Your London Wedding - Nov/Dec 2019 (Issue 68)

HALFPENNY LONDON UNVEILS NEW COLLECTION Halfpenny London has launched its new collection. Songbird showcases bridal designer Kate Halfpenny’s love of craft and features bold, graphic lines, juxtaposed with soft, floaty fabrics and trim. “My initial inspiration for the Songbird came from an abandoned bird’s nest I found in the garden. It was so perfect and intricate and I was amazed that a bird was able to create such a masterpiece using only its beak. It was so precious and had immense meaning and value, yet was made using only scraps,” said Kate. For more information, visit halfpennylondon.com Out and about This issue, Georgina Cassels checks out eco-friendly, inclusive hair salon WhiP London… I’m ashamed to admit that in the last five years, hair cuts have dropped down on my to do list. With completely straight hair that lightens itself come summer, isn’t yet grey and ranges from mid-length to long, depending on the gap between cuts, it just hasn’t been a priority. Also, there’s the fact that I’ve moved three times and I’m yet to find that elusive salon that ‘gets me’ in my new hood. Well, reader, I’m proud to say my search is over and hair has shot up from the ranks of dental appointment to nestle among a visit to Crème (seriously, check out this cookie shop’s Insta stories) and the Anthony Gormley exhibition in the treat category. For, from the moment I stepped in through the door, I felt at home. There’s not a hint of clinical to the decidedly darling décor, it’s at once cosy and cool – although the welcome was as warm as they come. First we sat for a chat over coffee – the WhiP team have travelled to a lot of weddings this summer and the most requested wedding style is long and loose right now – casual and unfussy, says WhiP creative director James. Brides are increasingly eschewing the formal and most want to look like the best version of themselves. Next, to my barnet specifically. Senior stylist Gianmarco instantly wins my approval by suggesting we avoid layers at any cost, instead opting for one length. I tell him I trust him, and I’m not even lying a little bit. I can imagine his calming presence being a considerable boon on the morning of a wedding as nerves peak. Plus, his bio says he likes big, bouncalicious blowdrys and I’m here for that. And reader, I’m not exaggerating when I say this is the best cut I’ve ever had. Weeks later (I’m writing this a good month post-cut) and I still love it. While Gianmarco isn’t actually magic, so my hair is still fine, something about this cut means it’s no longer limp, even when I’m in charge of it, a miracle never before achieved despite ALL the volumising products on the planet. And talking of the planet, this salon uses vegan, organic, bio- dynamic and cruelty-free products, so my new do comes guilt-free to boot. For more information or to hire the WhiP team, email events@whiplondon.co.uk or visit whiplondon.co.uk 10