A Fairytale Unfolds: Este Haim's Bridal Vision Comes to Life
Childhood Dreams and Bridal Fantasies
Este Haim, the renowned musician, recently exchanged vows with tech mogul Jonathan “Johnny” Levin in an intimate California ceremony on New Year's Eve. Months prior, in November, Vogue was granted an exclusive glimpse into the final preparation of her Louis Vuitton bridal attire, a creation by her long-time friend, Nicolas Ghesquière. Este reminisces about a childhood vision, a scene reminiscent of Cinderella, where she gracefully descends a spiral staircase in a magnificent ball gown, to be met by her awaiting fiancé. This cherished dream set the stage for her actual wedding day, transforming a childhood fantasy into a tangible reality.
The Parisian Atelier Experience with the Haim Sisters
The journey commenced in the bustling city of Paris, where the Haim siblings—Este, Alana, and Danielle—made their way to the esteemed Louis Vuitton atelier. This visit was not merely for Este's final fittings for her ceremony, reception, and after-party ensembles, but also marked the last review of Alana and Danielle's bridesmaid dresses. The moment they stepped into the atelier, Este's playful exclamation, “Can I live here?!” underscored the magical atmosphere. The unveiling of two delicate pale blue bridesmaid gowns on mannequins was met with excited shrieks and joyful banter, a testament to the close bond shared by the sisters.
A Serendipitous Proposal and the Promise of a Future
Este recounted the touching story of Johnny's proposal, which occurred a little over a year prior, on December 22, 2024. The musician was utterly taken aback, unprepared for the life-changing question. She humorously described herself as being in a state of natural disarray—wearing acne medication, her hair in a top knot, sans makeup, and dressed in sweats and sneakers during a hike. Johnny, presenting a placeholder ring, immediately assured her of their future collaboration in designing the perfect ring, a gesture Este found incredibly sweet and thoughtful, highlighting the personal and heartfelt nature of their commitment.
The Unveiling of the Wedding Gown
Returning to the atelier, following the approval of her sisters' outfits, Este stepped behind a curtain to don her wedding dress. A collective gasp of “1, 2, 3—wow!” filled the room as she emerged, to which Este confidently declared, “I’m going to get married in this dress!” This moment was charged with emotion, marking the culmination of anticipation and the tangible realization of her bridal vision. The dress, with its exquisite design and perfect fit, visibly moved Este, bringing her closer to her cherished wedding day.
A Decades-Long Admiration and a Dream Collaboration
The Haim sisters have harbored a profound admiration for Nicolas Ghesquière, Louis Vuitton's women’s creative director, spanning decades, a devotion that began in their youth with their first Vogue magazines. Este shared that Nicolas and Drew Khuse were among the first to see her engagement ring. Although she had casually mentioned her dream of having Nicolas design her dress, she never anticipated his actual offer. Weeks later, an invitation for lunch turned into the beginning of an extraordinary creative partnership. Este, along with Alana and Danielle, met Nicolas, armed with a meticulously curated Pinterest board showcasing his past designs. Nicolas's spontaneous live sketching during their meeting was described by Este as one of the most incredible experiences of their lives, feeling as though he had peered directly into her dreams and brought her innermost desires to life.
Nicolas Ghesquière: The Fourth Sister
Nicolas Ghesquière fondly recalled the collaborative process as effortlessly enjoyable, a memorable lunch shared with the entire family. He humorously remarked on feeling like “the fourth sister for a second,” to which Este playfully agreed, solidifying their deep bond. The bride had always envisioned something grand and impactful, and Nicolas delivered beyond expectation. After trying on her gown, overcome with emotion and shedding tears, Este exclaimed, “You are a genius!” to the designer, expressing that she felt exactly as she had always wished to on her wedding day, perfectly embodying her desired bridal aesthetic.
The Celebration Continues: Reception and After-Party Attire
For the post-ceremony dinner, Este transitioned into a romantic lace dress featuring a drop-waist and spaghetti straps. This versatile garment included a removable skirt, allowing it to transform into a shorter, more playful ensemble for the after-party. Este was equally delighted with this second look during her fitting. Reflecting on her upcoming nuptials in her final outfit of the evening, Este expressed her excitement to reunite with her entire family, celebrate with friends, and finally embark on her married life. She emphasized that the most crucial aspect was marrying the right person, looking forward to a joyful future.