Known for its romantic ranges of ready-to-wear, from embellished gowns to effortless day dresses, Needle & Thread was founded by womenswear designer Hannah Coffin in 2013. The brand has gone on to successfully expand into bridalwear, childrenswear and accessories, as well as launching a timeless daywear offering, including knitwear and loungewear.
Hannah’s designs celebrate textiles, embellishment and femininity through contemporary pieces that feel special to wear. Her enduring passion for artisanal craftsmanship runs deeply through the brand’s handwriting.
I love working in my industry because….
Fashion is such a creative, collaborative profession. Every day I get to work with like-minded people who enjoy designing and being inspired. I’ve had a passion for textiles and pattern ever since I was a young child and always dreamed that I would one day create my own brand. And of course, designing clothes for women feels very empowering – there’s nothing like seeing a woman express her confidence through what she’s wearing.
I’m best known for…
Needle & Thread has become a destination for signature and timeless designs. We create pieces with a feminine feel, blended with soft, contemporary silhouettes. There’s an ethereal quality to our designs which introduces a moment of romance into a woman’s wardrobe. Known for our shimmering sequin gowns, intricate embroidery and unique floral motifs, our clothes are designed to make women feel beautiful.
My biggest achievement to date is…
Dressing iconic women, including Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts, has been a personal highlight for me. And of course, it also gives me huge pleasure seeing women from all over the world choosing to wear Needle & Thread for those special moments in life, particularly on their wedding day. I’m also proud of the daily initiatives within our business too, whether that’s our ongoing commitment to sustainability or our philanthropic partnerships with The Prince’s Trust, Save The Children and World Land Trust.
My all time favourite look for a wedding guest is…
The Primrose Long Sleeve Ankle Gown in blush pink would be my go-to for an English countryside or city wedding. The intricate artwork has been hand-drawn, and the silver cut beading has been lovingly hand applied by craftsman, creating beautiful bows and ribbon detailing throughout the dress. I love the romantic impact of this dress – it requires the simplest accessories.
The highlights from my own wedding day are…
Wearing one of my own designs felt so special. We had to scale down our plans as we got married during the pandemic but the occasion felt all the more intimate for that. It was a romantic day, with a simple ceremony at Marylebone Town Hall, followed by a decadent evening at the The Ritz. After months of lockdown, it felt like such a treat, and was a truly memorable celebration of our love for each other.
I chose to wear The Lunette Blossom Ankle Gown because…
I instantly fell in love with its effortless design and intricate details, such as embroidered flowers, ruched scallop trims and hand appliqued sequins. I loved its soft colour combination and feminine silhouette. The Lunette is such a standout piece that I immediately knew it was the one.
From my own wedding planning experience, my top three tips for any couple would be…
For me, it was so important to stay focused on the commitment we were making to one another. It’s easy to get swept up in the planning and all the details, but it’s such a precious, sacred day, and so important to enjoy every moment. Feeling beautiful and true to yourself is also key. Trust your intuition, and choose a dress that reflects your authentic style. Finally, having a trusted pair of hands is invaluable, be it a best friend, a wedding planner or a bridesmaid. Knowing someone else is keeping an eye on everything really takes the pressure off.
The current wedding trends I’m loving are…
I think we’ve shifted away somewhat from trends towards a renewed focus on personal style. I believe that your dress should make you feel beautiful and special, and so at Needle & Thread, we’ve always celebrated designs which will stand the test of time. It’s been interesting to see the evolution of bridal trends over the years with contemporary and affordable dresses having become more widely available and socially acceptable.
The new collection is so special because..
Spring Summer is always one of my favourite collections to design, as the season represents blooming flowers, longer days, and new opportunities. It also marks the ultimate social season, and our customers are looking for those wow pieces. For SS23, there are two stories – Summer Dreaming and Somewhere Over The Rainbow. The first edit highlights the early start of spring with romantic creams and blush pinks, seen throughout hero styles such as the Hyacinth Strapless Gown. The second story represents the latter part of the hazy summer, with pops of turquoise, bright pinks and rainbow highlights. We’ve introduced younger and more playful designs, with sequin minis and cut-out dresses to appeal to a younger customer, whilst still offering our signature beautiful, feminine pieces.
My favourite place in the world to skip the crowds is…
I love going back to my roots in the Cotswolds and being surrounded by wild flowers and nature. This is where I find my inspiration. I enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside, and it’s there that I can step out of my hectic daily life and take things at a slower pace with my family.
And finally, what’s next for Needle & Thread…
We’re excited to be expanding our bridal collection. We will be introducing more choice for our brides, with a broader range of length and designs, in whites and bridal pastels. These pieces will be available from a UK size 4 to our recently added curve sizes. Our ‘mini me’ collection will also be expanding, offering the perfect bridesmaid and flower girl dresses.
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