Monday 1 April 2019

FAKE BAKE talks Races Style with the one-and-only Philip Armstrong….



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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