Crafting Luxury — Society Marbella

THE QUEEN OF LUXE ON ‘ADDITIONS’ AND BEYOND

Debbie Wingham, often referred to as the “Queen of the World’s Most Expensive,” is a luminary in the world of creative arts and luxury experiences. With over two decades of experience in crafting awe-inspiring, media-worthy activations, Debbie has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the realms of art, fashion, and culinary design. Originally making her mark in haute couture, she later transitioned to the world of sugar artistry, earning the moniker “Countess of Confection” from the Food Network. Her journey is marked by a series of jaw-dropping creations, including the world’s most expensive dress, cake, and shoes, all of which have captivated global audiences and set new benchmarks in luxury.

Debbie’s work is characterised by her ability to infuse her artistic creations with personal narratives, ensuring that every piece not only meets but exceeds her clients’ expectations. Her expertise extends across various forms, from edible art to elaborate event backdrops, always with a flair for the dramatic and the extravagant. After years of working with high-net-worth individuals and luxury brands around the world, Debbie has recently returned to Europe, choosing Spain as her new base of operations. Here, she is launching “Additions,” a project that combines her skills in floristry, pastry arts, and event design to create luxurious yet accessible gift experiences.

In this exclusive interview with Society Marbella, Debbie Wingham unveils her latest project in Spain, her creative process, and what the future holds for this ever-evolving artist.

Debbie, welcome to Marbella! What drew you back to Spain after your time in Dubai, and how does the culture here inspire your work?

Thank you! It’s wonderful to be back in Marbella. Our return to Spain was prompted by a brief period of ill health, which made my husband and I reassess our priorities. We realised the peaceful lifestyle here, along with our strong support network, was exactly what we needed. Although we used to travel between countries like LA, Monaco, and Dubai, Spain was always more of a retreat rather than home, mainly due to my hectic filming schedule.

I did undertake some incredible projects here, such as the world’s most expensive Christmas tree in 2019 at the Kempinski Hotel Bahia Beach, and a million-euro mural in Puerto Banús in 2021. However, it wasn’t until we settled here permanently that I started to consider establishing a full-time business. Since returning, I’ve created the world’s most expensive gingerbread house, inspired by the Dolce & Gabbana store in Puerto Banús, and I’m now working on more commercial ventures.

Spain’s culture is incredibly inspiring—like a muse. The natural surroundings and rich craft traditions, from carpentry to marble and metalwork, fuel my creativity. I also love upcycling; I believe luxury and sustainability go hand in hand, and Spain, with its history and diversity, is the perfect place for it.

Your new venture, “Additions,” offers luxurious yet affordable gift experiences. Can you tell us more about the concept behind it and how it differs from your previous work?

Additions is a new venture that brings together all the unique elements that elevate special events and occasions. Throughout my life, I’ve always focused on creating focal points and centrepieces, so “Additions” felt like a natural extension of what I do best.

One aspect of Additions is dedicated to event enhancements, like striking centrepieces and social media backdrops—elements that add theatre and memorable moments to any gathering. These can range from tech-integrated installations to edible art pieces or grand sculptures.

The other side of the business represents my first step into commercial projects. Previously, my work was priced beyond reach for many, so I’m thrilled to be creating luxurious yet affordable pieces for a broader audience. This includes items like chocolate piñatas and mini cakes with a high-fashion aesthetic under the brand “Haute Pastry.” Additionally, I’ve launched “Haute Floristry,” offering preserved flower arrangements in artistic vases, shaped like designer bags or high-top sneakers, for example.

Each piece is meticulously crafted and signed like a work of art, ensuring a personal touch. Prices start at €50, and orders are available for next-day delivery, offering an exciting and unique gifting option for this region of Spain.

You’re known for creating the world’s most expensive items, from dresses to cakes. What has been your most challenging project to date, and why?

Many of my projects have been incredibly challenging, especially when working with unconventional materials or incorporating diamonds. One of the most difficult was the million-dollar bride cake, my first life-size “cakealike.” After arriving in Dubai, I had just five days to sculpt, decorate, and deliver the 6ft Arabian bride cake, managing only 12 hours of sleep, in total!. Transporting it through the desert in a box truck was an ordeal, but the cake went viral after being showcased at Bride Dubai, cementing my name in cake history. This project transformed my career, turning me from an haute couture designer exploring sugar art into a TV personality known for elaborate and whimsical cakes.

In a world where sustainability is increasingly important, how do you balance luxury with eco-consciousness in your creations?

I’ve always been eco-conscious, and much of my work is crafted from reclaimed materials. For instance, my Haute Gifting business includes vases made from sustainable resources. Additionally, my macarons are packaged in transparent, designer silhouette-shaped bags that are not only reusable as handbags but are also made from recycled materials.

Your art is deeply personal and tailored to each client. Can you share a memorable story where your work had a significant emotional impact?

Creating the world’s most expensive handbag was an emotional journey for both me and my client. The design was a tribute to her late grandmother, incorporating many of her favourite items. We used her Cartier earrings and melted down her gold to form an egg-shaped silhouette, inspired by Fabergé. This was particularly poignant, as my client’s first memory of her grandmother was of her allowing her to touch her Fabergé egg collection.The bag’s lining was made from one of her grandmother’s cherished Hermès scarves. Every detail was infused with her essence.

Initially, the client wanted an art piece, but I suggested making it functional for special occasions. Now, each year, she sends me a photo of her with the bag, which she uses to celebrate her grandmother’s birthday. The world’s most expensive bag remains on display in her dressing room, a beautiful tribute to her memory.

You’ve worked with some of the most prestigious brands and individuals globally. How do you approach a new project to ensure it stands out in such a competitive market?

Collaborating with prestigious brands is an honour, but it comes with immense pressure. The sign-off process is intricate, as maintaining the brand’s ethos is crucial. I’ve developed a knack for generating media buzz around my work, though my name often remains behind the scenes, with projects launched under the brand’s identity. My role is to introduce fresh perspectives, especially for product launches or similar initiatives.

The key to standing out in a competitive market is creating something truly unique. I always cross-reference my ideas to ensure they haven’t been done before—and if they have, I find a way to take them a step further. This approach consistently sets my work apart.

Marbella is known for its luxury lifestyle. How do you see “Additions” fitting into the local market, and what unique experiences do you plan to bring to the Costa del Sol?

I’m thrilled to launch Additions in Marbella, as it marks my commitment to establishing roots here. I believe the concept will resonate strongly with the local market. While the event backdrops are more specialised, the Haute Gifting side is perfectly on-trend, offering affordable luxury.

I’ve designed the gifting experiences to be social media-friendly, especially the chocolate piñatas, which are sure to create stunning slow-motion moments online. Additions brings a unique blend of luxury and accessibility to the Costa del Sol, making it an exciting addition to Marbella’s vibrant lifestyle.

As someone with a strong presence in social and digital media, how important is social media in your work, especially when launching new projects like “Additions”?

I don’t see myself as an influencer, despite having over 3 million Instagram followers. For me, Instagram is a platform to share my upcoming projects, often through countdowns with clues. It hasn’t been a sales tool since my work has been quite niche.

However, with Additions, especially the Haute Gifting side, social media will play a key role in sales. While most orders will be placed through a digital brochure via email or WhatsApp, Instagram will be crucial for showcasing designs and engaging customers with custom themes and colour palettes. In today’s digital age, visibility on social media is essential, so I plan to run competitions and collaborate with influencers to spread the word.

Looking to the future, are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue while in Spain?

Most of my projects are top secret, so I can’t share exactly what I’m working on. However, I can say that alongside Additions, I have some exciting activations planned in the lead-up to Christmas for here in Spain!