Strong, bold, and directional, setting the pace for what is next in bridal fashion…
Founded by longtime friends Jacque Shaw and Lauren Kay Hooper, LVR Bridal is redefining the bridal experience for the modern, style-conscious bride. With a fashion-forward perspective and an eye for curating the world’s most covetable contemporary designers, Jacque and Lauren have built a boutique that celebrates individuality, style, and substance. From their base in Auckland, they’re creating space for non-traditional brides who want to feel like themselves—elevated, effortless, and unforgettable—on their wedding day. LVR isn’t just a bridal boutique; it’s a love letter to modern fashion, personal expression, and the art of doing things differently.
Your edit of designers feels more like a concept store than a bridal boutique, what’s your process for discovering and choosing who makes the cut?
We’ve always approached LVR like a fashion store first, bridal store second. We’re not interested in trends for trend’s sake; it’s more about pieces with real design integrity that still feel wearable and effortless. We look for designers we genuinely love, women we want to work with, and collections we’d be excited to wear ourselves (or see on our friends). If it’s not a full-body yes, it doesn’t make it in.
If LVR Bridal were a fashion magazine cover, what would be the headline, and who would be wearing the dress?
Headline: How to Get Married Without Getting Lost in the Fluff
Wearing the dress: Zoë Kravitz or Chloë Sevigny. Women with real personal style, who know what they like, and don’t need a stylist to tell them it works. Barely trying, and still best dressed in the room.
What’s one piece of “bridal advice” you think is completely outdated, and what would you say instead?
The obsession with being “timeless.” It’s lovely if your gown stands the test of time, but the most important thing is that it feels like you. Not like you’re playing dress-up, or wearing something you chose just because you thought it would still look good in 30 years. If it does, great. But even if it doesn’t, that’s okay too. Your wedding dress can be a snapshot of exactly who you were in that moment – what you loved, what you felt amazing in. That’s what makes it unforgettable
You both come from wedding industry backgrounds, what did you want to do differently with LVR from day one?
From the beginning, we wanted LVR to feel like more than just a boutique. We were really focused on building a community, bringing together like-minded women who care about fashion, creativity, and doing things their own way. That sense of connection has always been integral to how we work. We also saw a big gap in the New Zealand bridal space for designers who were pushing boundaries internationally but hadn’t made it here yet. So we made it our mission to bring those fashion-forward names to local brides, because we knew they were out there watching the runways, saving references, and just waiting for someone to offer them something different.
The LVR aesthetic is incredibly curated. What non-bridal worlds influence your vision, runway shows, interior design, films?
We’re inspired by art in every form – film, fashion, dance, music, photography. But more than that, we’re inspired by living through those things. Going to gigs, watching live performance, travelling for exhibitions, getting dressed up and showing up to events – there’s something about being in the room, not just scrolling past the highlight reel, that gives us an energy we can’t replicate any other way. Our references are always shifting, evolving with what moves us in the moment. And that’s kind of the point, LVR is a reflection of what we love right now, not a static aesthetic. We want to stay curious, keep absorbing, and let that constantly reshape the LVR world we’re creating.
What’s the most unexpected accessory or styling detail you’ve seen completely transform a look?
We’re LOVING stockings with slingbacks at the moment. Think Jacquemus—that perfect blend of fashion and bridal. Unexpected, a little cheeky, and totally chic.
Let’s play dress-up: if you could style a fictional character for their wedding, who would it be and what would they wear from the LVR rails?
Maybe Fleabag, but season two – fun, chaotic, brilliant, complex. We’d dress her in the LVR Priscilla Mini with the Heartbreaker veil, some killer heels and a martini in hand. She’s the last one on the dance floor, heels off, still yapping, still glowing. A little unhinged in the best possible way, and totally unforgettable.
You’re helping to shift the bridal space into something more inclusive, expressive, and fashion-led. What’s the dream for LVR in the next few years?
First of all,thank you. That’s always been what we set out to achieve: a space where women can come and feel completely themselves. With our own collection, Hand in Hand, we’ve made a conscious decision not to drop a new collection each year just for the sake of it. Instead, we’re building on it slowly—adding a few new pieces each year based on what our brides are loving. It’s a collection for the fashion-forward LVRs, and we’ll keep pushing boundaries with pieces we genuinely love and would wear ourselves. We’ve recently branched into Australian pop up’s and have some exciting opportunities overseas later this year, which is surreal. Seeing LVR brides all over the world? That’s the dream. But at the end of the day, as long as we’re creating together—hand in hand—we’re happy. LVR Bridal has recently introduced event styling to its growing list of creative services, Now, not only can you dress like the fashion bride you are, but your wedding or event space can reflect that same level of style and intention. LVR brings a sharp eye to the way a wedding looks and feels. Think thoughtful details, curated spaces and an overall vibe that’s effortlessly cool. It’s all about creating a celebration that feels personal, elevated and entirely in sync with your fashion-led vision.
We asked Lauren and Jacque what they current favourite LVR looks are and we have them below for you:
Black Riley Corset with Wynn Hamlyn x LVR Bridal Collab Trouser
A striking, fashion-forward take on winter bridal style. This look feels fresh, refined and distinctly wearable, perfect for a low-key city ceremony or a chic rehearsal dinner. Each piece stands strong on its own and is destined to be worn again. We love it styled with the Jasmin Sparrow Oro Necklace worn as a belt. It brings a playful twist and a thoroughly modern edge.
Riley Corset with Coco Skirt and Emma Veil
Sleek, feminine and beautifully uncomplicated, this look is made for sun-soaked destinations. Whether you’re exchanging vows on the beach or heading off for a warm-weather celebration, the pairing of Riley and Coco offers effortless elegance. The Coco Skirt is also ideal for travel. Wear it with an LVR Romeo tank on your honeymoon or to dinner by the sea. It’s endlessly versatile and quietly luxe.
Sawyer Corset and Daphne Skirt
Romantic with just the right amount of drama, this look is perfect for a garden setting. Picture it with sculptural statement earrings, a voluminous Jordan blusher veil and a cascading bouquet of white florals. The clean lines of the corset and skirt make an elegant base for bolder accessories. Confident and contemporary, yet timeless in its appeal.
Lola Varma Paolo Gown with Meadowlark x LVR Bridal Lover Pearl Earring
Minimalism at its finest. The Paolo gown exudes modern sophistication through its clean lines and restrained elegance. Paired with the Lover Pearl Earring from the Meadowlark x LVR Bridal collection, this look offers a quiet power. For brides drawn to thoughtful design and enduring beauty, it strikes the perfect note.
Lola Varma Vincent Slip with Scarf
There is something cinematic about this look. We imagine this bride eloping somewhere along the Mediterranean, the Vincent Slip catching the light as she walks by the sea. Simple, fluid and timeless, with a delicate scarf to soften the silhouette. She is elegant and free-spirited, sipping a spritz after her ceremony.
Meadowlark x LVR Bridal Till Death Pavé Ring
For the bride or groom with an effortlessly cool sensibility, this pavé ring brings together romance and edge. It feels bold yet heartfelt, a little rebellious but full of meaning. When both partners wear it, it becomes a quiet and stylish symbol of connection.
LVR Custom Service
This new offering marks an exciting chapter for LVR Bridal. The custom service allows brides to collaborate on a one-of-a-kind look that reflects their individual vision. Whether it is a sleek minimalist gown, a soft romantic silhouette or something more avant-garde, the process is fully tailored. From first sketches and fabric selections to final fittings, this is bridalwear made personal. Crafted with intention, designed to be unforgettable.
For more information visit lvrbridal.com and @lvr_bridal on instagram.
