The Vampire's Wife, the fashion brand founded by former model Susie Cave in 2014, whose metallic gowns grew to become an event dressing staple beloved by the Princess of Wales, has this morning announced its decision to cease trading with immediate effect.
Cave, the wife of musician Nick Cave, boasted an A-list clientele which ranged from musicians Florence Welch and Kylie Minogue to London figures Kate Moss, Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, through to international stars Greta Gerwig and Sandra Oh as well as royalty. Princess Beatrice and Eugenie are fans, but it was the Princess of Wales who, for her first official joint portrait in honour of Prince William’s 40th birthday in 2022, wore The Vampire’s Wife’s emerald green Falconetti dress, which retailed at £1,595 — one of Cave’s most popular designs, and a style once declared by Vogue as the "dress of the decade".
The news comes as a blow to the British fashion industry. “Despite a period of positive growth and sales, the upheaval in the wholesale market has had dramatic implications for the brand,” read a statement from the brand.
The collapse of retailer Matches Fashion, following its £52 million sale to Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group in December which later saw it enter administration on March 7, has caused chaos for brands and had an acute impact on smaller, independent labels.
Other London-based brands have demonstrated similar struggles in response to the state of the market, including Christopher Kane, who entered administration in June 2023, and Roksanda Ilinčić, who this month found a “white knight” new buyer to save it.
Last June, The Vampire’s Wife showed signs of decline when HMRC called for the liquidation of the cult fashion label due to unpaid debts. It was later settled with help from the brand’s existing investors, which include the co-founder of Interscope Records and Beats Electronics, Jimmy Iovine, and his wife, model Liberty Ross.
“The Vampire's Wife would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all clients, partners and those who have worn the brand these last ten years. Your support has been invaluable and we are deeply grateful,” the brand’s statement continued.
“There will be a final, physical sale, allowing fans of the brand one last opportunity to buy, on the 24th, 25th and 26th of May at The Music Room, Mayfair, London, W1K 5JF.”
