Nutcracker sweetie

MANILA, Philippines - Designer Katrina Goulbourn’s latest collection for her Babes christening gown line is a willowy sweet and strikingly elegant mix of gowns for both baby girls and boys inspired by The Nutcracker Suite.

“My mom would take me to the ballet every year when I was small to see The Nutcracker Suite and it was always such a thrill to watch the dancers leap and flutter about in a Christmas setting,” says Katrina. “I couldn’t wait until this performance would be on because it was so pretty, imaginative and festive — a beautiful reflection of a child’s imagination — so when I was designing for this collection, I played around with both softer and more structured looks influenced by the likes of the Sugar Plum Fairy and, of course, the Nutcracker himself.”

The more romantic, feminine gowns have delicate embroidery and layers of soft tulle or ruffles; the more masculine gowns make use of clean lines and accents on pompom buttons and ribbon trims, with the occasional touch of damask taffeta for a richer look. Some are in more neutral, traditional shades, while others are touched with soft pastels or gold for a more unique feeling.

Katrina Goulbourn Babes creations are heirloom pieces that are to be treasured and kept for the next generation.

Katrina Goulbourn Babes christening gowns are available at Silk Cocoon, New World Hotel, Makati, tel. no. 811-6856, and at Rustan’s Makati, Alabang, Shangri-La Tower and Cebu.