Carefully Collected – Drobak, Norway
For the first time ever, our signature Bo & Luca gowns and Temple by Bo & Luca collection are available in Norway at the modern bridal boutique, Carefully Collected. This wonderful boutique boasts the biggest Bo & Luca curated collection yet! We had a chat with Nina & Lise, the dynamic owners of Carefully Collected, to learn a bit more about how they started and their inspiration behind the boutique. See what they had to say below:
HOW DID CAREFULLY COLLECTED COME TO LIFE?
The story of Carefully Collected started on a beach in Puorto Mogan, Gran Canaria. Nina was on maternity leave with her 6-month-old baby and felt inspired and ready to take the next step in the wedding industry. Having worked as a wedding photographer alongside her husband for several years, Nina felt compelled to bring an international flair to the local bridal industry. Their perceived lag when it came to Norway’s bridal industry could be chalked down to a few key aspects; the varied seasons and unstable weather meant that planning ahead proved difficult when the high season has a small window period. As such, many couples opted for a more traditional, indoor wedding and so this lent to brides opting for more conservative wedding gowns.
Carefully Collected want to do something about it !! Our goal is to introduce the more liberated, playful, bohemian, and individual bride to Norway. “Do it your way, nothing is wrong, and do not be afraid to stand out!”
WHAT WAS THE STORY BEHIND THE NAME OF THE BOUTIQUE?
The name Carefully Collected just came to mind that day at the beach and we first started our concept with «carefully collected second-hand dresses», within the niche we had chosen. This was quite wise because then we got a good indication of what the slightly untraditional Norwegian brides were looking for, in addition to establishing ourselves in the market.
IF YOUR BEST FRIEND WAS UNABLE TO VISIT YOUR BOUTIQUE, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE IT TO THEM?
Carefully Collected is a place that gives you sunken shoulders, a warm and relaxing atmosphere, and most importantly – lots of air! Our dresses do not hang close together on the rack and as the name suggests, we make a careful selection of which dresses we “let in” and we can vouch for each and every one of them.
WHAT DREW YOU TO BO & LUCA?
Bo & Luca was a clear first choice when we were looking for our first made to order international designer. We had already drooled on this brand for a few years and in the short time we have been retailers, we noticed that our brides love our concept! The feedback on the Bo & Luca / Temple dresses is that they are the most beautiful dresses they have seen! It’s an incredibly lovely feeling when the slightly modest bride puts on the Angelica dress and tears roll down her cheeks…of happiness of course!
Lise in our Bo & Luca and Temple gowns. You will be seeing more of her and which gowns they carry on our Instagram page.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU EACH DAY?
We look forward to every Monday and do not really want to go home from work, we’re honoured when our customers express that they wish they could live in our studio! Another cherished aspect of work is being allowed to share in the big moment when a bride finds her dress, it is so beautiful and gives us so much motivation! And lastly, we’re proud that we have created the place ourselves and that we can express our creativity every day, which is truly a privilege. We think we have the best job in the world!
WHO WOULD BE YOUR DREAM BRIDE TO DRESS?
We do not have a dream bride, but want all brides to feel at home with us, as long as they like our style and concept.
What we like so much about Bo & Luca is that we feel the brand embraces so broadly and can appeal to all brides, regardless of body shape and personality. Nevertheless, Bo & Luca has a very clear common thread through their collections.
We are pretty sure that most Norwegian girls will be able to find their dream dress with us!
WHICH NEW PIECE ARE YOU MOST EXCITED TO SEE ON YOUR RAILS?
It is difficult for us to choose a favourite, because we could get married in them all! But the Charlie..it’s impossible not to get obsessed by this dress!
QUICK FIRE ROUND, JUST FOR FUN:
Favourite bridal trend of 2020?
Micro weddings and different thinking around weddings. Intimate weddings with more focus on the dress, atmosphere, and the really good photographer to capture it all!
Favourite wedding song?
Ingebjørg Bratland a Norwegian folk musician. «Fordi eg elskar deg»
Favourite wedding flower?
A wild and unpolished bouquet with colour inspiration from the Norwegian seasons.
Sleeves or sleeveless?
Booth sleeves and sleeveless, but with the Norwegian chilly summer nights it is really nice to have the opportunity to have something over your shoulders.
Veil or no veil?
Veil.
Champagne or wine?
Champagne.
Click here to book your appointment.