Meeting L’eto Bridal | Anya Ostapenko

It is a rare kind of collision to encounter another person whose creativity mirrors your own. Anya Ostapenko, the founder of Northern Beaches-based bridal atelier L’eto Bridal, is one such twin flame.

Synonymous with wedding dresses that beautifully evoke the ease and fluidity of the world around us, we sat down with Anya to talk about making wedding day traditions your own, striking the balance between timeless and contemporary, and how the process of transformation that inspired our new Ember Collection resonates within her own collections.

Tell us about your journey to L’eto Bridal… What inspired you to launch the brand, and how has your past experience shaped its offering?

L’eto was born from the desire to bring a modern offering to the traditional bridal scape. I felt there was a gap in the market for gowns which were inspired by art, fashion and the world around us. Years of travelling and exploring various creative mediums landed me in a unique position to craft bespoke bridal wear which spoke to brides on a deeper level, connecting with them by engaging their sense of femininity, spirituality and truest essence. 

How would you describe your personal design ethos, and the creative process that defines L'eto Bridal's unique aesthetic?

L’eto gowns are made to order in collaboration with our brides. Our collections showcase our offering, but more often than not, our gowns are customised to suit each unique bride; something we encourage is for our brides to find themselves within the gowns. 

Our design ethos is grounded in a few key principals including; sustainability, high quality fabrications, designed and made by local artisans, and reflective of art and fashion. Whilst strung between these principals, we allow for creativity, individuality and connection to flow. 

Tell us about your journey to L’eto Bridal… What inspired you to launch the brand, and how has your past experience shaped its offering?

L’eto was born from the desire to bring a modern offering to the traditional bridal scape. I felt there was a gap in the market for gowns which were inspired by art, fashion and the world around us. Years of travelling and exploring various creative mediums landed me in a unique position to craft bespoke bridal wear which spoke to brides on a deeper level, connecting with them by engaging their sense of femininity, spirituality and truest essence. 

How would you describe your personal design ethos, and the creative process that defines L'eto Bridal's unique aesthetic?

L’eto gowns are made to order in collaboration with our brides. Our collections showcase our offering, but more often than not, our gowns are customised to suit each unique bride; something we encourage is for our brides to find themselves within the gowns. 

Our design ethos is grounded in a few key principals including; sustainability, high quality fabrications, designed and made by local artisans, and reflective of art and fashion. Whilst strung between these principals, we allow for creativity, individuality and connection to flow. 

"The ceremony of marriage transforms two individuals into one entity... Our gowns are designed with this in mind, and are made to reflect the beauty, elegance and fluidity of life.

Our new collection is called “Ember”, named to signify transformation and new life. How, if at all, does the concept of transformation speak to your own bridal designs?

At L’eto, we believe marriage is a journey of two hearts learning to beat as one. The ceremony of marriage transforms two individuals into one entity. It is a transformation which runs deep; a woman becomes a wife, a man becomes a husband. Our gowns are designed with this in mind, and are made to reflect the beauty, elegance and fluidity of life. Each gown is custom made to order to consider each bride and where they are in their journey. 

The collection also speaks to the idea of embracing the effects of change. Is this theme something you are also conscious of through your own work and creative output? 

We are. Change is such a big part of life that we have no choice but to surrender to. The fluidity and femininity of our gowns reflect this sense of surrender. 

Wedding traditions such 'Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue' carry sentimental value, even to this day. In what ways do you see modern brides and grooms incorporating these traditions into their wedding day?

We adore when brides and grooms interpret old traditions in a new way which is meaningful to them and reflective of their relationship and life together. Some of our favourite weddings are those which incorporate their families values in unique ways; bouquet flowers from their own garden, custom poetry on their embroidered veil or heirloom accessories are some of our favourites. 

Our new collection is called “Ember”, named to signify transformation and new life. How, if at all, does the concept of transformation speak to your own bridal designs?

At L’eto, we believe marriage is a journey of two hearts learning to beat as one. The ceremony of marriage transforms two individuals into one entity. It is a transformation which runs deep; a woman becomes a wife, a man becomes a husband. Our gowns are designed with this in mind, and are made to reflect the beauty, elegance and fluidity of life. Each gown is custom made to order to consider each bride and where they are in their journey. 

The collection also speaks to the idea of embracing the effects of change. Is this theme something you are also conscious of through your own work and creative output? 

We are. Change is such a big part of life that we have no choice but to surrender to. The fluidity and femininity of our gowns reflect this sense of surrender. 

Wedding traditions such 'Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue' carry sentimental value, even to this day. In what ways do you see modern brides and grooms incorporating these traditions into their wedding day?

We adore when brides and grooms interpret old traditions in a new way which is meaningful to them and reflective of their relationship and life together. Some of our favourite weddings are those which incorporate their families values in unique ways; bouquet flowers from their own garden, custom poetry on their embroidered veil or heirloom accessories are some of our favourites. 

Natalie Marie Jewellery’s design aesthetic draws heavily from an alchemy of innovation and tradition – how do you approach crafting bridal pieces that feel at once both timeless and contemporary?

Our goal is to strike a unique balance between modern bridal and vintage fashion which will feel both elegant and timeless. We use high quality fabrication and delicate details to play homage to both of these elements, whilst incorporating the creative essence of our brides to craft beautiful, timeless and bespoke bridal wear.

What inspires you currently, and how do you envision L'eto Bridal evolving in the future?

Inspiration is all around, but right now at L’eto we are particularly inspired by local artisans and creatives who are passionate about what they do. We envision L’eto Bridal to continue to create bridal wear which pushes boundaries and inspires brides to do things on their own terms. 

For brides navigating the journey of finding their dream dress, what advice would you offer to make the process memorable and meaningful?

Try to avoid the noise. Avoid getting caught up in the hype. Take a deep breath and connect with your centre and your true self. The right dress will find you and when you will know when you do. Enjoy the process and do it your way. 

Natalie Marie Jewellery’s design aesthetic draws heavily from an alchemy of innovation and tradition – how do you approach crafting bridal pieces that feel at once both timeless and contemporary?

Our goal is to strike a unique balance between modern bridal and vintage fashion which will feel both elegant and timeless. We use high quality fabrication and delicate details to play homage to both of these elements, whilst incorporating the creative essence of our brides to craft beautiful, timeless and bespoke bridal wear.

What inspires you currently, and how do you envision L'eto Bridal evolving in the future?

Inspiration is all around, but right now at L’eto we are particularly inspired by local artisans and creatives who are passionate about what they do. We envision L’eto Bridal to continue to create bridal wear which pushes boundaries and inspires brides to do things on their own terms. 

For brides navigating the journey of finding their dream dress, what advice would you offer to make the process memorable and meaningful?

Try to avoid the noise. Avoid getting caught up in the hype. Take a deep breath and connect with your centre and your true self. The right dress will find you and when you will know when you do. Enjoy the process and do it your way. 

Ember

From that which is left behind

Named for the process of transformation, the Ember collection was conceived as an assemblage of elevated heirlooms that celebrate and make tangible the formative milestones in life.

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