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INTRODUCING: THE VAMPIRE’S WIFE

& our exclusive capsule collection

Words: Charlotte Core

Susie Cave’s beguiling fashion label has landed at Selfridges. Scroll to discover the brand-new – and exclusive-to-Selfridges – collection, the quintessentially British inspiration behind it, and which song by Susie’s husband (the inimitable Nick Cave) always reminds her of a good time…

 

The Bombette dress (coming soon) / The Sky Rocket dress
The Sky Rocket dress

WHO IS THE VAMPIRE’S WIFE?

The Vampire’s Wife is designed by Susie Cave (née Bick) – one of the UK’s most recognisable 90s models (she was photographer David Bailey’s muse, after all) who worked alongside the likes of Azzedine Alaïa and Vivienne Westwood. The name of her label was coined by her husband, Nick, whose unfinished novel had the same working title. It’s no wonder she nabbed it for herself; it’s the perfect epithet for a collection of dresses that are a little bit gothic and a whole lot whimsical.

WHAT INSPIRED THIS STAND-OUT (AND EXCLUSIVE-TO-SELFRIDGES) COLLECTION?

The Vampire’s Wife’s latest line-up is a bewitchingly romantic collection of balloon-sleeved, high-neck dresses complete with delicate frilling, lace and trailing bows. The silhouettes feel distinctly 70s thanks to the buttoned-up cuffs and ruffles, and the finish has a brilliantly British twist thanks to Susie’s sweet-toothed design inspiration: “the colours of the wrapping on the traditional British chocolate Quality Street inspired the metallic colours of my silk dresses,” she says. The influence of Piero Tosi (a costume designer renowned for stunning 19th-century-style corseted ball gowns), however, adds a touch of refined, cinematic glamour to those confectionery-like colours. “The Leopard [is] my favourite film,” says Susie, “[I love] the sumptuous erotics of his fabrics, the depth of colour and the pure splendour…”

Shop The Vampire’s Wife exclusives:

The Bombette dress (coming soon)

 

The Vampire’s Wife’s concept of femininity is based on the idea that the female form is inherently powerful... The Vampire’s Wife’s femininity, with its frills, bows and ruffles, is in itself defiant and subversive.

– Susie Cave

WHO’S WEARING IT?

Who isn’t? The Duchess of Cambridge, musician St. Vincent and Villanelle on BBC’s Killing Eve (the Russian assassin played by Jodie Comer wore a particularly eye-catching floral number in the latest series) have shown the undeniably broad appeal of The Vampire’s Wife’s feminine, dressing-up box dresses. As musician Florence Welch described to British Vogue, “They make you feel like you’re practising witchcraft in a very romantic cult, which is how I want to look all the time.” For Susie, seeing the collection worn closer to home is where she finds the most joy: “I love seeing girls on the street wearing my dresses. It really is the greatest thrill of all. My dresses are for everyone – not only for red carpets.”

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SEVEN QUESTIONS ON STYLE WITH SUSIE CAVE

From thoughts on romance to style muses – we asked Susie some quick-fire questions.


Whose style do you most admire?

Yves Saint Laurent. (And my husband.)


Item of clothing you’re most likely to borrow from your husband?

I love to wear his suits.


Name a song that reminds you of a good time.

‘The Sorrowful Wife’ by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.


…and a song you seem to have in your head all the time?

This week it’s ‘Are ‘Friends’ Electric?’ by Gary Numan.


What does romance mean to you?

Longing and trust.


What’s the most sentimental piece of clothing in your wardrobe?

My white silk-jersey wedding dress that my friend Bella Freud made me.


Favourite way to wake up?

Kisses from my dog!

The added extras:

This way for more brilliant dresses...

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