“We were all set to launch our new collection, Daydreamer, during London Bridal Market and had actually decided to put it off indefinitely, but requests from the press and our brides made us reconsider so we decided to release our wonderful new images into the world.” Kate Halfpenny of Halfpenny London on what’s new at the brand
In the midst of lockdown, Kate Halfpenny of Halfpenny London unleashed a glimmering haze of beauty with her latest collection, Daydreamer – that for a moment, happily distracted us from the current situation. Daydreamer is, as Kate Halfpenny herself puts it, “a natural evolution of the brand” and literally glows with this designer’s innate curiosity, imagination and innovative approach to construction. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, secretly, I think Kate Halfpenny might be some sort of tulle-wielding, embellishment-adorning, dreamy silhouette-making wizard – and the new arrivals from the Daydreamer collection only go to prove this theory further. The label continues to challenge the traditional concept of what ‘bridal’ is, developing their own exclusive beading and embroidery and ticking all the boxes (and boxes I didn’t even know existed) for texture play. Unleash your inner free-spirited bride with Kate Halfpenny’s latest line and book your virtual appointment with the team today. But, before you do (and while you’re here) read my latest WFH Diary entry with the one and only Kate Halfpenny below, and discover what lockdown’s been like for the designer…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before: “Confused, nervous, sad.”
After: “Resilient, grateful, accepting.”
WFH 
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“I’m laughing to myself because I wish it meant I could get a little more sleep but my son, Sylvester is up early no matter what. He’s a gorgeous bundle of energy and he wants to play at 6am so there’s no chance of sleeping in in our house. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. Life is definitely slower and I’m actually very grateful for that as, before, there were never enough hours in the day and I’d be rushing around trying to juggle a million different things. I’m absolutely loving this unexpected time with my family and enjoying sitting around the table for every meal. It will definitely make me re-think how I live my life when the world gets back to normal – whatever the new normal will be.”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“With us being a client-facing business, the impact of lockdown has been the main issue. We had to close the boutique and have really missed seeing our wonderful brides. It’s been a shock to the system for everyone but we’ve adapted and are offering virtual appointments until we can open again and are simply doing everything we can to hold our brides’ hands and reassure and inspire them. In terms of support, I sort of think that’s our job really. We’re lucky in that we have a strong business and can ride through the storm and be here for the long haul. It’s going to be a tricky time figuring out how to re-open safely so I think the main way to support us will be to have patience while we figure things out. Myself and my team love working with brides! It’s why we do what we do and we can’t wait to get back to it, but we have to do so safely.”
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “Abbie Walsh – she does the most beautiful beadwork and embroidery, including some pieces for Halfpenny London.”
No.2 “Kinshipped is a small gift card company, she’s so passionate and gorgeous!”
No.3 “The Natural Dye Works – beautiful ribbons and other things made with natural plant dye.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“Seeing as it’s asparagus season it has to be that. Cooked any way, but particularly roasted and then drizzled in fine olive oil, pecorino and ricotta cheese. Heaven. That and Co-op’s Sea salt and Chardonnay wine vinegar crisps, addictive.”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“It would be either riding round the garden with Sylvester on our bikes being chased by our labradoodle, Rambo, or settling down to a delicious meal with my husband, James, and flicking through one of my books.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“I feel grateful to have found all of my favourite things.”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“Everything feels quite strange right now but I think the biggest thing is not being able to embrace my family and friends (other than James and Slv). Before lockdown our house was always full of people. I’m a tactile, social person so that’s very strange for me.”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“Zoom.”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Not having our house full of our friends.”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Being with my husband and son seven days a week and not having to leave them to travel or go into London right now.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“I can’t wait to see my mum. She moved from Derby (where we’re from) to live near me in Faversham and it’s been so difficult not being able hug and kiss her. I’m grateful I’ve been able to deliver her shopping and catch up through the window. I can’t wait to give her a big squeeze.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“My local friends leaving gifts on the gate, from strawberry, meringues and cream, to pots of bluebells and homemade cassis.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“We were all set to launch our new collection, Daydreamer, during London Bridal Market and had actually decided to put it off indefinitely, but requests from the press and our brides made us reconsider so we decided to release our wonderful new images into the world.
I, personally, find it comforting to focus on beauty in times of crisis. I find it a great way to escape the everyday. We’ve had a wonderful response to the collection with people saying exactly that so if they bring people a moment of joy from seeing what the future holds when the time comes to get safely back in the boutique, then that makes me very, very happy.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Mine and my family’s health.”
No.2 “My incredible, inspiring, supportive friends.”
No.3 “My amazing business and wonderful, dedicated team.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“Our friend Joseph Fox recently set up the Townsend restaurant in the Whitechapel gallery. I’m desperate to go and try his incredible food.”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“Ozark. It was brilliant. Normal people, I loved it. Unorthodox – brilliant. And, Hollywood it was so glam and fab!”
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
“I’m a magazine kind of girl so it’s piles of interior mags. Homes and Gardens is my fav, Elle Decor, Architecture Digest and World of Interiors.”
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“A Margarita. Perfect in all this sunshine.”
Want to discover more about Halfpenny London and their new collection, Daydreamer, click here.
Read more WFH Diary entries from your favourite brands and designers here on Bridal Editor.
