Australian designer Tania Olsen shares an inside look at the creative journey behind her breathtaking wedding day designs for her new collection. Drawing inspiration from the opulent beauty of a French château, the collection – Bisou – reflects intimate moments of romance, reminiscent of grand ballrooms, lush gardens, and a touch of fairy-tale fantasy.

Bisou is the French word for kiss; it’s the perfect title for a collection that reflects on visions of love, expressed through fabrics, silhouettes, and embellishments. “I wanted to evoke that feeling where each gown tells its own vibrant love story, inspired by those intimate moments shared in breathtaking settings,” explains Tania. “This influence manifests in the intricate details, rich textures, and sumptuous fabrics, creating a collection that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern, perfect for the contemporary bride who still wants that classic elegance.”

Reflections on design 

Tania describes her design process as one that’s deeply emotional and personal. It starts with her sketching out ideas, always based on the various facets of love she wants to express – joy, passion, intimacy. “From there, it’s all about selecting the right fabrics and experimenting with textures that will breathe life into those sketches,” she explains. “I collaborate closely with my team, refining silhouettes and making sure they perfectly embody the vision we’re going for. It’s a journey of translating feelings into fashion, and each step is infused with creativity and purpose.”

Kiss Kiss

One of the alluring aspects of Bisou is the variety of silhouettes, from sleek and sophisticated to flowing and ethereal. “I’ve designed gowns that embrace the bride’s body beautifully, enhancing her natural shape while providing movement and comfort,” says Tania. 

Tania notes how important fabric choice is for her; selecting something that feels amazing, suits the drape and silhouette is key. In fact, she says: “Fabrics are everything when it comes to bridal design.” For ‘Bisou, the designer prioritised luxurious stretch lace, textured Mikado’s and sparkling tulles, which she says were all chosen for their ability to enhance the gown’s story while providing the perfect levels of comfort. “The interplay of these materials creates depth and visual interest, allowing each gown to shine,” says Tania. “I want brides to feel not just beautiful, but also empowered, and the right fabric can make all the difference in achieving that.”

Closer look

Alongside fabric choices, Tania discusses details with us, and how she carefully selects items that will enhance each gown’s narrative – think intricate hand-beading that catches the light and lush 3D florals that bring a tactile quality. For Bisou, Tania explains: “Brides can expect signature touches like delicate appliqués and unexpected textures, which add layers of depth and personality. It’s those thoughtful embellishments that transform a beautiful dress into a show-stopping piece, making it unforgettable.”

One of the things we love about this collection, and past lines, is the mix of textures and the layering, which Tania tells us are crucial elements that she’s passionate about. “They bring a gown to life, allowing it to move and shimmer in a way that captivates everyone around,” she says. 

Read the full article in the latest issue of Bridal Buyer