With a client portfolio that counts Rihanna, Alexa Chung and Sienna Miller as loyal fans, Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker – the dynamic driving force behind the directional label, PPQ – must be doing something right.
Awarded with being responsible for ‘spearheading the drainpipe jean revolution’, Amy and Percy took this pioneering approach across the realm of fashion, marrying it seamlessly with music.
The design duo run a record label by the name of 1234 Records, and host the annual sell-out 1234 Shoreditch festival.
My Fashion Life caught up with the creative twosome to talk favourite holiday destinations, music, and of course, fashion.
Describe a typical working day in the life of the PPQ dynamic duo.
Amy: A typical day consists of designing across several collections with responses to factories or meetings with suppliers or pattern cutters.
Percy: Generally coordinating show details or planning overseas trips to meet buyers and press.
With what inspirations in mind was the PPQ spring/summer 2012 collection conceived?
Amy: Inspiration came from one of our archive prints, so SS’12 has a retro feel to it – It’s very nostalgic yet fresh and upbeat for summer.
Percy: It was great to look back at some of the iconic pieces we have made in our 10 years.
Tell us about your favourite holiday destination?
Amy: It’s a semi-difficult question as a lot of the places we travel to are work related – even though they are good. I think the best place I go to where I leave my drawing behind is the North of Ibiza, but you never stop having ideas or being inspired. Other highlights are Antigua and Japan.
Percy: Mauritius was a great autumn break at the end of last season. No jet lag and the most chilled out staff on the planet which was a big bonus!
Name three wardrobe staples you can’t live without
Amy: Black PVC bra, black jodhpurs, and black stilettos.
Percy: Tailored velvet dinner jacket, Lee jeans and YSL loafers.
You have a large celeb fan base of your designs, including Sienna Miller, Alexa Chung and Rihanna. But if you could choose to dress one celebrity from the yesteryear, who would that be and why?
Amy: I would have liked to dress Diana Dors – I remember seeing a clip of her on TV when I was a child, and being mesmerised by her figure and how her tops were cut to be off her shoulder.
Percy: Carrie Grant has always been a sartorial hero – I can’t think of anyone more significant to me than him to dress.
Favourite SS’12 trend?
Amy: I’m going for black linen for summer this season. I love the way it changes shape as you wear it, and by the end of the day on a beach it’s got a soft worn romance about it.
Percy: Loving the bright trousers the posh kids are wearing!
You also run a record label, 1234, and host the annual 1234 Festival in Shoreditch. Tell us a little more on how this diversion into music came about?
Amy: As we are cofounders of 1234, the festival grew out of this. PPQ started out as a collective of art, fashion and music; some people left the group and moved away and others stayed and grew into famous artists or bands. It was a natural progression for us to grow this part of the business.
Percy: PPQ club nights such as the now legendary Happiness Stan’s at Smithfield’s were a major part of the nineties for us, and this scene naturally evolved into the record label 1234 in the noughties. These involvements have always been an integral part of PPQ.
What do you predict to be the biggest autumn/winter 2012-13 trend(s)?
Amy: Stylish eveningwear is very prevalent; girls who have always wanted something casual from us have been looking for cocktail dresses and black velvet. There is a sense of sensibility in the air.
Percy: I don’t really look at trends; I leave that up to Amy!
What are you listening to on your iPod right now?
Amy: I’m listening to The Greg Foat Group’s new album.
Percy: Lots of Piero Piccioni.
