Our Interview with THEIA Creative Director, Don O'Neill

We are freaking out over the arrival of our newest collection in Bella showrooms, THEIA, by designer Don O'Neill.  Inspired by the Greek Goddess Theia, the collection is meant to bring out every woman's inner goddess. Sequined sirens, delicate lace details, sexy open backs - Zeus, where you at?!

We spoke with the man behind the myths about the new collection and can't wait for you to see these epic beauties in store!

Who is the THEIA bride?

The THEIA bride is free from tradition. She is fashion forward in her thinking, and is shopping for a gown that is simple and modern, easy to wear, unique and elegant. She wants her dress to be beautifully crafted in beautiful fabrics and reasonably priced.

How did THEIA get started in the bridesmaid world?

We dressed Actress Julie Benz in THEIA for her wedding and her 8 bridesmaids wore THEIA’s signature crunchy sequin. That all sequin look had never been done for a bridal party before (the gowns were $1600) and that picture went viral and is all over Pintrest. Since that day,we have been swamped with calls from brides wanting that THEIA look for their Bridesmaids. We decided it was time to make these brides happy and the THEIA Bridesmaids collection was born. Our first collection of 12  gowns, includes that signature sequin style.

Christine Chang Photography

What inspires you the most when designing a collection?

I am inspired by the joyous occasion that is a wedding day and the love that surrounds it. Creating a dress will add to and become part of the magic. Then I am inspired by the fabrics: it could be the beautiful luster on a luscious silk, the sparkle on a new embroidery swatch, the swirling pattern on a delicate chantilly lace or the beauty in a photograph which can evoke an entire collection.

THEIA Lacy gown and topper in French Blue.

What's your favorite part of the THEIA Bridesmaids collection?

The collection has a really cool vibe; it is young, modern and fashion forward. There are many styles to choose from and you will find dresses which are flattering to all body types. The Sequin Bridesmaids gowns are my favorites at the moment , they evoke the glamour of the THEIA brand, and are available in a cool matte sheen or in a glamorous full on sparkle.

THEIA Gemma gown in Navy Sequin.

What advice would you give to newly engaged brides when shopping for their bridesmaids?

They need to immediately check out the THEIA Bridesmaids collection! You will have a sophisticated range of colors to choose from, which will be a relief to the girls, and your entire bridal party will look and feel great in their THEIA bridesmaids dresses.