Jenny Packham
Launched in 1988, Jenny Packham’s distinctively sleek and stylish pieces have since taken the bridal industry by storm, leading it to become one of the UK’s leading fashion brands today. Since then, the brand has seen its designs frequently worn by some of the most iconic and influential women of our generation including Taylor Swift, Angelina Jolie and The Duchess of Cambridge. This year’s autumn collection is hauntingly beautiful, with the designs being heavily inspired by the most memorable figures of pop culture history, fusing Grecian elegance with modern chic. Below are just some of the designs we can’t stop swooning over: Josephine
Inspired by the bias-cut, form-fitting dresses of the 20s and 30s,
this design captures a warmth and sensuality very much reminiscent
of American-born French entertainer Josephine Baker,
the lady for whom the dress is named. Featuring a deep-V neckline
and long sleeves made of exquisite French lace, this dress manages to
strike the perfect balance between sexy and classy.
Photo by Jenny Packham
If plunging necklines are not your thing, why not go
for a plunging backline instead? Named after 60s French
sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, this Greek-inspired gown straddles the
best of both worlds with its modest, nettled veiled front and a
daring backless design. Flattering and comfortable, we swear this gown
becomes more beautiful the longer you look at it.
Photo (left) byJenny Packham, Photo (right) by Jenny Packham
In the spirit of the times, Monroe joins the ranks of
other non-white designs with its unique, earthy light taupe colour,
which lends a rustic charm that is so characteristic of autumn,
although the dress comes in white for the more traditional as well.
Also striking about this design is its simplicity, which draws
all attention to its classic spin on the trendy off-shoulder design,
boding for an ethereal and regal look. Dreamy and elegant, this Marilyn
Monroe-inspired drapes your frame in the most flattering way possible.
Photo (left) byJenny Packham, Photo (right) by Jenny Packham
Featuring the more unusual short sleeves, plunging V-neckline
and sequined design from top to toe, Jocasta is easily the boldest design
in the entire collection. Having been featured numerous times across
various editorials, the gown seems to be the highlight of the season.
Dazzling and extravagant, this head-turning number is worthy of the
red carpet – perfect for your grand entrance.
Photo (left) byJenny Packham, Photo (right) by Jenny Packham
Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Bennett
Renowned for their flowing organza skirts and perfectly fitting bodices, Lyn Ashworth by Sarah Bennett boasts exquisite pieces that have been crafted by hand from start to finish. Sarah Bennett’s philosophy of using only the best quality fabrics and materials in manufacturing her gowns ensure high-quality pieces of an “understated elegance, balance and sophistication” that will flatter any bride. This year’s True Romance collection features utterly feminine designs that exude an aristocratic romance. Central to the collection is also its air of playfulness, which gives a softer and dreamier look. Here are some designs we absolutely adore: Canterbury Rose
Featuring the label’s signature corset, a low back, a V-neck
and a stylish fishtail cut, this dress completely enhances the silhouette,
giving an alluring, poised look. This is balanced with the laced short sleeves,
which adds a touch of femininity and modesty, thereby softening the entire image.
Sophisticated and feminine, the design exudes an aristocratic air,
making it fit for royalty. This design comes with a wrap as well, making it more formal.
Photos by Lyn Ashworth
Photo by Lyn Ashworth
The designers at Lyn Ashworth have indeed outdone themselves
with this design by managing to weave so many unique elements together
– its lace overlay, ribbon sash and plunging back are testament to this –
and ensures this design lives up to its name with its unique, timeless charm.
Photos by Lyn Ashworth
If you’re looking for the quintessential romantic wedding gown,
this is it. Featuring a long train, intricate lace details and
the classic sweetheart neckline, this gown speaks elegance and femininity.
Here you can also see the delicate lace wrap, which gives a more playful touch when worn.
Photos by Lyn Ashworth
Suzanne Neville
Led by one of Europe’s leading designers of bridal and evening wear, the eponymous label was started in 1991 and has since grown to include a collection of incredibly diverse designs, ranging from sleek and slim-fitting cuts to full and romantic gowns. Most notable for their beautifully constructed wedding gowns and glamourous evening dresses with signature-structure bodices, the designs have been frequently featured in top fashion publications and donned by well-known celebrities, including Katherine Jenkins, Elle Macpherson and Kate Winslet. This year’s Novello collection has been described as capturing “the essence of British eccentricity in theatre and costume” while simultaneously “evoking London’s past and present,” making this collection undeniably British to the core. Diverse and dramatic, it was nearly impossible to identify our favourites since there were so many gorgeous gowns, but we’ve finally managed to narrow down our selections for this article, as shown below: Ballet
A strapless cut, structured bodice and full tulle skirt as in Ballet
brings to mind a lavish masked ball one can only dream of. Glide down
the aisle in these feathery, sweeping skirts with the grace of a
ballerina in this gown that looks just like a dream.
Photo by Suzanne Neville
Capture the essence of Hollywood in this chic ivory number.
If you don’t already know by now, bareback and cut-outs are in,
so if you have a beautiful back, don’t hesitate to flaunt it.
This minimalistic design skims the figure and streamlines
the silhouette, all while placing emphasis on the
back with its hand-beaded back details. Simply gorgeous!
Photo by Suzanne Neville
Novello’s cinched waist, bust emphasis and long, full skirt is a throwback
to past fashion trends, making it stand out from the rest of the collection.
Fashioned entirely out of silk, this dramatic, glamourous piece
enhances the silhouette and flatters the figure. Believe us
when we say this dress won’t fail to turn you
into a real-life Scarlett O’Hara.
Photo by Suzanne Neville
If you’re looking for something dramatic, look no further.
Made of lace, this gown perfectly outlines the figure and is particularly
apt for a winter wedding with its intricate, delicate design.
Of particular interest are the cup detailing and the shoulder caplets
that are neither straps nor sleeves. Definitely
our favourite design from this collection.
Photo by Suzanne Neville
Temperley London
Having been in business since 2001, Temperley London launched its bridal line in 2006 and has since prided itself on creating ethereal, timeless pieces that have been inspired by the decadence and romance of a bygone era. Over the years, the label has garnered critical acclaim and is now one of Britain’s leading luxury fashion brands. Its ever-growing fanbase includes Beyoncé, Emma Watson, Jennifer Lopez, Kate Hudson and even The Duchess of Cambridge amongst its ranks. Dreamy and elegant, Temperley London delivers on its promise of designing gowns that strike the perfect balance of fantasy and functionality with this collection. We’ve tried to select a few outstanding designs, but this has proved impossible seeing as they are all to die for, and hence we’ve dedicated an entire article to feature this year’s Winter collection (you can read it here). This is just the tip of the iceberg, so read on for more inspiration! Peri
If you’re looking for something dramatic, look no further.
A graceful laced design coupled with a slim-fitting cut that drapes the
silhouette makes for an effortless elegance, as demonstrated by this
gown above. We particularly adore the off-shoulder straps that add
an air of subtle sexiness – simply beautiful.
Photo by Temperley London
From the high neckline to the mesh skirt and the superb detailing
of the dress, Lilac is easily the most unique piece of the entire collection.
Particularly remarkable is its clever mix of textures, which have been
intricately put together to achieve a three-dimensional effect. Exquisite and
enchanting, there’s just something about this dress that’s inherently magical.
Photo by Temperley London
The designers at Temperley London have done really well with this
design by managing to incorporate modern bridal trends – such as
non-white shade, barely-there straps and the high-low skirt – in the most
timeless way possible. One of our favourite designs from this collection,
the look is easily completed with lace gloves, a thin bow belt to emphasise
the waistline and an elegant pair of white heels.
Photo by Temperley London
This breathtaking design represents the perfect marriage of
traditional and modern: a strapless, sweetheart cut and an A-line
skirt are bridal design staples that will never go out of style,
while the contrasting and alternating skirt design and faint
pink hues give this piece a contemporary twist. Rustic and
romantic, this dress is a dream indeed.
Photo by Temperley London
