Bridal Reverie: Richard Quinn’s Stunning Fall 2024 Collection

Richard Quinn confidently declared, ‘We print everything in-house. We cut everything in-house.’ His words resonated immediately after a show held in a freshly carpeted salon at the Andaz London—a venue enveloped in 900 square meters of his iconic floral fabric. Quinn emphasized that despite the external beading process, every other aspect of production remains in- house, ensuring minimal waste.

While London’s womenswear fashion scene boasts its share of downtown radicals, the uptown conservative niche remains relatively unoccupied. Richard Quinn, the inaugural recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Award for British Design, thrives in this unique space. His considerable talents have fueled the creation of a predominantly vertical business, catering to an affluent, often transnational clientele.

Whether you label it demi-couture or simply good old-fashioned dressmaking, the essence remains. Approximately a quarter of this collection was dedicated to bridal wear—a harmonious symphony of full- skirted gowns, embellished bodices, and tulle-shrouded creations in various shades of ivory. The show commenced with a striking suite of gowns and quasi-catsuits, drawing inspiration from traditional menswear evening attire, much like Saint Laurent once did. These not-quite catsuits, adorned with delicate tiers of beaded thread, featured charming ruffled bibs. Alongside them, the unmistakably Quinn-esque floral catsuits, worn beneath feather-trimmed flowing trains, exuded a luxurious glam-rock vibe. Among the standout pieces, dresses adorned with crystal lattice patterns or sprinkled with tiny sequin flowers paid homage to event-dressing standards, delivered with both flair and meticulous care. Despite occasional disagreements between heel, hem, and carpet, they graced the runway regally.

As the show concluded, the pristine flooring bore the imprint of errant ostrich feathers. Thunderous applause erupted, and keen-eyed clients in the audience gestured toward the passing pieces during the finale. In a post- show conversation, Quinn revealed an intriguing detail: His commissions often come in two sizes—one for mothers and another for daughters.

This revelation fueled the central theme of today’s presentation: What enduring legacy would a mother pass down to her daughter? Rather than chasing fleeting trends and brand hype, the focus was on creating timeless garments that bridge generations—a legacy to be cherished forever.”