Cornwall life's new fashion columnist Julia McIntosh says that with Valentine's Day just around the corner it's the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a new dress, or maybe a handbag, or shoes....
VivaVivienne!In the first of her new columns for Cornwall Life, fashion writer Julia McIntosh takes a look at an international name whose collections are available close to homephotographs : JULIA McINTOSHI wanted to celebrate high end fashion in this month’s fashion pages, primarily because February sees London Fashion Week hit the headlines. Notably, one the designers who regularly leads the way at LFW is Vivienne Westwood. Nothing unusual there; however what did surprise me was to read that Vivienne was born in 1942, so this year will mark the 71st birthday of the much celebrated fashion designer who for over four decades has been treating us to her beautiful tailored designs. In the early 1970s Westwood started her career making jewellery. She progressed into fashion soon after selling her designs in her then partner Malcolm McClaren’s shop on the King’s Road, London. Over the past four decades her unconventional collections have established her global reputation as one of Britain’s most original designers. Still designing and still at the top of her game, she is an inspiration to women the world over. Twice she has been awarded British fashion designer of the year.With this in mind I thought it would be fabulous to take a closer look at Westwood’s designs and luckily discovered that I didn’t have to cross the Tamar to do so. Nestled in the heart of Truro in Castle Street is Bishop Phillpott, a designer boutique that is situated over the ground floors of a splendid grade 2 listed building, complete with high ceilings, ornate cornicing, friezes and filled with collections by Nicole Fahri, Paul Smith, J. Brand and Westwood. Regular trips to London Fashion Week and other shows ensure that the collections are right on trend, featuring this year’s strong aubergines, greens and blacks in luxurious silks, cashmere and wool. When they’re not busy sourcing next season’s collections, the store’s team are heavily involved with their own fashion .“We’ve had a busy time lately,” says owner Sharon Smith. “We’ve just been involved with a charity fashion show teaming up with Fifteen Cornwall to bring a fusion of food, fashion and fundraising in aid of the Cornwall Foundation of Promise. The show was a great success and we raised over £3,200.”The staff at the boutique pride themselves on delivering a personal service. What’s really fabulous is that you can phone and book an appointment with your own personal stylist who will assist and help you find your perfect outfit. Situated just next door in the same building you will also find a delightful little bistro, a quaint eaterie which is perfect for popping in for a spot of lunch after you’ve shopped. The New Year is sale time at Bishop Phillpott and a great time to bag yourself a designer piece with a more affordable price tag.
VivaVivienne!
In the first of her new columns for Cornwall Life, fashion writer Julia McIntosh takes a look at an international name whose collections are available close to home
I wanted to celebrate high end fashion in this month’s fashion pages, primarily because February sees London Fashion Week hit the headlines.
Notably, one the designers who regularly leads the way at LFW is Vivienne Westwood. Nothing unusual there; however what did surprise me was to read that Vivienne was born in 1942, so this year will mark the 71st birthday of the much celebrated fashion designer who for over four decades has been treating us to her beautiful tailored designs.
In the early 1970s Westwood started her career making jewellery. She progressed into fashion soon after selling her designs in her then partner Malcolm McClaren’s shop on the King’s Road, London. Over the past four decades her unconventional collections have established her global reputation as one of Britain’s most original designers. Still designing and still at the top of her game, she is an inspiration to women the world over. Twice she has been awarded British fashion designer of the year.
“Regular trips to London ensure that the collections are right on trend, featuring this year’s strong aubergines, greens and blacks”
With this in mind I thought it would be fabulous to take a closer look at Westwood’s designs and luckily discovered that I didn’t have to cross the Tamar to do so. Nestled in the heart of Truro in Castle Street is Bishop Phillpott, a designer boutique that is situated over the ground floors of a splendid grade 2 listed building, complete with high ceilings, ornate cornicing, friezes and filled with collections by Nicole Fahri, Paul Smith, J. Brand and Westwood. Regular trips to London Fashion Week and other shows ensure that the collections are right on trend, featuring this year’s strong aubergines, greens and blacks in luxurious silks, cashmere and wool.
When they’re not busy sourcing next season’s collections, the store’s team are heavily involved with their own fashion .
“We’ve had a busy time lately,” says owner Sharon Smith. “We’ve just been involved with a charity fashion show teaming up with Fifteen Cornwall to bring a fusion of food, fashion and fundraising in aid of the Cornwall Foundation of Promise. The show was a great success and we raised over £3,200.”
The staff at the boutique pride themselves on delivering a personal service. What’s really fabulous is that you can phone and book an appointment with your own personal stylist who will assist and help you find your perfect outfit. Situated just next door in the same building you will also find a delightful little bistro, a quaint eaterie which is perfect for popping in for a spot of lunch after you’ve shopped. The New Year is sale time at Bishop Phillpott and a great time to bag yourself a designer piece with a more affordable price tag.
