What are you
wearing? Whether it’s in our work breaks or in our Whatsapp group, it’s the
eternal question we keep on asking here at Team
Fake Bake. So instead of just sending images back and forth we decided to
aim a bit higher, and caught up with designer Philip Armstrong to get his take on all things Racing style. Originally from Liverpool, Philip and his partner Tony have created an established design house, which has just found a new home in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Beautiful Tanya
Bardsley and her very own Phil!
Have the
guys dressed anyone you know? Well, they started off after training and went
for it, worked their way up and with a lot of effort, determination and a
really strong idea of what the PA look should be, their designs have been seen
on Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Kelly
Rowland and Katy Perry to name but a few. And if you are scrolling through
celeb feeds then you’re always going to see PA designs at events because they
deliver. Darcey Bussell loves them, and
so does Tess, and it takes a lot to outshine the Strictly dresses. This new season they have really stepped out of
their comfort zone, and so we asked Philip and Tony to give us the lowdown…
Supermodel and BNTM
host Abbey Clancy. Need we say more?
How did the whole Hollywood/A List
thing happen?
It’s quite a
unique story, really, as we never had to fight for our space. We are lucky that
some influential stylists really loved our designs, and obviously their clients
followed suit! We have quite a strong
design aesthetic, so it came as no surprise that really strong women chose
to wear PA, and return to us. In a multi-million dollar industry, it’s
wonderful that such renowned names simply picked our dresses because they feel
good and look gorgeous in them, and continue to do so.
This new space in Knutsford is
beautiful - how’s your new home?
The way we
buy fashion is changing, and of course even luxury labels do so much online
now, but we wanted to do what suits our clients best, and that’s something far
more personal, so we created an atelier space here in Cheshire. We have always
been in the North West, even though our designs sell all over the world, but
nothing beats meeting our clients face-to-face. We’ve been made so welcome, and
we moved just in time for a busy season for us. There are never enough minutes,
and we are both perfectionists.
What’s your Spring/Summer Collection
all about?
We love that
we have established something really
special at PA, and we wanted to add a few twists. We’ve switched our colour palette up a lot, and we’ve
added a lot of tailoring alongside our signature dresses. We have also got a
few really standout pieces for those who want to go the extra style mile, too.
We will never not do glamour, though. I mean, why would we?!
Races styling tips - please provide
us with a few…..
When it
comes to our own clients, we always want to make sure everything fits
perfectly. You’d be surprised how much of a difference it makes! It’s really
important to feel comfortable - without particularly looking it! We always
advise clients to stay close to their own signature style - as you’ll want your
look to work within your wardrobe. But you can be more adventurous with texture
and colour. If you are on a High Street budget, your choice is fierce! We’ve
collaborated with well known labels in the past, and they pay real attention to
detail. We really love the tailored trouser suits around right now, as anything
with a little structure always looks more expensive. And killer accessories
count - you can really go bold there.
A little fashion shoot
on the day of our visit (hats by @traceymillerdesigns)
We had to mention JLo and THE BRIDAL
DRESS….
Let’s just
say we’ve had lots of conversations about it! Our bridal business is really growing, and brides do really look for
inspiration. Kate and Meghan still
get talked about, but Jennifer is
Hollywood royalty, isn’t she? There will definitely be a no- expense-spared
budget, but we can’t wait to see who dresses her. She does go for Valentino when she wants old-school
glam, and we’d love to see her in something really form fitting with a
Princess-style train. Whatever she chooses, we know that brides all over the
world will be watching and waiting. And the guests will be ones to watch, too -
we are definitely hoping Michelle Obama makes
an appearance, she would look fabulous
in PA! As for Jennifer, of course, that would be the ultimate dress for us to
design...
Advice for budding fashion designers.
Hit us up with it!
When we
started, we really did start from scratch. But we learned the trade and we
simply never gave up. If you are going to chase trends, good luck to you, as
you’ll usually end up behind them! All of the great designers we love have a
real vision, and they have built their success upon it. Do any job in fashion
you can to get an insight - while you are training do as much work experience
as possible, and be prepared for doors closing sometimes. Never ever give up,
and you are only ever as good as the way you make your clients feel. If you
make them feel their very best, you’re winning….
What can we
say. We had an amazing time with Philip
and Tony and being in Knutsford,
obvs, on a sunny afternoon, we did feel like we were right out of the Real Housewives, the glamour was that
infectious. And we were lucky enough to try on some pieces, and we did get to
gaze at that bridal looks. Heavenly. Whatever you choose to go to the Races,
remember to try our new Fake Bake
Tanning Water. Easy to apply, with no transfer, it’s the perfect product in
the busy run up to the big day itself. Because, let’s face it, you want to get
papped for for your perfect golden glow
and immaculate style. You’ll know exactly where we are going with that one.
Knutsford,
we had a blast. Sadly, we didn’t get a lift back in a Ferrari, but left with a
few dress dreams and a whole lot of inspiration. And no we couldn’t pick just
one, but we do have a couple of odds-on favourites.
Did you see
what we did there?
Fake Bake Tanning Water
is available at www.fakebake.co.uk
Thank you to everyone
at Philip Armstrong who made us so welcome. All images courtesy of PA.
Philip Armstrong is based at 12 Minshul
Street, Knutsford WA16 6HG. For appointments call 01565 652568.
You can follow the team
on Insta @philiparmstrongcom
The Aintree Grand
National Meeting event runs from Thursday 4th April to Saturday 6th April 2019
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