Creating extraordinary pieces is a labour of love for the founder of the eponymous couture wedding dress and eveningwear label Phillipa Lepley
Tell us a little about your background and how you came to launch your label Phillipa Lepley
I went to art college where I completed an apprenticeship before continuing my studies at The London College of Fashion. After this, I worked for a bridal designer for a short period of time before launching my own couture design business.
I grew up in a family that was filled with entrepreneurs, so starting my own business seemed like the natural path for me to go down. That, coupled with the fact that I have just loved making things from a young age – when I was a child, I begged for a sewing machine – contributed to where I am now.
We have now been established for over 30 years, and we are renowned for our feminine, refined style. By combining traditional couture tailoring with an unparalleled attention to detail, we are able to create extraordinary, timeless pieces that show off the best of British couture.
We pride ourselves on creating a special dress that is unique for every client… We do not follow trends, but instead we create individual dresses that are feminine and elegant. Truly works of art
What’s your brand philosophy?
I create beautiful pieces with love and passion, working alongside my incredible team of artisans. The most important thing is creating the right dress for every bride, getting a true feeling for that person and taking time to really get the dress right for them. I am only as good as my incredibly talented team of long-standing artisans; together, we aim to create a nurturing service, that fills our clients with enormous confidence.
What do you see as being the big trends in bridalwear this year?
Corsets have always been popular in bridalwear and will continue to be. This year I think we’ll be seeing them coupled with long sleeves. And bows will also be popular – think oversized and sculptured, in duchess satin.
Look out for Watteau trains; these attach to the shoulders or upper back of the dress instead of the waist, creating a cape-like effect that trails the bride. Alternatively, removable trains and overskirts are looking increasingly popular. And there are some incredible hand-worked silk veils around.
More generally speaking, brides are increasingly asking for a clean look, with bespoke personal touches and dashes of subtle colour.
Describe your bridal style
We pride ourselves on creating a special dress that is unique for every client, whether they favour a sculpted, clean silhouette, or a dazzling crystal-adorned masterpiece. We do not follow trends, but instead we create individual dresses that are feminine and elegant. Truly works of art.
What can we expect from your latest collection?
Definitely a few surprises! There is very much something for every bride, with a lot of variety in shape and style.
We’ve been working on dashes of floral embellished colour; translucency in feminine, wafting sleeves; many nods to flora and fauna; old school glamour with big skirts and oversized 50’s inspired stoles; both delicate sculpted bows and oversized duchess satin bows; and brilliant bubble skirts.
What one piece of advice would you give to a bride to be when choosing their dress?
My advice is to always allow plenty of time. Listen to your gut and be open minded. Leave all preconceived ideas outside the door when searching for your dress! That wild card might just be the one.
How do you want people wearing your bridalwear to feel?
I want them to feel individual, feminine and elegant. The dress should make them feel confident and serene; the best they have ever felt.
Is there anyone you’d really love to see wearing one of your designs?
I love seeing brides of all different ages and nationalities from all over the world wearing specially created couture Phillipa Lepley looks.
How do you endeavour to make your business more sustainable?
We love dresses to be re-worn, and we will help make this possible wherever we can. A PL dress has a long life and can be worn over and over.
What’s new/next for Phillipa Lepley?
Our new collection has just launched, which we’re really excited about. And watch this space for more incredibly special eveningwear.
