Revered British bridal designer, Phillipa Lepley has unveiled a new space, The Conservatory, opposite her Chelsea atelier.
Celebrated throughout the industry for her meticulous craftsmanship and couture gowns, it’s no surprise the name Phillipa Lepley is always high on a bride’s designer wedding dress wish list. And, the designer’s newly opened ‘The Conservatory’ is a space where bespoke wedding dress dreams really do come true.
Situated in the iconic Victorian glass conservatory at 46 Fulham Road, The Conservatory beckons brides with a spacious fittings area (adorned with a curated display of truly enchanting, heart-stopping couture pieces, might we add) and the designer’s team of couture artisans, ready to design and construct your very own couture wedding gown. A truly unforgettable bridal experience.
We caught up with the esteemed designer herself to chat more about the new space, the increase in bespoke orders and, of course, her new bridal collection, Awakening…
#1 Who is the Phillipa Lepley bride?
“A Phillipa Lepley bride generally is looking for a bespoke dress made especially for them, or she is looking for an exceptionally well made, individual, sample dress that enhances her features and makes her feel the very best version of herself. We have brides who are traditional and brides who are modern – but they all appreciate and are totally inspired by the quality of the craft and the vast possibilities that are available to them when designing their look.”
#2 Why do you think more brides are seeking couture options and allocating more of their wedding budget to the gown and its embellishments?
“Recently life has changed people. We are seeing brides who want to celebrate more than ever. Bespoke options are the perfect way to do this as you can really elaborate and tell a story that is totally personal.”
#3 Which couture details are proving particularly popular at the moment?
“Personalisation, embellishments, all-over embroidery, overlays and clean looks with dramatic embroidered veils.”
#4 Talk us through what ‘The Conservatory’ will offer brides as an experience?
“Located in the iconic Victorian glass conservatory at 46 Fulham Road, our brand new Conservatory houses a small number of exquisite couture pieces on display and a large fittings area. It provides the required additional space for clients seeking a small, niche and incredibly hands-on company, and the next level of couture.
Clients attending an appointment at ‘The Conservatory’ will experience the most special couture service, in a luxurious, serene space. A sharp contrast to any other regular retail experience, this is the ultimate destination where creating a bespoke dress begins. Encapsulating the true experience of a traditional atelier, The Conservatory is where our expert, highly-skilled, trained team design custom works of art with their clients.”
#5 We love the serene, calming atmosphere of the new space, what inspired its interior?
“I started with the bare bones of this iconic Victorian space. To me it just spelt ‘white calm’ – it’s a heavenly feminine space. I wanted to line it with wood to add warmth. It is compact and it needed simplicity and clever use of the space. I was very inspired by my love of natural patinas and clean, smart interiors dotted with diverse antiques.”
#6 How are you hoping brides will feel when they arrive for their couture appointment?
“Calm. They will be in a serene, beautiful and special place in the best possible hands.”
#7 We love the latest Phillipa Lepley bridal collection, tell us more about it.
“It is a diverse collection in accordance with the huge array of diverse weddings we have been lucky to work on. The embellishment is second to none. Delicate, detailed flowers and leaves can be seen on embellished overlay. There are also dramatic, clean, ‘wow’ Italian Duchesse Satin statement dresses too. They are beautifully sculpted over incredibly defining corsetry. The veils are to die for! They are all hand embroidered and personalised where required.”
Rapid Fire Questions:
#1 Favourite book?
“Cook books/River Cafe/Ottolenghi.”
#2 Favourite city?
“Florence.”
#3 An industry name you’d like to work with?
“Would love to collaborate with Manolo Blahnik.”
#4 Perfect getaway?
“St Jean Cap Ferrat.”
#5 Best way to relax?
“Bath/spa/swim.”
#6 Favourite artist?
“Degas.”
#7 Fine wine or champagne?
“Champagne.”
#8 Favourite restaurant?
“The River Cafe.”
Discover more from this acclaimed British designer.
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