Couture Eveningwear – Frequently Asked Questions

Alongside her world-renowned couture bridal collection, Phillipa is famed for extraordinary eveningwear designs of any occasion. 

Renowned for luxury black-tie evening dresses, elegant mother-of-the-bride ensembles, bespoke bridesmaid dresses, and exquisite wedding guest attire — Phillipa Lepley couture eveningwear is held to the same impeccable high standard that defines our brand.

How long does it take to make a couture piece?

Whilst we usually request around 4 months to create a couture eveningwear design, the time frame to create a bespoke dress is specific to each client. Your couture consultant will discuss your requirements with you in detail and offer guidance on an individually tailored fittings schedule. 

Where are your dresses made? 

Every one of our exquisite couture dresses is meticulously crafted in the Phillipa Lepley Atelier, nestled in the heart of Chelsea, London. Phillipa is one of the last remaining traditional couture, independent designers. Her small, expert team of seamstresses, cutters and embellishers work together to create bespoke dresses for clients from start to finish.

What is the size range of your dresses? 

Our dresses are tailored to your individual body measurements, offering a truly bespoke experience. Each design is precisely hand-crafted to fit you, undergoing multiple fittings to refine the shape to the millimetre and ensure a flawless fit.

Each dress features Phillipa’s internationally renowned signature internal corset, sculpting and defining the female form. Our commitment to luxury craftsmanship means each dress is made specifically for each client.

How does the couture process work? 

Your couture journey begins at The Phillipa Lepley Shop at 48 Fulham Road, Chelsea. Our specialist will first consult with you, learning about your ideas, your event and your personal style, before inviting you to explore the styles within the Phillipa Lepley collection. 

During your appointment, you will have the opportunity to try varying styles, guided by your specialist on silhouettes, fabrics, necklines, corsetry, embellishment and bespoke detailing. Your specialist will work with you during your appointments to confirm every aspect of your couture design before multiple fittings take place at The Phillipa Lepley Conservatory.

Your dress will be mocked up in a calico toile to your measurements, and the shape perfected and refined to the millimetre on you. Then, your dress will be cut in its fabric and you will commence multiple silk fittings. You’ll witness the evolution of your dress as it transforms into a masterpiece, expertly shaped and hand-crafted to fit with every stage of the design approved by you. 

I’m not based in the UK, how does your process work? 

We are honoured to work with clients both in the UK and around the world. Our international couture service is tailored to meet your needs, ensuring you receive the same exceptional experience regardless of your location.

Our expert team is well-versed in guiding you through each step of your couture journey. Whether it involves in-person meetings, video conferences, or sending fabric swatches to you for review, your journey is fully personalised to suit your individual needs and preferences. If you are interested in learning more about our International couture service, please click here.

Do you offer a bespoke design service?

Yes – our couture service offers the flexibility to create a completely bespoke design. Guided from the initial consultation to completion by Phillipa and her team of skilled artisans, your unique design comes to life in our London Atelier. Designing a dress with Phillipa Lepley is a joyous and highly creative affair. If you would like to discuss our bespoke service, please contact us. 

Do you hold sample sales?

We have a variety of eveningwear samples and exclusive Phillipa Lepley archive pieces available. Phillipa Lepley sample dresses can be purchased year-round and also in our exclusive Sample Sale events, held twice a year. Our specialists will assist you in finding the perfect design during your consultation. 

If you’d like to discuss an appointment to view our available samples or be added to the waiting list for the next Sample Sale event, please contact us and a member of our team will be in touch. 

To view our Bridal Frequently Asked Questions, please click here. 

Phillipa Lepley is recognised globally as a leading British wedding dress and eveningwear designer, renowned for bespoke couture dresses of the utmost luxury. Her wedding dress shop in London, Chelsea, has over 50 dresses, all of which have been made in England from start to finish at her Atelier.