Kate Middleton’s beloved cult fashion label ceases trading ‘with immediate effect’ and shoppers are ‘heartbroken’
ONE of Kate Middleton’s beloved fashion brands has announced it will “cease trading with immediate effect”.
The Vampire’s Wife was worn by the Princess of Wales on a number of occasions, and numerous A-listers were also fans of the label.
The brand was founded in 2014 by legendary 80s ‘It’ girl Susie Cave, who is the wife of Australian musician Nick Cave.
After launching with her friend and business partner Alex Adamson, it’s had a decade of trading, but announced the closure news this week.
A statement said: “Despite a period of positive growth and sales, the upheaval in the wholesale market has had dramatic implications for the brand.”
Meanwhile, Susie added on Instagram: “After ten years as The Creative Director of The Vampire’s Wife, it is time to say goodbye.”
Stars who have been seen wearing The Vampire’s Wife clothing – which range from £970 velvet dresses to £1,595 glittery gowns – include Holly Willoughby, Rachel Weiss, Daisy Edgar Jones, Sandra Oh, Florence Welch, and Sienna Miller.
Kate first dazzled in their £1,595 emerald Falconetti gown on a trip to the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin in 2020.
The outfit was immortalised in her official portrait with Prince William by Jaime Coreth in 2022.
Fellow royal Princess Beatrice had worn a very similar green design at Ellie Goulding’s wedding to art dealer Caspar Jopling in 2019.
Meanwhile, Kate opted for a fuschia pink gown from The Vampire’s Wife during a visit to Belize on her royal tour of the Caribbean in 2022.
After becoming a cult favourite, the label’s dresses were soon being stocked in the likes of Selfridges and Harrods.
However, The Vampire’s Wife was issued a winding-up petition by HMRC in 2023 following a debt build-up during the pandemic.
The company got its unusual name from Susie’s husband Nick and an abandoned book project of his.
The website stated: “Inspired by her background in fashion, The Vampire’s Wife offers luxuriously crafted, elegant and feminine designs in vibrant colours and unique fabrications. “
Over the last 18 months The Vampire’s Wife have created a collection of clothes that – solely through word-of mouth and a rapidly growing Instagram following – have been sought out by a range of high profile clients including Cate Blanchett, Kate Moss, Florence Welch, Ruth Negga and Kylie Minogue and have been seen at red carpet events across the Globe.
“Susie’s ultimate vision is to make high quality, easily-wearable clothes for all women.”
Fans have shared their upset at the brand’s closure.
Writer and podcaster Pandora Sykes said: “I am so so sad to hear this but what magic your wove in that decade.”
Announcement by The Vampire's Wife's founder Susie Cave
SUSIE shared a post on Instagram announcing the closure of her business...
After ten years as The Creative Director of The Vampire’s Wife, it is time for me to say goodbye.
I say this with great sadness and want to express my undying gratitude to you all for your support.
I wish to thank my extended family at The Vampire’s Wife who helped me create such beautiful things.
I cannot describe how much you have all meant to me.
I love you all, Susie x
Strictly host Claudia Winkleman added: “You’re amazing.”
Meanwhile, one shopper commented: “I am so so sorry to read this.
“I have dreamed of having a Vampires Wife dress since you started this beautiful venture.
“A bit heartbroken this will not happen now. Wishing you well for whatever you next project will be.”