Phillipa Lepley

Lepley grew up in Nottinghamshire, learning sewing and embroidery from her grandmothers, one of whom worked as a court tailoress.^[1] She studied Fashion Design at the London College of Fashion.^[1] She undertook a couture apprenticeship in Holland Park, London, before launching her label in 1986.^[1]

Lepley opened her first store in Fulham in 1990 and later moved to the flagship atelier in Chelsea, London.^[3]

Her work is described as focused on couture craftsmanship, corsetry and classic silhouettes rather than trend-led designs.^[2][4] Inspiration for her embroidery often comes from natural motifs.^[5]

• Catherine, Princess of Wales, who wore a turquoise evening gown by Lepley during the 2022 Caribbean tour, and a gold evening coat and gown to the state banquet at Windsor Castle in September 2025.^[6][7][8][9]
• Geri Halliwell, who wore a Phillipa Lepley gown for her 2015 wedding.^[10][11]
• Jacqui Ainsley, who wore a bespoke gown for her 2015 wedding to Guy Ritchie.^[12][13]
• Talulah Riley, who wore a Phillipa Lepley gown for her 2024 wedding.^[14]
• Princess Aisha bint Faisal of Jordan, who wore a bespoke gown for her 2025 wedding.^[15]
• Lady Violet Manners, who wore a bespoke gown for her 2025 wedding to William Lindesay-Bethune, Viscount Garnock.^[16]

Lepley has been listed among leading British bridal designers by publications including Vogue, Tatler, Harper’s Bazaar, and Luxury London.^[2][17][18] Her work and commentary have appeared in wider discussions of wedding trends and couture fashion.^[19][20][21]