“I really enjoyed Self Made which tells the story of Madam C.J. Walker who was the first female, self-made millionaire in the U.S. It’s an inspiring story.” Philippa Long’s lockdown Netflix recommendation
Known for her incredibly unique approach to texture and material (not to mention her penchant for “breaking the bonds of tradition”) Philippa Long is fast becoming the cool new bridal label to love, and even more so when it comes to the designer’s sustainable ambitions for the future and the wedding industry itself. If it’s a jumpsuit you desire, or a cool, embellished bomber jacket you covet, Philippa Long’s fashion-forward bridal drum beats with the tune you’ll want to dance to (and then dance down the aisle with). I caught up (digitally, as always) with the designer herself to discover what life’s been like in lockdown at Philippa Long…
#1 Provide us with three words that sum-up how you were feeling about lockdown when it first started, and then three words about how you feel now:
Before: “Concerned, resigned and hungry.”
After: “Reconfigured, energised and hopeful.”
#2 What time do you get up? Has this changed? Is life a little slower? Talk to us about your new daily routine…
“I usually get up between 6-7am, at the start of lockdown I was waking much earlier than this, more like 4:30-5am. The weather has been so good and there were some amazing sun rises, my flat is east facing so I was being woken up by bright sun in my bedroom along with birdsong (which you don’t usually hear in Shoreditch during the week). I was finding the mornings at the start of lockdown really special times of quiet and peace. Life was slower initially as I tried to navigate just how this pandemic would effect me/my work but, as the weeks have gone by, my routine has fallen back into place which I’m really grateful for.”
#3 How is lockdown impacting your business, and how can people support you?
“The lockdown has really effected my business. Many of the brides I have have had to postpone their weddings until later in the year or into next year. I have dresses hanging in my studio that have not been collected/worn/fitted because of lock down restrictions. Much of the interest I had at the start of the year has dried-up as people are deciding to wait until the lockdown has been lifted until they make their plans.”
#4 Name three local businesses you are supporting or would like to support more…
No.1 “The Post Modernists – a brilliant new bridal collective.”
No.2 “Roush Embroidery – a beautiful bespoke embroidery artist and friend.”
No.3 “The Flower Appreciation Society – local florists who do weddings and workshops and who also grow their own flowers here in Hackney.”
#5 What’s your favourite isolation snack?
“Pink Lady apple slices with crunchy peanut butter.”
#6 What’s your most recommended quarantine pick-me-up when you’re feeling down?
“A fast and furious 5k run with disco tracks blaring in my ears.”
#7 What’s the item you can now NEVER find in the supermarket (and consequently dream continuously about)…
“I’ve not struggled to not get what I’ve wanted at the supermarket to be honest but, at the start of lock down I couldn’t find eggs or flour for a while but, I can live without them. I’m not really a baker but, when lock down started I had a powerful urge to bake??”
#8 What’s the strangest thing that’s happened during your lockdown period…
“Honestly, I can’t think of anything strange that has happened. In lots of ways life has been very uneventful!”
#9 Favourite app for keeping in touch digitally with friends and family?
“Zoom Zoom Zoom…..”
#10 Name your lockdown hate:
“Not being able to see my pals…”
#11 Name your lockdown love:
“Hearing bird song in central London.”
#12 The person(s) you will hug first when social distancing is no longer in place?
“My very good friend Rachel, I can’t wait to see her.”
#13 An act of kindness towards you that you’ve really appreciated?
“There have been a lot of BBQs happening in lockdown with the weather being so good. I live by myself in a fourth floor flat so I can’t have a BBQ on my balcony. I was feeling a little sad about this and my friends (who have a garden and a BBQ bought me round a BBQ meal :-)) it was probably the best tasting meal I’ve had in lockdown.”
#14 Talk to us about what’s new at your brand?
“I have given up a portion of my time over the last few weeks to scrub making, which has been really fun to be a part of and I’m glad I can use my skills and resources to contribute to the cause against COVID-19. There is also on-going project work that I’m doing that explores the zero waste concept I have been thinking about for a while now, alongside exploring the boundaries of traditional bridalwear and trying to re-imagine it into today’s cultural moment. I’m hoping to unveil some new styles very soon.”
#15 Name three things the lockdown has made you grateful for:
No.1 “Time – I’m grateful for the extra time I’ve had to take care of myself better, whether that has been cooking more meals from scratch of exercising more….I’m feeling the benefits.”
No.2 “Technology.”
No.3 “Space – I’m grateful for the space this time has created, its really helped me to breath deeply, take stock of my life and consider what is really important. I’ve also had more space creatively to explore new ideas and I am so grateful for that.”
#16 Which restaurant will you dine at first once restrictions are lifted?
“Oooh this is tricky….but, probably Morito on Hackney Road…..vegan Mondays there is the best!”
#17 What series have you now completed on Netflix? Any recommendations?
“I’ve tried quite hard to not watch too much Netflix in this season but, I really enjoyed Self Made which tells the story of Madam C.J. Walker who was the first female, self-made millionaire in the U.S. It’s an inspiring story.”
#18 What would be your quarantine book list?
My quarantine book list:
Period Power by Maisie Hill
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
#19 And, finally, your quarantine cocktail/tipple of choice?
“I decided not to drink in lockdown…..although I’m going to have to break that for my birthday soon ;-). I love Yogi Tea…..Orange and Ginger is my favourite and If I’m having drinks with my friends online then I’ll have Fever Tree tonic with ice and lemon, the aromatic one is my fave.”
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