Style Spotlight: Phoenix

When Bridal Buyer first met designer Kate Fearnley at Bridal Week Harrogate in 2021, we knew this designer had an eye for the finer details. Her gowns had a touch of whimsical elegance, with some boho details woven into the finely crafted silhouettes – a mix of floral wedding dresses, vintage inspired gowns and utterly contemporary cuts.

Her latest collection, Daydream, shown at White Gallery 2024, is testament to her talent and the unique nature of her gowns. The designer describes the styles in Daydream to be relaxed yet luxurious, and created with movement, freedom and comfort at the core.

This week, we are swooning over Phoenix, a stunning full length gown with a bold and botanical floral motif. While floral wedding dresses are making waves this season, this gown in particular has taken a different stance on the trend, with a eye-catching and bold design to the bodice and waist. “Phoenix is made from our signature use of layering fabrics and textures,” explains Kate. “The dress is fully boned with a subtle sequin underlay, which is then embroidered with a unique, oversized raised leaf appliqué cascading over layers of soft ivory tulle. The matching Phoenix veil gives added drama.”

The bold botanical and floral design, and clever use of mixed textures, means that the dress really stands out. It feels fresh and of the moment, but is a style that we’re sure will stand the test of time thanks to the chic lines and subtle detailing. “The inspiration for Phoenix is everything that I think the brand represents. Mixing textures, intricate and detailed layers of embroidery, a sense of softness and strength.”

And, it is not only Bridal Buyer that is head over heels for the look. TV star Jorgie Porter chose the gown to wear on the red carpet at the BAFTA Television Awards this May – it’s a versatile and glamorous gown indeed. In terms of the trend for floral wedding dresses for contemporary brides, this style hits all the high notes.

 

Designer profile

 

One of the strings to the label’s bow is that it’s both homegrown and sustainable – as a boutique fashion house, the brand is able to keep full control of every aspect of the design, creation and business processes from start to finish. Kate tells us: “Designs are thought through to illuminate waste and every piece that can’t be used is recycled and put to positive use.” All the dresses are designed and made in Kate’s UK studio, where the gowns are finished with the love, care and attention that every bride deserves.

Kate graduated from Northumbria University in 1999 with a BA(HONS) in Women’s Wear Fashion and Textiles. After designing for an independent occasion-wear label for three years the opportunity came to start her own business. “In 2002 I launched the Kate Fearnley label, which became a fashion forward occasion-wear brand, and at its prime was stocked in over 80 independent boutiques across the UK and Ireland,” explains the designer. “A decision was made in 2015 to pull back from retail and concentrate on bespoke designs from our own studio and boutique. Bridalwear became a new area, which was well received from our clients.”

After winning The Wedding Industry Awards Wedding Designer of the Year in 2019 and 2020, Kate decided to launch a ready-to-wear collection to showcase at London Bridal Fashion Week – but of course, the pandemic hit and the exhibition wasn’t allowed to take place. Fast forward to Harrogate 2021, and the collection was revealed to excited and enthralled retailers at the show. And ever since, Kate has been impressing audiences at White Gallery – take a closer look Kate Fearnley’s stunning collections here.