“I’m nothing to look at, so the only thing I can do is dress better than anyone else.” – Wallis Simpson

Socialite turned Duchess Wallis Simpson lived a charmed life. Making her name in the 1920s and 1930s, as a mistress, wife and icon she fascinated her peers and press alike with her individual style and unique personality. Crowned the ‘woman I love’ by the former King of England, Prince Edward, she was bestowed with the most romantic gesture when Edward abdicated the throne to marry her. Their story came to embody the  fairy tale, a  bride’s dream, a sentiment that Sanyukta Shrestha captured within her 2013 bridal collection. After a year long celebration and fascination with Wallis we decided it was time to reflect on her unique style that came to inspire the collection that will hopefully resonate for many years to come.

While her personal life was always controversial Wallis’s style was iconic, chic and classic.  Sanyukta Shrestha embodied Wallis Simpson’s iconic look and created a collection of bridal gowns for her 2013 Wallis in Love collection. The collection of vintage style – timeless gowns follow the ethically friendly ethos of Sanyukta’s line and use a mixture of environmentally friendly materials ensuring that they remains green.

From left: Wallis in her Wedding June 3, 1937, Madonna’s WE 2011, Sanyukta’s Wallis, 2012

Using innovative techniques Sanyukta sourced fabrics and materials that would rejuvenate the style her collection is embodying. Classic yet forward thinking much like Wallis herself, Sanyukta’s gowns incorporate the old world glamour of Hollywood with modern elements to create a very different bridal style.

‘Wallis always looked chic and classic; she had mastered the kind of simply yet elegant fashion that every sophisticated woman strives for. From the fitted shift to the wasp-waisted gown Wallis always made a statement. It was that  I wanted to recreate, the sense of iconic style that flatters the figure but will remain stylish for years to come.’ –  Sanyukta Shrestha

Sanyukta’s version of Wallis Simpson gown with graceful bamboo silk lace open back!!

The fabrics used throughout the collection are of the highest luxury quality and embody the elegance that this collection is inspired by. Fabrics used vary from hempsilk to an innovative milk fibre material, all lined with organic cottons & silks, each fabric providing the ultimate bridal extravagance fused with Wallis’s style of high necklines, pearls, gloves and brooches like the infamous ‘Prince of Wales brooch’ one of key features in Sanyukta’s 2013 designs.

‘Wallis Simpson’s fairytale love story was infamous then, but her style and individuality will remain famous forever’ – Sanyukta Shrestha

To find out more on Wallis inspired Milca dress read here: A Fabric Tale – Milk fabric – Eco friendly fashion

The life and loves of Wallis Simpson were surrounded by an air of elegant mystery. Perhaps it is this enigma that caused such fascination with her. Or perhaps it was simply her unmatched style; her innovative approach to fashion evolved and changed establishing her status as one of the great style icons. Sanyukta captured this idea of mystery and decided to create one truly unique piece that would forever hold an enigmatic charm. The Pippa gown is a unique bridal statement piece made entirely from up-cycled newspapers and designed to hide many hidden treasures.

For the full story of The Pippa gown Trash to Treasure: Sanyukta Shrestha Pippa gown

which is now housed in Bath Fashion Museum read here: A beautiful end for a wonderful journey ahead: Pippa in The Fashion Museum, Bath

Unique and sophisticated Wallis had a timeless style that was simply captivating. Just like Wallis blossoming from young socialite to British royalty Sanyukta Shrestha’s 2013 collection has captured the attention of press and brides alike always revealing in its depths many layers of hidden beauty.

‘On what would have been Wallis Simpson’s 116th Birthday we celebrated by traveling to meet the critically acclaimed author Anne Sebba. Anne’s book ‘That Woman: The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor’ gave not only a huge insight into the hidden life of Wallis Simpson but also endless inspiration and understanding during the creative process of creating my 2013 collection.’ – Sanyukta Shrestha

So that is just a little incite into Sanyukta’s vision and her journey to capture the mood, personality, and individuality of Wallis Simpson. Its been a wonderful year discovering  an inspiration like Wallis Simpson whose style will remain forever with vintage lovers. A journey that we will continue to treasure and share with our lovely brides.

To find more about Sanyukta’s journey to meet Anne Sebba in search of ‘Wallis Simpson’ inspiration, click here to read the full story: Inspiration behind the collection: Meeting Anne Sebba, author of ‘That Woman’The Life of Wallis Simpson, Duchess of Windsor

Wallis Simpson Image credits : Vogue, Getty Images;

Sanyukta Shrestha 2013 collections image credits: Francois Boutemy & Ben Lee