a few vintage stores i love rummaging around in too.

13.  Favorite Lifestyle store

Still has to be G.O.D .. love all the little nuances and humor in the heritage inspired products.  Small items that are perfect memories of HK.

14.  Favorite season in HK

September on wards till March. Weather’s cooler and you can get out to do more hikes…and not turn up in places sweaty. Many people do not realize HK has seasons, complete contrast to other 4 season countries as winter here is like 1 month of 12 degrees and people running around in Puffas.

15.  What do you love most about HK

Convenience. This city was built on that. I haven’t had to drive since I left the UK more than 20 years ago. Most places can be walk-able, if not jump on the MTR which is super clean and efficient or bus or grab a taxi. Most places are 15 mins to under 2 hours away. You can be in 3-4 places a day if you plan right. Shops in some districts are open late 7 days a week. It’s really a city that never sleeps. …. And I am never too far from seeing water.

16.  Favorite day trip

Jumping on a ferry to one of many the islands – 30 minutes and you would have landed elsewhere. Can’t decide which I love better.. have so much to discover still on Lantau, Cheung Chau, Lamma, or go inland to the islands around Plover Cove. You can never get enough sunsets.

17. Favorite Smell

Can’t decide if it’s the Kowloon or Hong Kong Candle created by BE Candle and Tiny island maps. But I love both for a different daily mood and the Terrazzo holder.. all locally made. Love that.

credit:tinyislandmaps

18.  Current favorite hang out place.

Central market just finally finished get renewed. It was a 4th generation building old modern style market that first came about in the 1850’s . Super cool with a well curated bunch of shops and food hangouts.

19.  Favorite thing to do in HK

Eat, hang out with friends, visit a museum, see an exhibition somewhere hidden. Just be inspired.

20. Favorite place to decompress?

My 24/7 Gym or has to be home. After all the running around - the new way of working and the past pandemic year made me appreciate being still and chill.

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So here we are going back to basics with design integrity. #Alexa our Star shaped origami inspired headpiece was one of our earliest pieces created for Peony Rice and recently has had a bit of a resurgence. 12 yrs ago we were looking at bags of left over cuts of handwoven silk at our artisan partners not quite knowing what to do with them but knowing that they were extremely precious because of the energy, time, love and care that went into making every piece of fabric on their looms. We bought a few pieces back to our studio and started to create and play and see where it would lead us. To this day, it's been the best method to design & make headpieces for our brides and special occasion clients from our own remnants. There is a lot of wastage of fabric in the bridal industry after creating a gown. So even when we look towards zero waste & low wastage pattern cutting - we sometimes achieve it, sometimes we do not, so we look to other methods. Our own little touches such as making the head pieces versatile so that our clients can adjust & style as they wish adds to the design. It's really a natural, unforced way to create & we pass that good energy to you. Love our earth. Thank you to our clients for trusting us and looking at alternative designs that are unique

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Educate yourselves. Being able to read and write, many of us take for granted. During the past few months many parents have been fighting to make sure their kids stay educated as schools have not been operating 100%.. important right ? We are advocating to keep children educated during CoVid . Impact on some countries and regions has been devastating and it’s going to have a longer impact on less advantaged communities that have less access to recovery later as they try to keep up with living essentials over education. Keep up to date with us as we work on the details on how to make a difference because you truly can. More education means girls in some societies can be educated to be braver and have an opportunity to do better, breaking away to make some life choices as they grow. Let’s give them that chance. learn more from just a handful of organizations out there . Image credit @girlrising @girlsnotbrides_ @roomtoread @classroomofhope @bluedragonchildren

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Clean lines, crisp silk wool and lace strap details makes Gemma jumpsuit ideal for any modern bride before, during, and after the aisle ❤️💕👰🏻

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One of our favorite looks pulled together so naturally with Tera’s natural style . Looking so chic and glam wearing our #amanda palazzo pants and #Marlene sequin silk wrap top. It’s a look that works for a lot of different occasions. Super cool for our mod brides

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Exciting to have these finished soon for our brides to be for upcoming weddings in the fall. Definately one of our more luxurious and glamourous ones for the bride. Hand beading on corded lace comes with a silky cloth liner. Order yours ahead by contacting us on sales@peonyrice.com or dm us as it takes us a little time to bead and make it beautiful for you.

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Alvin Ailey We dance

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Our Favourite Recommendations for Bridal Shoes .

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When to Start looking for your Wedding dress, THE Dress

He’s popped the question, you said yes!

So exciting ! so what next... so many things to think about now.

Location, date, the dress....

Chat to your friends, girlfriends, colleagues,  who you feel have similar aesthetic to you and find out stores that they may recommend, check online for bridal blogs and magazines for whom they rave about in your neighbourhood.

Some insight from ourselves at Peony Rice - We have many different brides to be coming through our doors and every bride is different. Locations and needs are different.  One general rule - start early for a first look, you may have absolutely no clue - so thats what the initial consultation with your bridal salon or designer is for. Do your research and familiarize yourself with some looks you may like. 

8 - 12months before the date

Most bridal brands especially the well known brands may have a long wait time for your ideal dress if you have your heart set on a particular designer. 

Best to locate their nearest retail location and schedule an appointment for a 1st look at least a year ahead. You can then digest for a few months - 

5-6 months  - decisions need to be made allow extra time if there is embellishment on the wedding gown  ( 1-2 months for the hand work)

and as your wedding starts to come together, you need to focus on finalizing your gown choice and book it . 

If you are ordering a gown from an oversea’s brand, please check directly with the bridal store for their processes. Usually there will be a need for adjustments to make sure there is a perfect fit on the day. 

If you are ordering locally - for bespoke gowns depending on the complexity of the design and handwork - for ourselves, collection gowns are usually completed between 5- 6 months for made to order.

4 - 6 weeks - prior to the wedding 

No matter if you are ordering a collection gown or a bespoke style from us, or a made to measure gown - allow at least a month before your wedding or the date you are traveling for your wedding for alterations. 

What not to do

Leave it until the very last minute