We explore the history of London-based bridal designer, Halfpenny London, as it celebrates its 15th birthday on July 15
Image gallery
Image gallery
Founded in 2005, British brand Halfpenny London has become one of the UK’s leading high-end bridal and eveningwear brands, with a flagship store in central London and a presence in some of the most highly regarded bridal boutiques across the UK and internationally.
Graduating with a BA Hons in Fashion design in 1998, founder Kate Halfpenny, went on to study an MA in Textiles at London’s prestigious Central St. Martins school.
Above: Designer and founder of Halfpenny London, Kate Halfpenny
“When I designed two of my lovely friend Emilia Fox's wedding dresses in 2005, it was only supposed to be a one off”, Kate recalls. “I would never have guessed when I was making those dresses by hand in my front room that it would change my life completely and this wonderful labour of love would be a thriving business fifteen years later.
“At the beginning I was doing a handful of dresses a year and now we have three premises in our beloved Woburn Walk in Bloomsbury and my amazing team produce around 200 pieces a month. It's mind-blowing when I think about how far we've come.”
Above: Inside the Halfpenny London flagship store
Known for its cool, British, vintage influence with chic separates and whimsical gowns, Halfpenny’s celebrity cliental includes Liv Tyler, Kate Moss, Holly Willoughby, Millie Mackintosh and Daisy Lowe.
“I feel so honoured and privileged every time a bride chooses to wear a Halfpenny London gown”, explains Kate. “I have the best job in the world. This year has been hard for all of us but I'm pleased the business is in a strong position to keep making women's dreams come true for many more years to come."
