Jenny Packham is a British fashion designer, born in 1965, who founded her London eveningwear label in 1988. She is best known for hand-beaded evening gowns and bridal, and for dressing Catherine, Princess of Wales, for whom she has designed at least eight dresses.
Her training and the founding of the label
Packham studied at Southampton College of Art and then at Saint Martin’s School of Art in London. She presented her first designs in 1988 at the London Designer Show, and the label has run from London since.
The house has kept an unusually narrow focus for a career that long. It makes eveningwear and it makes bridal, and the technique underneath both is the same: hand-applied beading and crystal work on fluid grounds. That consistency is why the work is recognisable at a glance.
How old is Jenny Packham?
She was born on 11 March 1965, which makes her 61.
Is Jenny Packham related to Chris Packham?
Yes. The designer is the sister of the naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham. They are not connected professionally.
Who wears Jenny Packham?
The best-documented wearer is Catherine, Princess of Wales, who has worn at least eight of the designer’s dresses. Two occasions are clearly on record: the Olympic Gala Concert at the Royal Albert Hall in 2012, and the gold gown she wore to the London premiere of No Time to Die in 2021.
Packham has also designed for Jennifer Aniston, Miley Cyrus and Keira Knightley. Her work has appeared on screen in the James Bond films Die Another Day and Casino Royale, and on television she designed costumes for Kim Cattrall in Sex and the City and for episodes of Gossip Girl.
Recognition
In 2013 the V&A showed a retrospective selection of her work in its Raphael Gallery, marking twenty-five years of the label. She received an honorary doctorate from Southampton Solent University in 2008.
What does Jenny Packham make?
Two lines run in parallel. The eveningwear line covers floor-length gowns, cocktail and midi dresses, mini dresses, and occasional capes and beaded jackets. The bridal line applies the same beading vocabulary to wedding dresses. Luxury Handbags carries the ready-to-wear eveningwear.
Construction is consistent across the collection. Pieces are fully lined, dry clean only, cut close through the bodice with internal shoulder pads, and built on mid-weight cloth that does not stretch.
Common questions
Is Jenny Packham a luxury brand?
Yes. It sits in the top tier of British eveningwear. Read the longer answer in is Jenny Packham a luxury brand.
Where is Jenny Packham made?
Designed in London, manufactured overseas. See where is Jenny Packham made.
Does Jenny Packham run true to size?
Yes, across the current collection. The size guide has the full UK, US and EU conversion.
Browse the Jenny Packham collection at Luxury Shoes and the autumn winter 2026 edit.
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