Whether they’re world famous designers or glamorous celebrities, these guys sure know how to make a stylish entrance

Great British Life: Sarah Burton Photo by Matt BaronSarah Burton Photo by Matt Baron (Image: Copyright (c) 2014 Rex Features. No use without permission.)

Sarah Burton

Macclesfield-born Sarah Burton is creative director of Alexander McQueen, however it was in April 2011 when she designed the wedding dress for HRH the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton on the occasion of her marriage to HRH Prince William when she gained international recognition.

Sarah studied at central St Martins College of Arts and design and completed a placement year with Alexander McQueen, rejoining the company following her graduation in 1997. She was made head of design and worked alongside McQueen for 14 years until his untimely death in 2010. She is now the brand’s creative director and has produced critically acclaimed collections with a focus on handcraft, establishing herself as a highly accomplished designer with artisanal and technical expertise.

What’s so great about Sarah Burton?

Burton was recipient of the Designer of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards in November 2011. In February 2012, after an 11-year absence from the capital, she presented the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection of McQ, the contemporary brand of the house, at London Fashion Week.

Burton was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in April 2012 and was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to the British fashion industry on 16 June 2012.

Today, she supervises the creative direction and development of all the brand’s collections: women’s and men’s ready-to-wear and accessories, as well as McQ, which is also made up of women’s, men’s and accessories’ collections.

Why we are impressed

As one of the world’s greatest designers Sarah has ensured Alexander McQueen’s legacy lives on in collections that are constantly innovative and exciting.

Useful information

www.alexandermcqueen.com

Great British Life: Louise MinchinLouise Minchin (Image: Archant)

Louise Minchin

From the cool high street Cos label to desirably designer chic by Alexander McQueen breakfast TV style maven Louise Minchin knows how to rock and early morning look.

Now based in Chester since making the switch up to the north from London, Louise has been putting on the style as presenter of BBC Breakfast working the kinds of looks that are accessible but the same time above the ordinary.

She has said in the past that while clothes are a very important part of her job, she does try to resist spending too much money on them, proving that you can look gorgeous on a middling kind of budget.

What’s so great about Louise?

She’s the darling of BBC Breakfast but more than that Ms Minchin is arguably a fashion icon. The evidence? Every morning she has to leave her Chester home at some deathly hour and choose a little something that not only works as a stylish outfit but doesn’t look out of place whether she’s interviewing a top movie star or telling viewers about some awful tragedy. Back in 2010 she was told to cover up after showing too much cleavage when presenting the One Show. The dress? A little blue number by Alexander McQueen - apparently she’s a huge fan of the label. If that’s not fashionista behaviour we don’t know what is.

Why we are impressed

Getting up at the crack of dawn looking pulled together, businesslike and fashionable. We want to know how she pulls it off.

Useful information

www.louiseminchin.com

Great British Life: Coleen Rooney cuts a dash in a figure-hugging dress. Photo by Mike BlackColeen Rooney cuts a dash in a figure-hugging dress. Photo by Mike Black (Image: ©mike black photographer)

Coleen Rooney

Coleen Rooney has been a fashion inspiration to millions and whether she is stepping out in high street leggings or oozing sex appeal in a designer gown she has the ability to hit the headlines.

She is the WAG supreme, wife of Manchester United striker and England captain Wayne Rooney and a savvy dresser, who combines the qualities of girl-next-door with high glamour.

While not in the stellar league as Victoria Beckham, she nevertheless has a determined sense of what suits her and rarely puts a foot wrong fashionwise. A stalwart at the Grand National Aintree, one of the highlights apart from the horse racing is checking out what Coleen has chosen to wear for Ladies Day.

What’s so great about Coleen?

Thrust into the limelight after her teenage sweetheart Wayne Rooney became a star of Manchester United, Coleen has used fashion as a way to carve herself a place in the world of celebrity. The great thing about her is that she has lost none of the freshness of her girl-next-door appeal and yet can easily rock a look by Balenciaga, or Matthew Williamson on the red carpet. She is currently collaborating on a gorgeous range of affordable clothing with Littlewoods. How can we fail to adore a girl who wants us to share in her own love of fashion and sense of style no matter how less abundant our own budget?

Why we are impressed

Because Coleen has put high end glamour in every woman’s reach. Proving you don’t have to be mega thin, or indeed hugely wealthy to create your own unique look.

twitter @coleenroo

Great British Life: Amanda WakeleyAmanda Wakeley (Image: Archant)

Amanda Wakeley

What is it about these Cheshire girls and Royalty? Amanda Wakeley’s distinct timeless style has won her an A-list clientele including those regal icons of style, Princess Diana and the Duchess of Cambridge.

Royalty aside Amanda has retained her position in the forefront of design as a result of creating designs that make any woman feel and look amazing, whether they are dressing down in luxury jean and gilet or ramping up the sex appeal in a bespoke gown.

The founder and Creative Director of her eponymous brand in 1990, over the last two decades Amanda has infused her own distinct style on her acclaimed ready-to-wear collections, which are at once understated yet supremely glamorous.

What’s so great about Amanda Wakeley

The eponymous company which she established in 1990 has gone through many ups and downs but she has retained her optimism and says: ‘Very few people go on an upward trajectory in life most very successful people I know and the real successes are the ones who are able to pick themselves up pretty quickly and say “well, I won’t do that again” ‘.

Amanda was awarded an OBE for her services to the fashion industry in 2010, and is also the winner of numerous awards, including three British Fashion Awards. Since 1996, Amanda has co-chaired the committee for the Fashion Targets Breast Cancer appeal leading the efforts to raise substantial funds to support the charity.

Why we are impressed

In spite of her global appeal Amanda still keeps in touch with her Cheshire roots. The family home was in Mickle Trafford outside Chester and she regularly visits her mother who now lives in Cholmondley.

Useful information

www.amandawakely.com

Great British Life: Armand Beasley and Shobna Gulati - photo by Mike PetchArmand Beasley and Shobna Gulati - photo by Mike Petch (Image: MPhotographic.co.uk/Entertainment Today)

Armand Beasley

For the past 20 years the Altrincham-based celebrity make-up artist and Cheshire Life columnist has carved a career for himself in the cosmetics industry. He made his debut as a makeup artist in 1996 and was UK National Makeup Artist for Givenchy before he underwent extensive skincare, makeup and fragrance training with various cosmetic companies. Following a stint as Personal Beauty Advisor for House Of Fraser in 1998 he moved into TV. From 2000 to the present day Armand has worked with some of the most beautiful men and women, in the world on events ranging from the Oscars to the BAFTA’s and has worked with a list of famous faces including Goldie Hawn, Michelle Keegan, Sophie Anderton, Daryl Hannah, Natasha Hamilton, Catherine Tyldsley and Lesley Garrett to name but a few.

What’s so great about Armand?

Not only does he have his finger on the pulse of the trends in beauty and fashion this handsome fellow cuts a stylish figure at high profile events.

Says Angela Griffin, Actress: ‘The lovely Armand is my favourite makeup artist. Not only do I request him for any photo or filming shoots that I do, he was also the person I wanted to do my makeup on my wedding day. The brilliance of his make-up is in no doubt, but for me it wasn’t just about the look. It’s such a special day and nerves can get the better of you. Armand not only made me look and feel gorgeous but he kept me calm, talked me down and made me laugh. I couldn’t recommend him any higher.’

Why we are impressed

Dashing, stylish and he may mingle with the stars but he is also one of the nicest people you could ever meet.

Useful information

www.armandinternationalltd.com