PPQ Designs Stunning Uniforms For New Music And Club Venue Baroque
15-10-2012
* Ba·roque: A period of dramatic, elaborate artistic style that changed European trends forever; whilst capturing the imagination of Louis XIV. A movement which interprets detail to produce drama, exuberance and grandeur, reflected throughout every faction of the arts.
The design brief: to merge old world style, extravagance and luxury with a modern twist. Creating incredible uniforms for new venue Baroque; bringing classic Hollywood glamour into the 21st century. Delivering a delicious juxtaposition of classic design blended with modern lines.
Gerry Calabrese has quickly built up a reputation as one of the modern greats in the London bar and club scene. Now, with the creation of Baroque, Gerry is finally bringing to fruition his dream of merging the luxury and glamour of a by-gone era with a seriously modern twist; an ethos he stays true to across all areas of the venue, from interior to high-fashion led uniforms…
In 1992 the interminable duo Amy Molyneaux and Percy Parker launched fashion label PPQ. Instantly recognisable from their ‘drainpipe jean revolution’ the pair rocked the fashion and music world. Inevitably, fashion’s best kept secret soon tripped from subtly dressing musicians straight into the full spotlight of the London Fashion Week catwalk, where they now dress the likes of Sienna Miller, Rihanna, Naomie Harris, Daisy Lowe, and Alexa Chung.
In 2008 Gerry met Amy and Percy through his multi-award winning bar, the Hoxton Pony; immediately drawn to PPQ and conscious of their strong music-based roots, he asked them to get involved with running a night there and so the story began.
Now, Gerry and PPQ join forces once again to create vintage inspired uniforms for Baroque. Baroque is a sumptuous space oozing luxury with sophisticated and extravagant décor. Inspired by this theme but driven by simplicity PPQ went with a gold and black led colour way. Sharing Gerry’s vision, PPQ eagerly took on the challenge:
“Gerry was determined to have a very kind of 1920s, 30s feel to it. So it was our job to take that vision and update it. Ultimately to make it look, not totally modern, but with that kind of vintage feel.”
Percy Parker, PPQ
It was imperative to both Gerry and PPQ to use the highest quality fabrics available, using a “very hardy wool, rather than doing mixes” for the men’s uniforms.
Perfectly amalgamating past and present, PPQ have taken the classical double breasted jacket and brought it bang up to date with subtle features such as two buttons instead of four and patch pockets instead of the traditional slanted pocket with pocket flaps.
In addition, all male uniforms sport spats are made from an original 1930’s pattern, braces from Albert Thurston and bow ties dyed to match and handmade from gold dupion silk.
Keen to remain true to the vintage look, PPQ made sure to keep to authentic designs, natural fabrics and inspiration;
“We wanted to make everything perfect and high-quality- bespoke- which is what Gerry wants as well. Absolutely the best you can get.”
Percy Parker, PPQ
For the women’s line PPQ took a slightly different approach by emulating a modern day smouldering glamour look with super smart tailored and flowing gowns.
Going against the ‘norm’ of uniforms- each of the women’s outfits are uniquely different, although all contain homogenous elements with the use of sumptuous fabrics such as black velvet, duchess satins, gold lurex and sheer silk chiffons. The key was to blend design with practicality.
“I wanted to make the girls feel chic, be alluring, but at all times be professional and demure. The door girls have fox lamb fur trimmed felt wool capes and coats that are film noir in the making”
Amy Molyneaux , PPQ
For further information on Baroque or to arrange interview/photo opportunities please contact BR&:
Claire@wearebr-and.com or Natalie@wearebr-and.com
0207 259 9499
Baroque, Playboy Casino, 14 Old Park Lane, Mayfair, London, W1K 1ND
Phone number: +44 (0) 20 7491 8586