In the closet
The dress designer has a passion for fashion with simple, classic lines
Bridal dress designer Caroline Castigliano has aisles of style
With a store in Knightsbridge, Caroline is known for her exquisite bridal and evening wear and is renowned for understated glamour and clean, classic lines. Caroline, 58, who has dressed royalty and celebrities, lives in Surrey with her husband and their four daughters. How would you describe your style? Classic, simple and beautifully cut.
Which colours and shapes suit you best? I’m full busted with a small frame so I avoid any form of pattern or baggy styles. Tailored cuts that skim my shape work best. As for colour, I suit muted tones and pastels – soft pinks, greens, creams, mochas.
Which is your favourite fashion era? The 50s. Think Jackie O and designer Oleg Cassini – simplistic but such flattering styles.
What makes for a beautiful bridal gown? It’s all about the architecture of the dress. The foundations have to be right for the style to succeed. I always aim for a simplistic look which moves beautifully, so when someone takes a video, the silhouette is perfect from every angle.
How important are bridal trends?
I never compromise but it’s good to have a contemporary feel based on a strong and classic theme.
The big trend I’ve pioneered is the simplicity of the crepe dress, as epitomised by the gown Meghan Markle wore. We’ve been doing that for about three years. The most important consideration is the personality of the bride, which we aim to personify through her gown so it’s the ultimate statement of her style.
What is the secret of a redcarpet gown? Whenever I dress someone for the red carpet, I always insist they have a fitting, so it’s perfect for their proportions. I work with Darcey Bussell in this way and she always looks wonderful. She wore a lot of our gowns for Strictly and is the perfect ambassador for us.
Who is your favourite designer? When I was younger I’d have said Dolce & Gabbana but now, for suits especially, Burberry and Balmain which cut to flatter a fuller bust.
Which is your favourite highstreet shop? Zara – great for basics, classics with a twist and always bang on trend.
Do you have a style icon? Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly.
Are you a hoarder or do you clear out your wardrobe each season?
I try to clear out as often as I can but I still wear clothes I bought 15 or 20 years ago because they were expensive and of fabulous quality. I have four daughters, twins of 26, plus a 25 and a 21 year old, and they are always borrowing from my wardrobe.
Are you a fan of vintage? Yes, but I have very little in my wardrobe,
probably because I don’t have the time to search for it.
How many shoes and handbags do you own? I possess very few handbags. for every day, I’ll use one of my own leather tote bags. I’m more fond of shoes and probably have over 100 pairs. What is your go-to work outfit? Black Joseph wool stretch trousers (I’ve about 10 pairs) plus a silk shirt with suede over-the-knee boots.
Is there an “old favourite” you turn to in a wardrobe crisis? A black evening-style blazer with satin lapels with black cigarette pants, black Valentino pumps and Swarovski crystal jewellery.
How much do you spend on clothes each month? I wouldn’t have a clue. Perhaps £15,000 a year. that doesn’t include cocktail dresses as I mostly wear my own designs.
What is the most expensive item in your wardrobe? And the best bargain? the most expensive is probably a coat which cost a couple of thousand. My evening dresses cost more but they don’t count because I make them. As for bargains, I don’t really do those. I can’t bear sales.
What is the oldest item in your wardrobe? A Versace skirt I got in the South of france 38 years ago. Describe your wedding dress…
I married 22 years ago, six weeks after I had my youngest daughter Belle, and wore a crepe sheath with a detachable satin-faced organza overskirt with a Chanelstyle bow. My older daughters were bridesmaids and wore cream satin short-sleeve tops with satin-faced organza skirts and pale-yellow cummerbunds. My husband wore a day suit and tie. Do you have a favourite LBD? Quite a few, most slightly above the knee. Many I’ve made myself. What is the item of clothing you can’t live without? J Brand jeans. What are your favourite pieces of jewellery? the pieces my husband has bought me, which I wear every day, including the diamond stud earrings, a present the day Belle was born, my wedding and engagement rings, plus my Van Cleef & Arpels Alhambra bracelet and Bulgari watch. All white gold or platinum. Which item of clothing would you save from a burning house? Nothing. I’d just want to save my family and get out fast.
Caroline Castigliano’s Knightsbridge Collection is available exclusively at her Knightsbridge store in London. For her bridal and evening wear, go to carolinecastigliano.com.