Kate is a celebrity stylist, an esteemed fashion designer and founder of British luxury bridalwear brand, Halfpenny London. Before going on to dress iconic women such as Kate Moss, Rihanna and many more, Kate graduated with a BA Hons in Fashion Design in 1998 and went on to study for an MA in Textiles from London’s prestigious Central St. Martins, feeding her obsession with fabrics, lace and beading. This knowledge and experience, combined with Kate’s skills as a stylist, gave her an unparalleled ability to design and create breathtaking wedding gowns. Founded in 2005, her eponymous brand was born.
Coveted by the fashion elite, Halfpenny London weaves Brit cool with vintage inspiration to create truly stunning modern pieces and bridal wear. Kate brings creativity, intelligence and versatility to her collections. She designs for real women, every piece understands womens’ bodies, their individual beauty and their lifestyles. In 2019 Kate Halfpenny was named as one of the 50 Most Influential People in British Luxury in Walpole’s annual Luxury Power List. Halfpenny is proud to design and make in London, England.
We caught up with Kate for the latest in our My London interview series.
Favourite neighbourhood
Bloomsbury. It’s where my design studio and boutique is and it’s so central for me. It’s got better and better over the years with the re-development of the Kings Cross area. I just love wandering the streets of Bloomsbury with the architecture and open spaces, not to mention Lamb’s Conduit Street with its beautiful shops. I always feel very inspired wandering along there.
Favourite place for brunch
Jolene in Stoke Newington Green. It’s owned by a friend who is very clever at finding amazing spaces (he also has Western Laundry and Primeur) and they know exactly how to do it!
Best coffee in London
Fleet Kitchen at the end of Woburn Walk. They use All Press coffee beans and their coffee is delicious. It’s also perfect for picking up sweet treats for clients when we have meetings in the atelier.
Favourite museum or gallery
I love the V&A. Most recently I loved the Tim Walker exhibition and I was obsessed with the Dior exhibition, which I’d also been lucky enough to see in Paris. Digging into their archives for fashion and textiles inspiration is a huge treat.
Tell us a secret
I’m not a natural blonde.
Favourite place to shop
I still love Notting Hill, Portobello and the Goldborne Road. It takes me back to when I used to live there in my 20’s. I love the vintage stalls and have found some of my favourite antiques around there.
Favourite place to find inspiration
Meandering down the canal to work was always great to just day dream and let my mind wander and be creative.
Best London destination for a date
I adore Barrafina. Sitting at the counter drinking fine wine and eating delicious food – everything from padron peppers to their amazing tortillas. Make sure you’re careful about those herbs getting in your teeth if you’re on a date!
Favourite park
I love sitting in Regents Park with books and magazines on a warm day.
Favourite food market
Borough market.
Your sanctuary in the city
The Standard. It’s my go to for cocktails with my girlfriends.
What inspires you
Finding the beauty in the cracks. I’m blown away by nature. The colours of flowers or the magic of the wings on an insect. I’ve gotten into gardening recently and it’s been amazing to watch those bulbs sprout into the most delicious flowers. There’s an incredible rose garden off Marylebone High Street and I love going into interior shops then turning off into this fragrant rose garden oasis in the middle of the city.
This season I am loving..
The knitwear on net-a-porter. Specifically, I love Mr. Mittens pieces. I’m blaming lockdown for making me want to feel cosy rather than edgy.
