The David Fielden 2014 Collection ~ Innovative, Cutting Edge Bridal Fashion

 

'My collection 2014 was based on an edgy romance, the dresses took a
more romantic turn, but were paired down and the shapes simple and
modern with attention to detail, texture, reapplication of lace on to
beading, hints of new coloring and a play on layering and transparency.'

David Fielden, July 2014

 

Three weeks ago, my husband Philip and I found ourselves sat alongside Jade Beer, the Editor of Brides Magazine, Camilla Newman, the publisher of Brides Magazine and Peta Hunt, Editor at Large for You & Your Wedding, in a huge, dark, and  atmospheric hall and exhibiting space in the middle of Milan. The sun was scorching outside, even at 6 o'clock at night, but where we were at, after a bit of a kerfuffle getting in at least, it was cool and comfortable, and as we took our pew, the sound and sight of people too'ing and fro'ing buzzed about us as glamorous guests were escorted to their seats.  Show organisers pacing the length of the catwalk show and helping visitors to their seats encouraged guests to quieten down in anticipation of what was about to happen.

We had all gathered from far and wide at the request of David Fielden, the London based bridal wear and fashion designer, who chooses to launch his new collection of wedding dresses each year in Milan as part of the La Sposa Bridal Exhibition. There's a reason for this – Fielden's designs could be described as more 'fashion forward' (fashion focussed?) than your many other bridal wear designers – he is turned on by experimenting with shape and silhouette and use of fabric in innovative ways like no other bridal wear designer currently does. It gives his designs a strong signature, and he has a sharp skill for making his brides look incredibly feminine at the same time too.

All Images Copyright David Fielden

'A David Fielden bride is someone who is confident enough to stand out
in the crowd.  She is a woman who has her own sense of style and truly
wants to have a dress at the cutting edge of bridal fashion.'

(David Fielden, via Brides Magazine)

Minutes after we had sat down and made ourselves
comfortable, the lights that had been casting a dim hue across the vast
expanse of the hall faded out and were replaced by two spotlights
that hovered over a sole figure standing at the centre of the staged space ahead of
us.  The model was back-lit to perfection, looking almost heavenly and angelic, and momentum began to gather as an intense musical soundtrack began it's 30 or so minute journey.

Moments later, a series of very elegantly styled models began to make their way down the catwalk.  Hair was long, gathered to the side and intertwined with pretty floral elements and skinny plaits.   Heels were low heel and patent nude with a touch of Mary-Jane about them.  I wanted a pair right away. 

The models took a slow, sultry pace – slow enough for the catwalk
gatherers to hold a strong gaze on each design that floated past them in
the atmospheric light and smoke that had silently filled the vast space
around us. 

I was transfixed.  And David's attempt to intoxicate us with his
fashion showcase was having an immediate affect.  I wanted to touch the
fabrics and stroke them. I wanted to put my hand up and gesture for the
model to just hold it for a few seconds in front of us, enabling me to
soak in all of the beauty of the design that was dressing her slender,
feminine frame, to appreciate it's beauty for just a few seconds longer.

David Fielden's philosophy is to create contemporary and exciting dresses which also flatter and have a romantic edge.  He told me after the show that he hopes his collection will appeal to
the romantic bride who is looking for a dress that uses traditional fabrics like lace and beading in a contemporary way.  He was keen to tell me that he feels 'vintage' is a much mis-used and misunderstood word. 

And yet despite his fashion focus, and innovative approach to styling, there is most definitely an appeal for the bride who loves and appreciates genuine vintage inspired bridal wear in his collection.  Pre-raphaelite influences are evident in some of the fuller length gowns, as are more modern 70's, Studio 54 style touches. I fell a little bit in love with this particular design below that boasted stunning phoenix inspired silver detail – a feature that was replicated in other designs in the collection too.

The show was intense and fascinating.  The soundtrack and styling were a big hit with me too.  The musical score moved between intense tracks by the likes of Antony Hegarty of Antony And The Johnsons and James Blake's gorgeous 'Retrograde' track – pop this on your Spotify player now and imagine this track being played loud.  Very loud. In a vast, vast hall with the most amazing auditory effects.   It was intense and magical.

At one point, the brides simply froze mid-catwalk pace and the lights flashed rapidly on and off – like a movie you were watching at the cinema had been paused and freeze-framed, providing several seconds for guests to soak up the wonder of it all, not least the very slick show production.  It certainly wasn't a moment for anyone with epileptic tendencies, but it was such a smart and very cleverly choreographed piece of theatre.  Mr Fielden doesn't do collection launches by halves.  He is a master of chic and elegant showmanship.

I couldn't help but be drawn to the shorter designs in this collection – I adored Mr Fielden's approach to the shorter silhouette – playsuits, shorts, tea length gowns with pretty hemline detail, sheer lace, tulle and broderie anglaise.  I loved the elegant, ethereal, chic yet playful nature of the shorter pieces in this collection.

One thing I have to say about Mr Fielden is – he is genuinely super nice.  I'd only been able to chat very briefly at events like The White Gallery and Designer Wedding Show prior to Milan, but this event provided a wonderful opportunity to get to the the designer himself a little better.  I now know he used to be a ballet dancer and theater designer for example (winning international awards for his flair), and that he has an innate understanding of form, shape, structure and aesthetic – he understands movement and fluidity of fabric and how to dress a woman so that she oozes femininity.

He also likes a good G&T and makes great menu choices.  I've never tasted risotto quite so good, no word of a lie.

And he also has a great sense of humour and likes to take time to chat and hear what you have to say. I warmed to Mr Fielden during my trip to Milan a lot. And another thing I noticed too – he has a super, super team around him.  Yuri (head of press and PR), Walter (wholesale) and the lovely Nathalie, who manages the David Fielden flagship store in London – each of them made Phil and I feel incredibly welcome and looked after (thank you guys!).

Some of the fuller length designs made clever and very elegant use of shoulder detail, draping and floral adornment.  I particularly adore the design below, the model looked so full of grace as she glided by on the catwalk…

As the show came to a close, a line of models wearing the most beautiful, full length tulle gowns graced the catwalk and the air filled with leaves that fell from above – it was amazing.  These end of show gowns has such a femininity about them – I recall Phil leaning in to me and commenting how gracious these gowns were.

David Fielden gowns retail for between £1,400 and £3,500 and are stocked in various UK bridal boutiques or in the David Fielden flagship store at 241 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6HY.  Contact  +44 207 351 0002 to make an enquiry, or email [email protected] lovely Nathalie will be only too happy to take your call and make an appointment for you to meet with the designer himself and to try on some of his beautiful wedding dresses.

I'd love to know your thoughts. Are you more of a 'fashion forward' bride? Do you appreciate these beautiful designs, will you or did you wear David Fielden on your wedding day?

To see you out, a little film I created using my iPad and the Vimeo app for you to enjoy…

Much love,

Annabel

 

Disclaimer:  Whilst I was a guest of Mr Fielden's at his catwalk show and post-show dinner (best risotto ever!), I paid for myself to attend this event and all thoughts above are my own.  This is not a sponsored post.