10 Questions with Jenny Packham

1. How did you get your start as a designer?
I started to designer bridal wear in 2004. Theres is a synergy with eveningwear and it seemed like a natural progression.

2. How many years have you been in business and did you start with bridal or evening?
We started our business over 30 years ago when I was very young with a collection of eveningwear.

3.When did you 1st know that 1930s glamour was going to be the cornerstone of your design aesthetic?
Although I am drawn to that era for its sublime aesthetic I am always searching for new inspiration to add modernity.

4. What is for the inspiration for the upcoming bridal collection?
The inspiration for the new collection -which became quite a challenge to produce during lockdown – was in a way the shock of our predicament and how to survive within the new rules. More than ever I wanted to create a beautiful collection which would engender feelings of hope.

5. With all that is going on in the world with the pandemic and postponement of weddings has the brides still looking for the dress in the same way?
I don’t think so- and I think it is too early to see the outcome in terms of bridal fashion but often harsh situations give way to liberation and change and what has gone before loses its attraction. 

6. Tell us about the launch of the new book, “How to make a dress” What is it about and when does come out?
The book is published by Ebury and will be available in early March. It’s a personal and honest memoir of my life in fashion but also a look into our fascinating relationship with our clothes. There is a chapter about bridal!

7. Is designing a red-carpet dress for a celebrity a different discipline than designing a wedding dress?
I think they are very different. A Red Carpet dress is designed to reflect a moment in a stars life – her mood and how at that time she desires to be seen. The wedding dress , hopefully like the marriage is forever and therefore should reflect- not only the magic of the moment but also the other-wordly experience of that day.

8. Do you think social dressing will change since the pandemic?
I hope not.

9. Are celebrities any different when choosing a dress for their wedding than your other brides? Any memorable moments?
Recently we made Hilary Duffs wedding dress. Hilary was clear about the look she wanted which was a strong silhouette with a sculptured shoulder and cape like sleeves. It was a look I particularly like and it was a thrill to create it for her. Long distant dress designing has its challenges and there is a frustration at not being able to ‘be there’ but it all worked beautifully- she was very happy.

10. During the pandemic lockdown, did you do anything creative during that time?
When lockdown started I couldn’t design- everything felt so sad and I decided to ‘tidy’ my studio- to still my thoughts and to do something useful. I found so many wonderful things and gradually became inspired. The short reprieve from the relentless workload gave way to a sense of freedom when I began to sketch. That felt good.