Emery Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Cuffs and Bracelets, @alexisbittar. Earrings, @shopkhoi.
At the core of CEO and Creative Director Mauva Gacitua’s design philosophy is her belief that fashion can evoke confidence and joy. The gowns she crafts for inclusive design house Gacitua Bridal are designed to reflect not just the external beauty of the bride but also to honor the inner strength and spirit of women. And for their highly anticipated Spring Summer 2025 collection, Mauva drew heavily from the influence of muses, particularly the energy and grace of model and starlet Ariel D. King.
Emery Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Cuffs and Bracelets, @alexisbittar. Earrings, @shopkhoi.
Emery Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Cuffs and Bracelets, @alexisbittar. Earrings, @shopkhoi.
“A muse is not just someone who inspires you,” Mauva explains. “It’s someone whose essence you want to capture in a way that others can feel through design. Ariel embodies confidence, ambition and elegance, and those qualities are woven into the fabric of this collection.”
Muses as the Heart of the Collection
Freya Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery
Mauva first met Ariel in 2021 when they collaborated on a styled shoot in the Santa Monica mountains in California.
Ariel stood out because aside from being a practiced model, she’s also a dynamic force in the worlds of entertainment and activism. Her compelling performances in shows like FX’s American Crime Story and BET’s The Oval, and her creative direction in her independent film The Cloud, in addition to the climate activism work she champions with FoodCycle LA, embody her dynamism and range in all endeavors.
Which is why once Mauva and Ariel met, their connection was immediate and effortless. And their partnership has since grown into a creative bond that continues to inspire both of their work. Their shared passion for fashion, art and empowering women has led to multiple collaborations, as well as Ariel becoming a key inspiration for Gacitua Bridal’s latest collection.
Freya Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery
Freya Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery
From luxurious, bold silhouettes to soft, romantic cuts, the collection reflects Ariel’s ability to be both strong and graceful – traits that resonate with every woman who dons a Gacitua Bridal gown. Several gowns in the collection are imbued with elements of King’s signature blend of sophistication and modern flair. The choice of fabrics, intricate details and carefully curated color palette all serve to mirror the complexity of the muse behind them. Flowing fabrics that move with the bride, much like Ariel’s fluid adaptability, add a sense of motion and freedom to the designs. Meanwhile, luxurious lacework and hand-crafted embellishments bring an air of refinement, much like the elegance that Ariel naturally exudes.
The Influence of Modern Muses in Fashion
Alora Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery.
Mauva’s use of muses like Ariel speaks to a larger trend within the fashion world, where designers look beyond traditional sources of inspiration to focus on the real women who shape their work. By grounding her designs in the stories and strengths of contemporary women, Mauva is able to create gowns that feel both personal and universal. Brides don’t just wear a Gacitua gown; they experience a moment of transformation, embodying the characteristics of the muses who inspired the designs.
“I’ve always admired how Ariel approaches life with intention and grace,” Mauva notes. “That’s exactly what I wanted these gowns to represent — a balance of strength and beauty that every bride can tap into on her wedding day.”
Alora Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery.
Alora Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery.
Gacitua Bridal’s Spring Summer 2025 collection is a stunning testament to Mauva’s creative vision and her ability to channel the energy of her muses into wearable art. Whether it’s the regal lines of a full-length silk gown or the delicate, intricate embroidery on a modest cutout, each piece is a reflection of both the muse’s influence and Mauva’s dedication to crafting unforgettable moments for brides seeking to express their individuality. Because Mauva knows that it’s not just about finding a wedding dress, it’s about finding a piece that tells a story and celebrates the bride’s unique journey.
As Gacitua Bridal continues to evolve, this collection marks a moment where inspiration meets timeless design, creating gowns that will be cherished for generations to come. This latest collection was beautifully captured by Photographer Oxana Alex Photography.
Alora Gown from Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal. Photographer, @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto. Model, @arieldking. Glam, @doreenmilek, @harperstylist. Stylist, @mauvad. Earrings, @anayah_jewellery.
| For more information on Gacitua Bridal’s Spring Summer 2025 collection, visit GacituaBridal.com |
*** Creative Team ***
Fashion: Gacitua Bridal @gacituabridal
Photographer: Oxana Alex Photography @oxanaalexphotography @oxanaalexfashionphoto
Model: Ariel D. King @arieldking
Glam: Doreen Milek @doreenmilek, Michele Harper @harperstylist
Stylist: Mauva @mauvad
Harper’s Bazaar Vietnam
