After two years of scaled-back social events and a backlog of brides rushing to the altar, 2022 looks set to be brimmed with special occasions. As we prepare for such an exciting and bustling year ahead, we decided to catch up with our award-winning designer - and the helm of Veni Infantino - to discover her favourite pieces from our new Spring 2022 Veni Infantino and Invitations by Veni collections. Whether you’re off to Ascot or watching your son or daughter walk down the aisle, here are Veni’s firm favourites for this year’s special occasions.

Handpicked from our latest Invitations by Veni collection, Veni loves three equally striking styles - 29678, 29674 and 29666S - each perfectly suited for a day at the races or the fashion-forward wedding guest.

Style 29678 is a demure pleated chiffon A-line dress with statement blouson sleeves and a fashion-forward pussy bow neckline. This calf-length gown is available in an array of cheerful colours and whispers both femininity and fun - something Veni deemed important this season after the past 18 months. Picking it off the rail, she exclaims: “I love the femininity and fun of this style. Despite being demure, its bold sleeves draw attention in such a stylish way. It’s perfect for the elegant fashionista who wants to cover up without hiding her personality.”

Carefully placing it back on the rail, Veni turns her attention to style 29674 - a distinctive calf-length floaty floral print dress with striking cape sleeves and a ruched waistband, declaring: “I love the floral hemline and dramatic cape sleeves on this dress. It’s guaranteed to turn heads at any event!”

Just as we’re nodding with agreement, she casts her eyes to style 29666S - a sophisticated one-shoulder fitted dress with a bold blouson sleeve and flattering waistband detail.

“I designed style 29666S with the most stylish guest in mind. As I sketched, I envisaged her to be confident, sexy, and someone who knows what she wants - to be recognised.”

Moving to her signature Veni Infantino collection, Veni points out another three exquisite dresses to us - styles 991875, 991848 and 991888.

The first is style 991875 - a feminine, fun floral lace dress with striking fluted sleeves and vibrant floral appliques in jade - a look inspired by the Oscar de la Renta Grammys dress worn by Taylor Swift.

“I love the colours and silhouette of this dress!” announces Veni. “It’s a unique blend of boho meets fashionista - and very fun!”

Style 991848 follows - a floaty floral printed chiffon A-line dress with a high neckline, ruched waistband, and blouson sleeves with lace collar and cuff detail.

“This dress is so feminine and pretty. I love the floral print and button detailing on this dress,” exclaims Veni.

Pausing before pointing out her final pick, Veni reaches for style 991888 - an elegant hi-low dress with satin trim, floral embroidered detailing, and a contrasting bateau neckline.

“This dress is simply stunning,” Veni explains before adding: “It’s the epitome of elegance with a sultry twist thanks to the sheer satin trim skirt. I designed it with a stylish, fashion-forward siren in mind.”

As we leave the preview and say our goodbyes, we want to clear our wardrobe and make space for styles worthy of 2022.

Written by Lucinda Bell