A typical summer morning in July, it’s threatening rain and the Suzanne Neville ‘Symphony Collection’ Catwalk is calling us to London. Descending on the capital from various locations we eventually, after a few network rail challenges, rendezvoused at Kings Cross Station, hailed a black cab (which hands down is a sensational I’m Carrie Bradshaw feeling moment), and headed to our destination.
The setting for todays showcase is Dartmouth House, an elegant Georgian mansion in the heart of Mayfair. We stepped inside and ascended the magnificent staircase, sunlight shining in through signature Georgian sash paned windows, the landing a buzz with guests. We delightfully excepted a bubbling glass and made our way into ‘The Long Drawing Room’ took our seats and eagerly awaited the start of the show. I will at this point just highlight how gorgeous the floral arrangements were that adorned the fireplaces and accompanying surfaces.
A brief introduction to ‘Symphony’ the music started and the first model appeared through the grand doorway from the adjoining Churchill Room. What followed was truly a visual delight, of sweeping skirts, intricate lace, striking necklines, dazzling shimmer and those luxurious lines we trust Suzanne to deliver with every collection. There was also a moment for mini’s too as their increasing popularity as the second dress option continues to trend into the 2024 collections we are seeing. A key moment that was met with an audible gasp from the rest of the room, were the sequinned feather trousers that danced down the runway. Other highlights included voluptuous trailing bows, twisted structured that gave me ‘little mermaid clam shell vibes’ in the best way possible, and the use of cut floral fabrics that brought a new edge to whimsical.
After the applause, we left the drawing room while it was repurposed as a viewing gallery for a closer inspection of the new collection. Gathered round, a few ‘hellos’ to some familiar faces and a quick debrief of the show to discuss our personal favourites we waited to get a closer look.
As the doors reopened, I had to remind myself this wasn’t a ‘Friends’ style sample sale dash for the now fondly known ‘trousers of dreams’ and instead we peacefully went back into the now transformed drawing room. Across four different rails the Symphony Collection was ready for its close up.
We reviewed all we had seen but this time looking attentively at the lace patterns and running the materials through our finger tips. The petal works and appliqué is nothing short of magical and new to 2024, a painted veil which you have to see to believe.
As the guests began to depart so did we. With approximately one hundred million snaps of the day, our buying guide and collection overview it was time for further discussions about which to select for Frances Day. The process of course aided delightfully with some sushi on Berkeley Square.
The Symphony Collection will be arriving at Frances Day Bridal and available to try from the end of October. Think your dream dress could be amongst our selection? Oooh one more piece of exciting information to add, our Suzanne Neville Designer Day is taking place on the Friday 24th November. Get in touch to book your private appointment in our Nottinghamshire boutique.
Call us for a natter on 01636 813 967 or drop us an email on hello@francesdaybridal.co.uk
Much Love, Team FDB x
