Meet the designer Kate Halfpenny
Bridal designer Kate Halfpenny
When we first opened Zo & Willow in 2017 we knew we wanted to curate a collection that spoke to the modern bride, someone who values exceptional craftsmanship but isn't afraid to break from tradition. We spent months researching designers, attending trade shows, and following our instincts about what would resonate with us and our brides. Then we discovered Halfpenny London, and everything clicked into place.
Kate Halfpenny transformed the bridal industry when she launched Halfpenny London in 2005 as a weekend side project. Before that Halfpenny studied Fashion Design and earned a Master’s in Textile Design at Central Saint Martins, before working for Vivienne Westwood and acclaimed costume designers, later dressing celebrities such as Rihanna, Cate Blanchett, and Kate Moss. The demand rapidly grew, prompting Kate to shift completely into bridal design and open her London boutique, cementing the brand’s international reputation for modern, fashion-forward bridalwear. All collections are designed and made in London, maintaining a strong British identity and commitment to local craftsmanship.
halfpenny london x Zo & Willow
Halfpenny London represents everything we believe in at Zo & Willow. Their designs strike the perfect balance between modern sophistication and creative bold silhouettes. Each dress tells a story – whether it's the delicate French lace on the "Ada" gown or the dramatic silk crepe of the Cheryl dress. What truly won us over was their commitment to craftsmanship. In an industry increasingly dominated by mass production, Halfpenny London creates each dress with meticulous attention to detail and all made in England. Since bringing Halfpenny London into our boutique, we've watched bride after bride fall in love with these incredible gowns. There's something magical about the way a Halfpenny dress moves – the silk bias cuts that flow like water, the structured bodices that provide both support and elegance.
The core of halfpenny london — bridal separates
What distinguishes Halfpenny London is its revolutionary bridal separates concept—allowing brides to build personalized looks by mixing tops, skirts and overlays. "I changed the bridal landscape," Kate Halfpenny notes, by enabling women to create their own bridal identity and repurpose pieces after the wedding. Her approach allows clients to break with tradition – whether adding cool jackets, capes, or experimenting with fabric and embellishments, Kate encourages every bride to express their unique identity.
At Zo & Willow, we really value giving a bride the freedom to really customise her wedding look and this is why Halfpenny London is one of the brands that we carry from our opening.
timeless and fashion-forward:Heirloom-worthy bridal
Kate’s designs bridge fashion and bridal, seamlessly combining contemporary shapes, luxury materials, and romantic flourishes that appeal to style-conscious brides seeking individuality and glamour. Her artisanal approach to tulle and layering really shines in pieces like the Dandelion Veil and Mayfair skirt.
Along with a selection of romantic semi-transparent overlays, Halfpenny has a strong line of timeless wedding dresses that allow great layering. possibilities. These include the Okotan corset & skirt, the iconic halterneck Cheryl dress and the Equinox gown.
All of these dresses are really strong on their own, yet can be accessorised freely by a bride who wants two or three different looks on her big day.
Zo & Willow is an exclusive stockist of Halfpenny London in Germany. Check out our full selection of Halfpenny London garments and book your private fitting appointment to try them on. All Halfpenny London pieces are made-to-order in the UK and require 8-9 months to be created.