Emerging Fervour

I have been intrigued about Amanda Wakeley ever since London Fashion Week, and after I learnt about her incredible history. In 1998, after having traded for a decade, Amanda saw her business sold on after her divorce, then being passed from owner to owner and finally sold behind her back to a restructuring manager. It was after this that Amanda Wakeley was told that her services were no longer required for the Amanda Wakeley. This is an unbelievable story, luckily it gets better.

Amanda didn’t stop fighting and in March she and her new partner, Hugh Morrison, made an offer on her old label and bought it back. And within the space of a few months she is back with full force having opened various stores, including a shop in Bicester Village and of course their new Fulham Road store.

So when Emerging Fervour was asked to test out the ‘Amanda Wakeley Experience’, in their brand new Private Client Room and be styled in this seasons Autumn/Winter collection and some pieces from Summer 2010 collection, I didn’t have to be asked twice!

As excited as I was, I do have to admit looking at their great new website I was a little sceptical as I doubted there was much that would suit me. Over the years I have ingrained what I can and can’t wear based on my body image and looking at the strappy dresses (no way, me without a bra?!?!), or the tight skirts, I was dubious but also getting excited about maybe discovering a new style.

On the day, Sara and I were greeted by Bridget, Head of Private Clients, at their Fulham Road store; and after a chat it was clear how much this label means to Bridget and the team. Amanda saving the label has brought the company closer together and they’re back with a truly revitalised brand.

Prior to meeting Bridget, I briefed her on what I was looking for which involved an office outfit that could be converted for evening wear as well as an outfit that could be worn to a wedding. We started walking the floor and I was shown various items and as each garment was pulled out and teamed up with another piece, the small collection suddenly grew before my eyes.

But as the strapless dresses came out, so did my sceptical side and I piped up: ‘Mh, not sure if I can wear a dress without my bra…’, but with a twinkle in her eye, Bridget just answered, “you wait and see.”

After we chose a fabulous selection of outfits for me, we were led into the Private Client Room where we had a lovely pot of tea waiting for us. The more outfits I tried on, the more I fell in love with how I was looking and feeling! Bridget and Leila (the intern) passed me one outfit after another and amazingly, they all fitted like a glove, I couldn’t believe it.

But let my favourite outfits speak for themselves:

Dove scuba jersey dress S/S10 (£495), kohl birdseye tailoring boyfriend blazer S/S10 (£450), cocoa double strap belt S/S10 (£195), black leather wide wrap belt (£100)

I loved this dress!! If you team up this scuba jersey dress with a boyfriend blazer or just a belt, it becomes suitable for any occassion. And I would never have thought to feel so comfortable in a wetsuit but it does work and sucks you in at all the right places!

Chartreuse stretch wool jersey dress A/W09 (£495), natural fin racoon cowl A/W09 (£995)

Mustard?! Well, the colour is called chanteuse but still a colour I didn’t think I could wear but I was proven wrong. And it works perfectly with the fur, oh how cosy.

And if you are like me, a bit reluctant about fur, I am told the Amanda Wakeley company sources its fur from the very best suppliers in the world who guarantee ethical sourcing and high standards of animal welfare. And it does go well with the outfit…

Black Scuba jersey zip dress A/W09 (£495), dove scuba jersey skirt S/S10 (£295),  dove viscose jersey top S/S10 (£195), black leather wide wrap belt A/W09 (£100)

Some more favourites!!! This dress makes you feel incredible. Another scuba jersey dress, and this is one of only 25 created for the 25th anniversary of the London Fashion Week. I just love them, they are the perfect fit.

The scuba pencil skirt (I so have to have one) with the t-shirt and belt are the perfect outfit for work and play time, I would be happy (oh so happy) to wear any of these.

Lapiz long 35mm satin dress with hidden bodice A/W09 (£995), silver fox short wrap jacket A/W09 (£995)

Known for her amazing dresses, I was so excited about trying this one! And putting it on, it fitted like a glove and without a bra!! I felt nicely tucked in and could see myself getting down and dancing all night. It is easy to see why these dresses cost more than your average party frock. The detail, the material and the amazing hidden bodice, a lot of work and love went into making it. I just love love love it!!!

Mink 35mm satin short dress A/W09 (£595), grapesuperfine jersey  long dress A/W09 (£1,495)

I just have to go to the ball… it was a sad moment when I had to get changed back.

And of course Sara had to experience Amanda Wakeley too and who could resist?

Silver fox short wrap jacket A/W09 (£995), heavy tweed jacquard coat with drape front (£849)

The store environment, the way you are looked after and feel when you are dressed up in these amazing outfits have made it an unforgettable experience. I was on a high for the rest of the day and would recommend the ‘Amanda Wakeley Experience’ to anyone, even better if you can splash out and get your dream outfit.

Otherwise you will, like me, walk away with a new outlook on what suits you, be that shape or colour, as well as a new reason to save up the pennies, well pounds. Not only that but I’m still dreaming about the blue dress…

The Amanda Wakeley Experience can be booked by calling Bridget on +44 (0) 7525123324.

Address: 175 -177 Fulham Road London SW3 6JW

And if you need something for Christmas, there is 10% off the website until 25th December, Merry Christmas from Amanda Wakeley.

And if you’ve not had enough, check out our pictures on Flickr where there are even more outfits.