Bow Belle

There are certain fabrics that seem destined for certain forms. For Phillipa, her beloved Italian duchess satin was born to be draped into beautiful bows. In this gown, duchess satin becomes the medium for one of the ‘Grace’ collection’s most defining motifs.

Two grand bows with tails frame the shoulders of ‘Bow Belle’. Though fixed in place to create graceful coverage over the upper arms, they remain alive with an organic softness. 

Rather than sitting atop the gown, the bows emerge from it. The bodice is meticulously draped into each bow, so that the fabric appears to sculpt itself into form. Every fold is intentional, composed by the expert hands of the Phillipa Lepley Atelier.

Phillipa has long favoured duchess satin, woven in mills near Lake Como, for its luxurious rich quality and feel. The silk’s unique structure allows for draping that is sculptural yet fluid, creating dimensional shadows and a depth of tone that photographs with extraordinary beauty.

The bodice is cut to a dropped waist – a refined, 1950s-inspired silhouette that features throughout the ‘Grace’ collection. This elongates the torso and showcases the intricate construction of Phillipa’s signature corsetry beneath. The décolleté is framed by a softly scooped neckline, leading into a voluminous circular skirt in satin, layered over petticoats to create a sense of grandeur.

‘Bow Belle’ considers the bride from every angle – not only the front or the back, but the sides, where many brides will be seen from. By placing the design focus on this over-looked angle, the gown ensures 360° graceful beauty.

As seen styled with an exquisite pearls by Mikimoto for the ‘Grace’ collection campaign shoot.

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.