A Phillipa Lepley Bridal Appointment – Frequently Asked Questions

Experience an entirely unique process involving meticulous craftsmanship, bespoke design, unrivalled attention to detail and impeccable, luxury service when you create the dress of your dreams with Phillipa Lepley. 

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 crafted to your body measurements, offering a truly bespoke experience. Each design is precisely moulded 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 bride.

How long does it take to make a couture wedding dress? 

Our standard lead time is generally 8-12 months before your wedding date. However, we work with each client’s specific requirements and we have been known to make dresses in a shorter timeframe if necessary. Your couture journey will be personalised under the guidance of our Director of Fittings, who curates a fitting schedule tailored to your preferences and needs. 

What happens at my first bridal appointment? 

Your couture journey begins at The Phillipa Lepley Shop at 48 Fulham Road, Chelsea. This initial appointment is where the vision of your dream dress takes shape. Our specialist will consult with you, listening to your ideas, inspirations, and wedding details before inviting you to explore the styles within the Phillipa Lepley collection. 

You will receive expert guidance on silhouettes, fabrics, necklines, corsetry, and embellishments as you try on a selection of Phillipa Lepley wedding dresses. With over 50 dresses from the collection available to try, you will have the opportunity to see and feel the craftsmanship and elegance that define our designs.

What can I expect from the couture fittings process? 

The couture process involves a series of detailed fittings at The Phillipa Lepley Conservatory in Chelsea. 

First, precise measurements of your form will be taken, before your dress is mocked up in a calico toile. The shape of your dress is perfected and refined to the millimetre during your toile fittings to best complement your frame. 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, can I still have a Phillipa Lepley dress?

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.

Can I add something personal to the design of my dress?

Renowned for our expertise in creating bespoke embellishments, Phillipa Lepley brides have the opportunity to include the most personal of touches within their couture wedding dress design. Whether it is an embroidered initial, a favourite flower or a special symbol, our Embellishment Team can work closely with each client to design the perfect embellishments. 

Brides can also work with our design team to craft a bespoke wedding veil that’s truly one-of-a-kind, adding special touches such as new initials or the wedding date. Our Shop consultants and Atelier team work closely to create the perfect dress and veil, tailored to the individual, ensuring your special day is imbued with your personal story and style. 

Do you hold sample sales?

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. 

Can you make dresses for occasions other than weddings? 

Yes – Phillipa and her artisan team work closely with each client, collaborating to create extraordinary couture designs for any occasion. 

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

We also create spectacular ‘second dresses’ for brides. Whether a chic registry office outfit, a rehearsal dinner mini, a dancing dress for the evening of your wedding or something for the following day’s wedding brunch – every aspect of your special occasion’s design will be touched by the essence of couture luxury. 

To view our Couture Eveningwear 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.