Speak, Kate Halfpenny’s latest collection for her label Halfpenny London, is a masterclass in versatility. The pieces in the line offer an interplay of textures, volume, shapes and details that are impossible not to fall in love with, which is just one of the many reasons why Halfpenny London is the cover star of the latest issue of Bridal Buyer.

Halfpenny London: Speak 

As the name suggests, Speak is a homage to communication. It’s a reflection of the words and phrases uttered that can craft so much inspiration, how what we say really matters, as well as the beauty and power of simply speaking. “Words can change our life in an instant, giving us the courage to take a chance, or maybe even confirm to us that the path we’re on is right,” says Kate. “In the same way that exploring my personal style changed my life, so did discovering the power of language. When I found my voice, I was able to express myself, to speak my truth, and also listen to those around me speak theirs.” 

For Kate, the idea has always been to offer pieces that can be mixed, matched and layered so the wearer can feel unique and confident in the style they have created, and this collection is no different. “Speak gives our brides another way to express themselves, to speak up sartorially, and show the world exactly who they are.”

Halfpenny London: British Bridal Design

Last year, Halfpenny London celebrated its 10th birthday – so it’s fair to say, the designer is a real icon of modern British bridal design. Throughout the decade, Kate has continually brought fresh takes on bridal styling to contemporary brides, offering them a way to wear bridal that doesn’t fit into a specific mould. She’s been flying the flag for self-expression from the outset.
As well as the creativity of design, fabric selection is of paramount importance to the unique nature of the styles – and it’s something that Kate channels her focus on. In fact, she tells us she’s textile obsessed. “At the very beginning of the brand I used a lot of the most beautiful French lace and there are some pieces in Speak which bring that fabric back in a nod to our heritage. I always add a contrasting trim or use a traditional fabric in a modern silhouette, I can’t help it,” she says. “We go to great pains to source the best fabric and have some hero textiles I come back to time and time again, like our Mikado and – my all time favourite – silk organza.”

Halfpenny London: Ada and Amy

Our style of the week is a celebration of Kate’s skill for layering and the juxtaposition of fabrics and textures. It’s also a stunning example of a bridal look that can be changed and altered in a myriad of ways, offering multiple looks for the big day and far beyond. Pieces can be worn together or separately, layered or taken away. The look feels fresh and fashionable, and has that effortless cool-girl vibe but in a really wearable way. 

The Ada body has a contrasting trim at the wrists and neck, and features covered buttons and box pleated shoulders – this detail to gives the piece a graphic, punctuated shape. This is worn with the Amy crop top and sleeves, adding pops of volume and creating a stunning shape. The crop top has a hidden, secure inner fastening, boning and a gathered taffeta exterior, and is available with or without straps for extra versatility. The sleeves have an almost spherical shape, and can be paired with any of Halfpenny London’s strapless dresses and tops. 

The final touch of the layered look is the incredible Amy skirt. It has a stunning train, crafted from beautiful, textural and voluminous taffeta, which gives the style plenty of movement and flair. Box pleats around the waist add extra volume and it’s available with, or without a front slit. And, the icing on the cake – optional pockets.