Today I am delighted to be featuring the new 2012 collection from leading English designer Sassi Holford. I was super excited to meet her at a party during the Summer and then again in her London store with one of my Temple Gregory brides – she is ridiculously good at what she does, and lovely with it!

Sassi is very much a “less is more” designer letting the flattering lines of her fabulous gowns speak for themselves, and all of the gowns are handmade by her team in her Somerset studios. This first dress shown below is called Catherine and is just beautiful – I love the sumptuous Duchesse satin.

Sassi gets her inspiration from all around – fashion, textiles and interior design (a few of my favourite things!) but also from her brides and her desire to create their dream dress. This fab dress below is called the Dorothea – satin spot silk organza lays over dupion silk with a detachable cap sleeved shrug – love!

For this collection Sassi returned to the 1950′s and sourced textured fabrics, such as poult taffeta, giving the designs a real presence and feeling of luxury. This next dress is Saffron – a duchesse satin bodice with a pleated tulle overlay, a gathered tulle skirt and a pretty hand beaded satin belt.

The re-emergence of the statement fashion accessory, such as hair pieces and costume jewellery, has been translated by Sassi into accent detailing – using belts, bows, tails, diamanté appliqué and brooches. This lace beauty below is the Mia – with an elegant bateau neckline, luxurious guipure lace overlays satin crepe.

In terms of key trends for 2012, Sassi says that the return of old fashioned values and modesty will make sleeves an important design focus, but with the ability to convert the gown into a glamorous dress for the evening celebrations. The beautiful full skirted Marianne, shown below, is a great example of this with its detachable pleated tulle straps.

Sassi also says that the sweetheart neckline is key, with eye catching straps and flattering, fitted bodices to create impact. Dramatic skirt shapes are also important with the very full flare, fishtail and ballgown all emphasising the beauty of the female figure. This satin organza Florence dress is probably one of my favourites, with its fabulous shape and lace ribbon detail tied at the waist.

I so wish I could get married again – I know where I would be going for my dress! What do you think – any of you go/going for a Sassi Holford? Which is your favourite?

To view the whole collection please go to the Signature collection on the website.

Have a lovely morning and I will be back soon xx

All images via Sassi Holford.