Lovelies, do you want to feel and look like modern royalty on your wedding day? A Suzanne Neville gown can help you accomplish that!
From the construction of the bodice to the choice of luxurious fabrics, we’ve always admired the timeless elegant quality of the award winning British designer’s gowns. We recently added Suzanne Neville to our Designer Roster at a few new Lovely locations and we’re thrilled to introduce #OurLovelies to her romantic works of art. You can find her styles at our Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Washington DC and Seattle shops. We virtually hopped across the pond for a Q+A with the design powerhouse, Suzanne Neville. Read below about how she got her start (at just 19-years-old!!), what her design process is like and three things she always has on her desk. Then, keep scrolling to see some of our stylists’ current Suzanne Neville faves.
Meet Suzanne Neville
When and how did you get your start?
I always knew I wanted to be a bridal designer for as long as I can remember. I studied at London College of Fashion, and my main passion was pattern cutting and figure forming. I discovered that my love of pattern cutting went hand in hand with the bridal industry as the silhouettes are often more challenging than with everyday clothing. I was lucky enough to be just 19 when Harrods took on my first bridal collection, and the rest is history.
Describe the Suzanne Neville Bride.
We don’t really have a typical Suzanne Neville bride. Every bride is different and we dress for all sizes, shapes and ages. The gowns vary from traditional, full romantic to short and slim fitting. The one thing my brides do have in common is an appreciation for quality, both in the fabrics used and the construction of their gowns. I am a very hands on designer. I oversee every single gown from my London studio, and I believe it shows in the quality and workmanship.
What was the inspiration behind the Spring 2019 collection?
My greatest inspiration are the brides themselves, I meet so many amazing women at my flagship store throughout the year and on designer days. I often create one off designs for brides that then go into the next collection. My latest collection is called ‘Flores’ I think the name perfectly sums up the collection of strong feminine designs with a sleek modern feel.
Do you have a favorite gown from the collection?
If I had to name a favourite it would be ‘Amber.’ I love the strong silhouette of the dramatic exaggerated shoulders, long fitted sleeves, square neckline and slim skirt.
Has your style evolved over the years?
My style has evolved with the times and as I’ve grown creatively as a designer, you learn new skills and expertise. The quality of fabrics has also greatly improved which in turn makes it easier to be more experimental within a design. I try and update my look every season.
What do you love most about the design process?
Many parts, but particularly I love choosing the fabrics. I’m visited by suppliers from the very best fabric mills in Europe. I make my selections based on the dresses I visualise when I see an inspirational fabric, and this in turn gets the whole look of the next collection flowing in my mind.
Name three things on your desk you can’t live without.
My sketch pad
A phone
And a Diet Coke 😉
What’s your best advice for wedding dress shopping?
My best advice for any bride when she begins to look for a wedding dress would be to do some research before hand by asking married friends for recommendations of good bridal shops. It is so important to enjoy the experience as this is where the build up to the wedding starts. A good bridal boutique will be able to advise a bride on her entire look, and suggest styles that the bride may not have considered herself.
Gowns pictured above: ‘Venus’ from Lovely Bride DC (left), ‘Athena’ from Lovely Bride Denver (right)
Gowns pictured above: ‘Carmella’ (left), ‘Selene’ (right) from Lovely Bride Seattle
Gown pictured above: ‘Delphine’ from Lovely Bride Atlanta
Gown pictured above: ‘Dahl’ from Lovely Bride Chicago
