Halfpenny London’s new collection is out of this world

You’ve got to hand it Kate Halfpenny. When it comes to showcasing a hero textile to its absolute best she knows the exact cut and line to employ.

Yet when it was first conceived pre-pandemic the new Out of This World collection was to look quite different, with a dreamy, other-worldly vibe using intricate beading and detailed embroidery.

But all that changed when Covid-19 took hold.

“The new designs I’d been so excited about only a few short weeks before were shelved, the tech drawings for the decadent beading we’d been working on for months were pushed to the side and the test swatches were pinned back on the moodboard as the entire team worked incredibly hard to look after our wonderful brides in a time of crisis,” says Kate.

Issa shrug and Dayton dress

As lockdown continued the designer was left “alone with [her] thoughts” for the first time in years and refocused the new collection. The result is a collection of clean shapes and strong graphic lines with exaggerated proportions.

Added piping was used to accentuate seams and, in line with the designer’s focus on sustainability, offcuts and waste fabrics were reused to form decorative hearts and flowers.

Kate Halfpenny is the designer who recently brought us the Sister collection of bridesmaid dresses and separates and the Out of This World bridal edit is a natural follow-on.

The designer explains, “[It’s] an edit of interchangeable separates, dresses and accessories, including detachable sleeves, overskirts and capes which completely transform a sleek dress, offering a sought-after day-to-night transformation or an opportunity to re-wear elements of a wedding look for a low-key ceremony, then again for a huge party at a later date.”

Talk about a collection in tune with the times.

Here are just a few of our fave key pieces…

Iris slip with Blaze shrug

The love affair with all things 90s shows no sign of abating and the Iris slip encapsulates everything we loved about the dacade with its spaghetti straps and bias cut that skims the body.

Teamed with the flouncy blaze shrug it’s given a dramatic twist.

Iris slip with Ariel bow

Or take the same classic Iris base, add this exaggerated Ariel bow and the result; a headturning look that’s full of fun!

Luna skirt with Cosmic dress

We, err, heart this combo of sleek fitted sweetheart neckline gown with the playful overskirt. A dress that’s begging to be taken for a whirl round the dancefloor.

Cosmic dress and Mars sleeves

Or toughen up Cosmic with sleeves that would give the cast of Dynasty a run for their money. Those button-down cuffs are pure class.

Mercury cape with Star caplet

Struggling to decide between a cape and a caplet for your w-day look. There’s no rule to say you have to.

Saturn dress and Cosmic dress

 Remember that piping we were talking about? Here it’s used expertly to add structure to the beautiful Saturn over-dress. We love, love, love the appliqué flowers too.

Zu top and Cosmic dress

Are you over statement sheer sleeves yet? No, us neither and Zu’s an example of the cut done to perfection.

Bernice corset and Atlas skirt

We’re loving the combination of flirty corsetry and simple skirt. A modern take on the princess ballgown.

Love what you see?

Check out the full collection here