What a joy it is to continue on with Part II of my interview with Stewart Parvin, the brilliant royal couturier, who has garnered a Royal Warrant from Her Majesty The Queen!
Manners that Matter:
My newsletter, Mummy’s Monday Manners and Lessons for Lovely Living, is a tribute to my Mum and all that I learned from her! Did your mother have a big influence on you?
My mother and grandmother have both had a huge influence on me and my manners. Being able to chat politely about nothing in particular, knowing which knife and fork to use and how to use it, should never ever be underestimated!!!
Was your mother or father a stickler for manners, and if so, what stands out in particular?
I was having a socially distanced walk past Fortnum and Mason on Saturday with a dear friend, and we were discussing this very topic and drinking a paper cup of takeaway coffee at the same time. We both agreed that our mothers would be horrified that we were drinking in public whilst walking down the street! As my mother would say “It’s VERY common” and I hate myself every time I do it! I also still can’t go to bed without brushing my hair which is my grandmother’s influence!
What advice has served you well when working with a notable and noble clientele?
When I first started out, a society hairdresser told me that I should never, ever refer to my clients by their Christian name and it’s something that I still do to this day, except in very few, very special circumstances. I now have one very grand-titled client who always berates me for calling her by her correct title, however despite our close friendship both working and personal, whilst in the boutique, I would never dream of doing it any other way. It allows for no personal conflict in what is a professional environment.
Covid Related:
What inspired you to make and donate scrubs to hospitals? (Well done you!)
Louisa, my assistant, lives in Windsor Castle (a long story!!) and a member of the castle community put the word out that the health service needed enormous amounts of scrubs for our dedicated healthcare workers. Through the kind donation of many of our fabric suppliers and the hard work of our seamstresses, we were able to help.
We’re in the middle of a pandemic, and people are not going out to events such as lunches, meetings, and big weddings. I am curious as to what people are buying, how it has changed, and how is that translating into what you are designing presently during Covid?
During the summer when here in Great Britain the rules for lockdown were eased slightly, we were lucky enough that weddings could take place with smaller numbers and people increasingly took to the idea of celebrating with real style at intimate gatherings. We were lucky enough to be involved in one such event when we assisted HRH Princess Beatrice by re-styling one of her grandmother's, Queen Elizabeth II’s vintage Norman Hartnell dresses into a wedding dress truly fit for a Princess!
This season we’ve created a special selection of items within the main collection which are specifically geared towards relaxing at home – there’s no need to be slovenly in isolation! We’ve created wonderful stretch velvet palazzos, leggings, and deluxe joggers to team with silk knit tees, vibrantly printed sweatshirts, and casual but luxurious silk shirts. Most of these are available to order in standard sizes from our new online boutique. We also have created many classic easy, glamorous separates like our Grace Kelly pants with their sophisticated ease and “cargo” skirts that are easy fit options. Whilst these aren’t available on the online shop, we’ve done wonderful business with our loyal clientele who are happy to order many of the easier fitting items through a telephone consultation.
What do you think your clientele is yearning for — besides the end of the pandemic! What do they want, as they look forward, in terms of clothes?
I think my clientele, like everybody else, is desperate to be able to get dressed up, go out and have fun seeing all their dear friends at proper social occasions. Here’s to getting the jewellery out of the safe, putting on a hat, and having a wonderful time at Royal Ascot in 2021! (Alleluia to that!)
For the first time ever, Stewart Parvin is now launching an online purchasing option!
An exclusive womenswear collection, in sizes 8-18, is now available online, with complimentary fabric swatches, and no charge for shipping internationally. Made to order in his West London studios, the online selection is perfect for staying chic whilst relaxing at home.
I do hope you have enjoyed this peek into the world of Stewart Parvin as much as I did!
