Designer Spotlight

DESIGNER AND NEWLYWED SAVANNAH MILLER REVEALS WHAT INSPIRED HER WEDDING DAY STYLE (HINT: IT’S MEDIEVAL AND ROYAL), DRESSING FOR A SECOND WEDDING AND WHAT SHE THINKS EVERY BRIDE SHOULD KNOW BEFORE THEY HIT THE STORES.

By Shelley Brown

What inspired your epic wedding dress and cape ensemble? I’ve heard they were based on Arthurian legend, and I’ve got to know more about that.

I am slightly obsessed with both the Russian Empress Catherine the Great and the dress of the Regency Era. I felt those references really elevated my hopelessly romantic notion that I must, at all times, resemble the Lady of the Lake (a Medieval enchantress associated with the Legend of King Arthur). I also love all the textures and luxury of the fabrics that were used in Regency fashion. I looked at old paintings to see examples of incredible cutting techniques that we incorporated into the construction of the satin corset built into my dress. I chose gold satin because it was Christmastime, and I wanted to look like a winter queen. I couldn’t believe it when I found a Chantilly lace where the white threads had been replaced with golden threads, creating the most delicate, sparkling spider’s web of an overdress. I made sure the skirt was super full, with inserted godets and waterfall sleeves that went down to the floor and beyond—there was an excessive amount of lace that felt so romantic and sensual.

Were you at all surprised by what you ended up wearing?

Not at all. After all, I’m a designer. I dream up wedding dresses every day, and I’m really aware of what I love. However, it was a magical experience to put myself in my brides’ shoes and feel how exciting the bespoke design service we offer really is.

What about your second and third dresses?

The second look was the base that sat underneath the Chantilly lace overdress. It had a concealed zip all the way up the side seam, so I could open it up after the ceremony to make it a little more sexy and easy to move in. The third look is from my main collection and is super fun because it’s shorter, so I could really dance. As much as I loved wearing a corset, it was heaven to get into a biascut slip dress and feel easy. I could get on with having a great time at my party without worrying about anyone stepping on my train.

How did you accessorize your three distinct looks?

I wanted to wear crowns from the get-go because it felt like wearing a veil for my second wedding, at age 43, was a bit much. The crowns I chose for the ceremony were from Tilly Thomas Lux. They really stood out to me because they are super contemporary but still romantic. I created bespoke mules with Jimmy Choo in a gorgeous sparkling fabric with a pearl strap for my ceremony. They were incredibly comfortable and had a kitten heel that didn’t make me too tall!

For my first dance, I changed into a diadem from Lelet that had dangling pearls and made me feel like a million dollars. I also changed into some killer stilettos from Manolo Blahnik that had a huge crystal motif snaking up the foot. It was great to unzip that skirt and transform my whole look to something a lot more sexy. For my third look, I took the crowns off and changed into a pair of incredible diamanté chandelier earrings from Jennifer Behr that felt super elegant but also disco!

Did you incorporate any heirlooms to play of the Old World feel of your wedding gown?

I kept my jewelry delicate and wore some gorgeous gold disc earrings made by Heidi Hockenjos. She also constructed a stunning necklace using diamonds from a ring that my mum had given me when I was born that resembled Princess Diana’s engagement ring. I never wore it, so I decided to have the diamonds hung individually on a gold chain with tiny gold discs behind them that were engraved with the initials of 14 of my friends and family.

Second weddings can sometimes be smaller gatherings or less of a fashion moment in general. I love that you went all out for yours. What are your thoughts on dressing for a second wedding?

I think you have to go for it. We were going to keep it small, but then we got completely carried away with it. We’ve both been married before. We wanted to celebrate our love and the miracle that is making wedding vows a second time, fully conscious of what it means to be married.

How involved in the design process were you? (I assume very.) I’d love to hear more about it.

I was completely on top of it from start to finish and I loved every second. It was so fun to design something without having to meet other people’s needs.

Will your wedding gown or any of the looks you wore on your day be incorporated into your collection?

The base dress, now called ‘The Savannah,’ was such a hit that it is going to be in my main line for the bridal market taking place in the spring.

Let’s talk about glam. What inspired your hair and makeup?

I worked with the incredible Wendy Rowe and Dior Beauty for my wedding hair and makeup, which was a total dream. Wendy is an exceptionally talented makeup artist and made me feel like the best version of myself. She also plastered gold glitter under my eyes before the party so that I could really sparkle like a Christmas queen. I kept my hair in its usual style, but had it done by the incredible Jordan Garrett from Hershesons, whom I have known for years. He made me feel polished but still very me. With wedding hair and makeup, I think it’s super important that you look put together but still like yourself, so you don’t give your partner a fright at the altar!

What’s your advice to brides starting to dream up their own wedding looks ?

Start by doing lots of research. Get pinning like crazy on Pinterest to identify silhouettes you love. Then go and try on some dresses at a boutique that resonates with your style and the vibe you want. Or come to me! We also offer a bespoke service and absolutely love helping brides to bring their dream dresses into reality.

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