Jenny Packham for David’s Bridal – easy elegance, designer edge

Jenny Packham has launched a new collection for David’s Bridal that is just perfect for glamorous weddings and occasions. Here’s a sneak preview of some of our favourite pieces to take you from ceremony to ballroom or beach bar

What, we ask ourselves, is not to love about Jenny Packham’s new designer collection for David’s Bridal? It has the classic elegance we expect from this legendary British designer and successfully marries high-glamour dressing, fashion-forward details and timeless styles. Standout pieces from the collection are easily smart enough for a grand evening wedding, but would also fit in at a more boho or beach-bar affair.

There is a great range of colours in the mix, including gold, rich midnight blue and a gorgeous flowing black number that would ring the changes if you are looking for something a bit different for your own, or someone else’s, after-party or evening cocktail celebration. Best of all, many of the gowns cross the divide from wedding into occasion finery, so should earn their keep in your wardrobe.

The collection does not compromise on the fashion-forward details we’d expect from Jenny Packham – with sequins and crystals, elbow-length sleeves, plunge backs, bows and textured or gossamer-light fabrics in the mix. But details are not fussy or ovewhelming – this is a collection where the focus is on wearable and flattering pieces that will stand the test of time.

For adult bridesmaids – who can be a particularly challenging group to dress if you have different ages and tastes in your coterie – there are plenty of options that combine sophistication with simplicity of cut. Some would also be suitable for other members of the wedding party and none of our favourites are likely to languish at the back of the cupboard after the wedding day.

In particular, we love the simple plum gown with jewel neckline, twist front and peephole detail – chanelling more than a hint of 1960s chic and a snip at £160.

There is also an ethereal pearl-grey option with crystal-embellished bodice and silken belt that is super-flattering for a variety of skin tones and body shapes and would work at either a summer or evening event. Indeed, shades of soft grey feature on a number of occasion gowns in the collection, so this is a good place to look if you want your attendants to share a similar colour theme but dress to suit their individual style.

While the key focus is on gowns, there are choice wedding accessories in the mix – notably beautiful crystal-trimmed and edged veils. But perhaps our favourite accessory is a statement tiara-style headpiece that just oozes glamour.

David’s Bridal Wonder by Jenny Packham collection is available from David’s Bridal

See the SS16 main collection from Jenny Packham