Bridal designer to the stars Phillipa Lepley has predicted what wedding dress trends we'll be seeing next year. Speaking exclusively to HELLO! Online, the bridal couturier, whose celebrity clientele include high-society names Alice Naylor Leyland and Lady Emily Compton, has revealed the kind of materials, shapes and colours she thinks will be popular for 2015.
'Lace is always so flattering and beautiful,' said Phillipa Lepley
Lace, says Phillipa, will remain very much in demand. "It is always so flattering and so beautiful," she said. Famous brides in the past who have championed the material include The Duchess of Cambridge, née Kate Middleton, whose royal lace wedding gown from three years ago continues to go down in history for its timeless style and gorgeous fabric. "It combined tradition and modernity beautifully," said Phillipa. "Every last detail was perfectly executed, from the hand embroidered flowers on the silk tulle veil to the appliquéd lace bodice, the subtly heavily embroidered skirt and the organza covered buttons on the back. It will continue to inspire designers all over the world." Similarly, recent bride Amal Clooney, whose dress Phillipa called "modern with a sexy twist," also opted for a French lace creation.
Phillipa Lepley predicted full skirts would be on trend
"Having said that we are seeing more and more brides opting for plain, satin dresses – clean and simple is often good and makes the bride shine more," she added. In terms of shape, full skirts will continue to be popular, said Phillipa, whose own collection features the wide "umbrella" skirt. As she marks her 25th anniversary in the bridal world this year, the London-based designer noted that some brides come in looking for something "more modern and surprising". "I imagine we will continue to see more people experimenting with soft muted colours," she said. "We have some dresses in our latest collection with very light, dusty pink under-layers, which are very subtle, but the overall look is still classical."
© Photo: Getty ImagesDuchess Kate's wedding dress 'combined tradition and modernity beautifully'
Her dresses tend to be associated with a quintessentially British style, which means she attracts brides looking for a traditional wedding dress that is timeless and elegant. However, her stance as a couture designer means Phillipa's inspiration comes from the individual woman she dresses herself. "I don't follow the fashion trends meticulously, because I think a wedding dress should be timeless and designed to last a life time, and never to date," she said. "People often ask me which is my favourite dress in the collection, I always say – they are all my favourites once they are on the right person. "It is the individual bride herself that influences me the most. Refining and showing off the female form fascinates me. I recently made a bespoke lace jump suit for one beautiful bride, it was ultra feminine and breathtaking."
Brides will be given a complimentary illustration of their wedding dress
And Phillipa's top tips for brides who are dress hunting? "Be open-minded, and enjoy the journey!" she said. "It will all be over too quickly and don't get confused by trying on too many dresses. Don't listen to too many people and get confused – listen to yourself." Brides who place an order for a couture dress during November will receive a complimentary illustration of them wearing their dress, done at their final fitting, drawn by fashion illustrator Jane Hartley. Philippa's Christmas sample sale will take place on 15 December at her Chelsea boutique. For more information visit www.phillipalepley.com.
