Modern Legacy, veers into a fashionable and contemporary concept which incorporate more elements of what our brides around the world have come to love about the brand.
The collection was inspired by a recent trip to Vietnam– by immersing in a different culture and seeing how beautiful traditional garments were crafted with exquisite textures and vibrant colors.
“My travel got me thinking about our lineage, our traditions and how marriage signifies the next phase of your life – starting your own Modern Legacy,” said Head Designer, Cathleen.
A NOTE FROM CATHLEEN
The Cathleen Jia brand has always stood by our core values: authenticity, ethics, and, most importantly to me, passion. It's this very dedication that has led me to the decision to close this chapter of my life, the Cathleen Jia brand.
Reflecting on the journey of my journey fills me with immense pride. While many of you may be familiar with our story, for those who aren't, I began Cathleen Jia in November 2011 in my parent's modest 3m x 3m backyard shed at the age of 24. In a remarkably short span of time, the label outgrew its humble origins—we moved to an artist studio, opened a retail shop, and finally established the renowned Bridal Loft. It's been a surreal dream come true, evolving from a Melbourne Designer to an international brand, dressing brides from New York to London and with stockists across Europe, Asia. We've been honoured to be listed among the Top 10 Australian Bridal Brands multiple times and featured in esteemed publications like Grazia, Bride, and Hello May, among others. With such a wealth of achievements, it feels bittersweet to bid farewell.
Yet, my spirit yearns for something more. It whispers that now is the time to embark on a new journey, to continue evolving as a person. As fulfilling as it was to work with our incredible brides and stockists over the years, the challenges brought by COVID have left me craving a deeper sense of community, something larger than my humble brand. Stepping back will also allow me to prioritize my well-being and indulge in the freedom of travel.
I'd like to take this moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. Firstly, to my husband, friends, and family, your unwavering support, especially in those early days, has been my rock. To all my industry friends, media partners, and stockists, thank you for believing in my brand and collaborating with me. The wedding industry is truly one of the most wonderfully supportive communities. To my incredible team, I owe you everything. Your dedication through the highs and lows, your wholehearted commitment, has been the backbone of this journey. And to my beautiful brides, I can not tell you how much you all have meant to me. From my very first bride to the last, you entrusted me to create your dream wedding gown and I’ve never taken this for granted. I still get chills and sometimes embarrassingly cry with you when you’ve found your dream gown at Cathleen Jia. I cherish every moment and owe my journey to you. Your support allowed me to live my wildest dream.
While this marks the end of the Cathleen Jia brand, it heralds the beginning of a new chapter with The Wedding Theories—a mentoring business tailored for the wedding industry. While I may be stepping away from designing wedding dresses, at least for now (after all, never say never!), I'm transitioning to a space that better aligns with my current life. The Wedding Theories has long been a passion project of mine, fueled by an unwavering love for the wedding industry. I'm eager to share my experience and knowledge with fellow Wedding Creatives through business mentoring, industry insights, and a supportive community. I remain a Creative and an Entrepreneur at heart, brimming with excitement for the future alongside The Wedding Theories.
I’ve always loved the saying ‘nothing is forever’, so I’m going to see where life takes me. It’s with a heavy but full heart I sign off for now, but I know it’s not goodbye for good.
CJ x
