CHAPTER FORTY
A FITTING CELEBRATION
This collection of wedding dresses marks the momentous occasion of Phillipa Lepley’s 40 years in couture. Phillipa was inspired not only to create exquisite new designs in celebration of the anniversary but also to reimagine several signature dresses that have been most loved by brides throughout the decades. Love, luck and enduring romance take centre stage, as do the timeless elegance of contemporary couture and the glorious English countryside.
SIGNATURE STYLE
Phillipa’s most adored design elements, from duchess satin and bows to meadow motifs, all feature in Chapter Forty, as do a number of removable watteaux, a style statement that introduces great versatility; brides can change their look and add drama as their day unfolds. Phillipa has continued to focus on styling tools for her brides, from removable sleeves and tops to fabulous trains and coats, ensuring elements can be combined or removed to create more than one couture wedding look. Soft colour makes a beautiful entrance by way of dusty pink tones and café-au-lait silk crepe; one exquisite two-tone dress is pale pink and ivory from the front, but from behind appears entirely ivory.
“Phillipa Lepley is the epitome of Bridal Luxury in London.”
PEERLESS DETAIL
In this collection, embroidery techniques reach new heights. Satin, stem, chain and bullion stitches are combined to depict flowers, leaves and petals in an exquisitely realistic way. A wreath of roses along the border of a watteau train is cleverly reflected in a hidden pattern on the Vienna Opera Sleeve, while Rivoli Fleur Whisper’s wildflowers are embroidered at a third of their usual scale to create a doll-like delicacy. One design, including 14 lily of the valley motifs, showcases the mastery of Phillipa Lepley artisans within the complex bell petal shapes, as does hand-embroidered corded lace, a couture technique which elevates details even more elegantly. The Lucky In love top is playfully hand-embroidered with sentimental, hidden four-leaf clovers for brides to discover.
“This collection celebrates forty extraordinary years. Couture has always been about storytelling through fabric, silhouette and detail. Reaching this milestone felt like the perfect moment to honour the dresses that have defined us — and to reimagine them for today’s bride.”
THE FINEST FABRICS
The Bramling coat is a remarkable couture creation and a centerpiece of Chapter Forty, crafted from a new silk brocade exclusively woven for Phillipa Lepley in the UK, supporting the finest British heritage artisans. Silk faille in soft pink is another new fabric used in this collection and Phillipa has combined two fabrics for the first time, to striking effect; the Mesange Epure design has a silk zibeline bodice and satin skirt. Sheer satin organza and crisp white taffeta are given a chic modern look courtesy of new hand-embroidery and the use of French knots creates a very understated, matte look.
“In Chapter Forty, we revisit our classics with fresh eyes — introducing subtle colour, new textures and ever more intricate embroidery — while continuing to push the boundaries of couture craftsmanship. Couture endures; this collection is our way of honouring the past while shaping the future.”
STATEMENT SILHOUETTES
Phillipa’s commitment to celebrating the female form in all its manifestations shines through in Chapter Forty. Every seam, drape and line has been intentionally designed; figure-hugging column dresses are cleverly cut using jodhpur seams, panels and pleats. Mid-length, straight and dropped waist dresses all celebrate the beauty of curves, as do square necklaces and modern off-the-shoulder designs. Tea-length dresses feature more than ever before, giving brides a versatile contemporary option for civil ceremonies or dancing, especially when paired with shorter veils.
“Having watched the dress come to life from the first sketch to the final fitting, I felt connected to every stitch and curve.”
SPECTACULAR SLEEVES
A focal point of this collection are the show-stopping shoulder and sleeve details; Phillipa has delighted in incorporating organza sails, shoulder bows, knotted elements and sleeves as varied as umbrella, puff ball, cap and fluted. Hidden structural magic ensures these elements stay perfectly in place and seemingly simple gowns, when paired with contrasting lace or embroidered sleeves, create a strong, modern statement.
“Phillipa Lepley showed me the true meaning of couture.”
