One of the questions I’m most asked by curious brides and fellow business owners is when and why did I set up Love My Dress? I can never help but think of one very special lady when that question crops up, and her name is Jenny Packham.
Of course, those of you with an inclination to find yourself landing on the pages of a wedding blog will most likely be well aware of this name – Jenny is an internationally renowned fashion and bridal fashion designer, whose gowns make regular appearances on the Hollywood red carpet.
She was also the designer of my beloved wedding dress, an exquisitely cut creation fashioned from what felt likes miles and miles of fluid, silk charmeuse back on the first day of Spring, 2009, when I said ‘I do’ (by the way, you can take a peek at my wedding images here – I celebrated my 8th anniversary this year!)
My love for Jenny Packham has been constant ever since I happened to flick through the pages of a wedding magazine back in 2008 and experienced a heart-stopping ‘THAT’S what I want to wear!’ moment. I knew in an instant that everything else I’d been looking at didn’t matter.
What I could never have imagined, was that eight years, I’d be working with Jenny and her team to promote their latest bridal collection, through my own international blog brand. It still makes me want to pinch myself to this day.
There’s an interesting story to me finally finding the dress I wore on my wedding day but I’m going to keep that for a rainy day – today, I want to share with you the absolutely exquisite new gowns that Jenny has designed with you in mind.
What was the inspiration for the new collection?
The 2018 Bridal Collection pays homage to an enchanting and otherworldly romance; celestial trailing chiffon, flock tulle ruffles, bonded floral lace and oversized satin bows are juxtaposed with tailored cropped jackets, embellished bodies and sculpted corsetry. Majestic feathers, voluminous ballerina skirts and high octane scarlet hues add drama to the collection.
Can you tell us more about the new collection? What are the standout features in the new collection in terms of fabrics, styles and embellishments?
I have debuted my new bridal separates in this collection, which include skirts, tops, bodies and trousers. Blouson style t-shirt blouses and embellished bodies were styled over slinky slip dresses in crepe and satin or paired with skirts in tulle, chiffon, crepe and taffeta and wide leg palazzo trousers.
This collection feels reflective of our bride and how she is thinking. The style is signature Jenny Packham with the versatility to make the look more individual. Whether that be for the engagement party, rehearsal dinner or different combinations on their wedding day; I wanted to give our brides the option to transform their look by playing with different silhouette and style options.
This is a glamorous collection, more in line with our evening wear; it’s a bit more daring, contemporary and elegant and the response has already been overwhelming.
Can you tell us more about how you go about designing a brand new collection?
I really enjoy the process of creating something truly special and beautiful that the bride feels confident when wearing, for me that is my greatest pleasure and challenge. I love the process of designing a bridal collection from sourcing inspiration to selecting fabrics and embellishments.
Do you have a favourite design from the new range?
One of my favourite pieces from the collection is the Verity halter neck top teamed with an ivory tulle or silk chiffon full length skirt and a silk ribbon waist belt. I love the contrast of the ivory pearl and crystal embellishments with the lace scalloping. I love the idea of pairing it with the Magia skirt – a really romantic look for the ceremony and then changing into the crepe Christy skirt, for a slinky look on the dance floor.
What advice would you like to give brides who are looking for their perfect wedding dress?
Take your time to find the perfect dress and remember it should also be a fun experience! There is a huge variety of different styles and silhouettes, so do try on lots of dresses until you find the one.
The new Jenny Packham collection is available in Jenny Packham Stockists and the Jenny Packham flagship store worldwide right now. Why not treat yourself to a lovely day out trying on Jenny Packham gowns? We’d so love to hear from you if you have plans to try on one of Jenny’s gowns.
You might also wish to follow the brand new @jennypackhambridal Instagram account – you’ll find Jenny’s main account at @jennypackham, and explore our Jenny Packham real bride archives here.
Much love,
Annabel x
Annabel View all Annabel's articles
Founder of Love My Dress. Passionate Podcaster and Editor. Annabel lives in rural North Yorkshire with her husband and business partner Philip, their two daughters and menagerie of furry hounds. She loves photography, meditation, walking, being outdoors and star gazing. She is fierce when it comes to championing talent within the wedding industry and when she's not working on Love My Dress, she supports her husband Philip in the running of the family's sustainable flower farm and floral design business, Moonwind Flowers. In 2013, she became a published author.
The new collection seems having updated volumes , enrich silhouettes and necklines ,outlining the feminine figure.It also showing highlights the combinations of materials and fabrics.It’s great to see the new collection.