Emma Victoria Payne’s romantic gowns are coveted by brides to be who love nostalgia and timeless elegance. The dresses star in weddings worldwide from London to Tuscany, New Zealand and Australia.
We talk to Emma about her designs and inspiration
Bridalwear designer Emma Victoria Payne designs elegant vintage inspired gowns which she creates from her Knightsbridge studio. Emma grew up in Chorleywood and her real love of fashion and textiles started when at school. After studying for A Levels in Textiles, Art and Geography at St Clement Danes and RMS, Emma Payne went to Central St Martin’s and specialised in Fashion with Print and worked with John Galliano in Paris, haute couture houses in London as well as Levi Strauss in Brussels.
“I always loved designing with silk and creating romantic silhouettes. I found the perfect premises in Beauchamp Place and set up my boutique in 2010.”
“I have a team of eight tailors who do everything from initial fittings stage through to the wedding day. We source the silks and get our own exquisite lace made in France by a family who have been making it for generations. We have a beautiful made to measure collection with the option to make personal modifications to each gown. We also offer a full bespoke service so we are able to design custom made gowns which are totally unique.”
So what’s happening with wedding dress trends?
“It used to be all about fullness, ruching, crisp silk taffeta and dupion” says Emma, “ now it’s more natural silhouettes, fluidity, simple lines, softness, especially 20s and 30s inspired styles. Lace has taken off since the Royal Wedding, there are more lace sleeves and less strapless gowns. Ivory is still the favourite colour choice, followed by champagne, oyster and some white.
My grandfather had a clothing company based in Nottingham and designed my grandmother’s wedding dress. His father was a Nottingham lace designer in the Victorian era. So extraordinary! I am now planning on reproducing my great great grandfather’s lace designs. It’s gone full circle! “
Emma Victoria Payne 1st & 2nd Floors 11 Beauchamp Place London SW3 1NQ 020 7584 8322
