Aaahhh Jenny Packham. A designer who has long had my heart (and of course I am in good company – didn’t the ever chic DoC look just lovely in that bespoke black dress on the recent trip to NZ?) I was a JP bride myself and her modern take on the enduring elegance of eras past always sets my heart fluttering. But after unveiling her latest collection she has earned a great deal more than my undying devotion.

Inspiration for Jenny Packham‘s 2015 collection came from a series of beautiful portraits known as ‘The Goddesses’  by 1930s British society photographer Madame Yevonde (whose real name was Yevonde Middleton – perhaps a nod to the designer’s most famous client?) The collection of portraits of society ladies dressed as roman and Greek goddesses such as Hecate, Flora, Venus, Ariadne, is quite haunting – you can take a peek at them here (aren’t they incredible? I would have thought they would have been considered quite scandalous at the time) Yevonde’s images and their soft romantic lighting directly influenced the collection in terms of both design and colour – dresses of pearl gray, champagne and warm blush tones in sumptuous satin, silk chiffon and ethereal tulle sashayed down the runway, sparkling with the designers signature embellishments and perfectly complimenting the classic ivory…..

I love the use of the celestial blue sky backdrop to create a heavenly ambiance, fit for a bridal fashion show of goddesses.

And as well as everything we have come to expect from Jenny Packham, the collection included some fabulous new silhouettes and necklines, including my current obsession (and predicted 2014 trend) – capes and capelets…..

How exquisite is this bohemian design with Edwardian influences…..just imagine how it would move with that pearl trimmed hemline!

Plus a few sassy short dresses…..

She also subtly silenced those few critics who have claimed a Jenny Packham dress doesn’t suit a bride with curves…..

There are so many reasons why this could be my favourite Jenny Packham collection ever!…..or even, wedding dress collection ever! There isn’t a single design I wouldn’t love to see hanging in my wardrobe.

I don’t believe it is possible to fully comprehend the beauty of a JP dress until you see it move. And luckily for those of us not fortunate enough to have made it to NY Bridal Fashion Market, you can see the full catwalk video here. The collection will be available from the end of July 2014…..I envy you Jenny Packham brides to be!

Amy

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