Bubble Fleur and Coat

The epitome of artistry and couture, ‘Bubble Fleur’ embodies a balance of structure and movement.

When designing the ‘Grace’ bridal collection, Phillipa fell in love with a very special, silk taffeta which formed the inspiration of this exquisite piece. Hand-painted with a rose floral motif in two complementing hues of white, the fabric is a refined alternative to traditional lace or hand-embroidery.

The strapless, dropped waist bodice is expertly hand-draped in diagonal folds of the silk taffeta and sculpted onto the body. This technique, performed by the most delicate hands in the London Atelier, creates subtle openings in the drape, revealing glimpses of the hand-painted floral print beneath. The dress features the signature Phillipa Lepley corset to elegantly elongate the silhouette.

The taffeta fabric’s distinctive crispness in texture is what gives Bubble Fleur its defining shape. With tight gathers at the waist, the taffeta balloons into a 1950s-inspired bubble skirt. 

Many hours of meticulous refinement and expert craftsmanship were undertaken to perfect the skirt, mocked up in toiles at the Phillipa Lepley Atelier. Layers of crinoline were strategically placed within the construction so that the skirt is able to maintain its voluminous form in movement. The result is a skirt that interacts with the body – a sphere of motion, a bubble of life.

As a final touch, ‘Bubble Fleur’ is paired with a couture, satin organza Opera Coat. Styled over the dress at the ‘Grace’ campaign photoshoot, the coat echoes the rose floral motif in a luminous satin organza. A soft pleat in the back adds volume, mirroring the shape of the dress beneath and providing a cape-like effect. The design, featuring statement ‘kimono’ sleeves, is hand-finished with couture techniques of organza-bound edges and French seams. 

Designed for a bride who appreciates the poetry of movement and the sculptural beauty of form, each element of ‘Bubble Fleur’ has been meticulously crafted to achieve the perfect harmony of movement and volume. 

As seen paired with a showstopping headpiece by Jess Collett Milliner, exquisite diamonds by David Morris Jewellers and shoes by Emmy London.

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.