Danielle Copperman on Style, Sustainability and Selecting the Perfect Occasion Wear

Danielle Copperman Sersoub is a British, France-based model, creative director, slow living advocate, and author, known for her timeless style and commitment to sustainability. Here, she shares her simple guide to dressing to a T for any occasion.

If there’s one thing Danielle Copperman is known for, it’s her distinct yet effortlessly elegant aesthetic. The custom wedding dress she co-designed with Savannah Miller is a testament to this. Crafted from deadstock pearl ivory duchess satin that gleamed softly in the golden sunlight and featuring recycled boning, it embodied her commitment to conscious design.

Ever since her wedding, Danielle noticed an influx of new followers — many young women seeking advice on occasionwear, style, and how to elevate their personal wardrobes. “It’s a niche that sort of came to me naturally,” Danielle talks to us and shares her biggest tips on curating a wardrobe that blends timelessness with a sustainable style, making every occasion feel effortlessly chic.

1950s and 1990s

Danielle’s love for fashion is deeply rooted in nostalgia and her upbringing in Bath. “I’ve always been drawn to that vintage style, especially from old family photo albums,” she says. “I love seeing old photos of my relatives — they used to dress so much more elegantly in the day-to-day than we do now.” Her fascination extends from particularly the ‘50s and ‘90s, eras she admires for their refined, everyday elegance.

She particularly admires the ‘50s for its individuality. “People dressed for their personality — it wasn’t so trend-led,” she explains. “The cinched waists and beautiful silhouettes of the era enhanced the female form in such a subtle, sophisticated way.” Danielle often draws inspiration from vintage red carpet looks and iconic styles from the past, blending that elegance into her own style of dressing.

This vintage influence even continued through to her wedding day. Amongst her Pinterest pins was a ‘90s Alberta Ferretti runway look, evoking a sense of Old Hollywood glamour. “I was super lucky that Savannah Miller approached me when I got married and said we should work on something together,” she shares. Together, they crafted a custom off-the-shoulder gown that was nothing short of spectacular. “Every detail could be made consciously, and that was really important to me.” Her civil outfit was equally thoughtfully designed, referencing timeless icons like Ralph Lauren and Calvin Klein. “It felt clean, modern, but still special.”

Custom Wedding Dressing

Danielle encourages more brides to explore custom options when looking for their perfect dress. “I think a lot of brides don’t consider it because it seems intimidating or more expensive, but that’s not necessarily the case,” she explains. “For example, working on a small scale can make it more affordable and still beautifully crafted. My mom’s friend, a couture seamstress who doesn’t have her own brand, made me these silk palazzo pants for the brunch day, and they turned out perfectly.”

Vintage Fashion

Her love of fashion also dates back to her teenage years, when she first discovered vintage shops at ages 15, 16. “I like to bring that element of vintage style — very wearable, very timeless — into what I do,” she says. Though she admits that shopping vintage requires patience, it’s something she truly enjoys. “I found my party dress for the wedding reception on eBay,” Danielle shares. “I was probably looking for three months, checking every few nights until I found the perfect one.” Apart from receiving gifts from brands, she has been buying almost exclusively vintage for years. “One of the first vintage bags I bought was a little Fendi, and I just love the quality, the history, and the sustainability of secondhand pieces — it’s so much better for the environment, which is very important to me.”

How To Dress for Special Occasions

When dressing for a special event or wedding, Danielle emphasizes the importance of considering the venue first. “The venue really sets the tone,” she says. “For example, if it’s a church in England, you might lean toward a more countryside, traditional, or classic style. But in a tropical location like the Caribbean, something colorful and breezy feels completely natural. It’s all about matching the vibe of the setting.” Danielle also encourages people to stay true to their personal style while elevating it for special occasions. “Comfort over everything,” she insists. “Especially when it comes to finding something for a wedding or special event — it’s just as important as how it looks.”

She advises against feeling pressured to drastically change your style for an event. “Some people think they need to go all out for a big event, but it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in what you wear. Work with the foundations of your everyday wardrobe — styles, colors, and silhouettes you know suit you — and then find something a little more elevated or sophisticated than what you’d wear day-to-day.”

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