The WINterview / Josephine Parkhill

We take five minutes to catch up with Josephine Parkhill, creative director and founder of Josephine Scott London. After the incredible reception of her new Debut Collection, which launched last year, we find out a little more about this exciting new British designer...

Why bridal?

JP: Designing a bridal gown is such a privilege. Not only am I able to create beautiful gowns, but they are items that add value to the bride’s life. The gown becomes part of her life journey, a dream come true, and a photo passed on for generations.

What’s your earliest memory of fashion design?

JP: I loved watching My Fair Lady with Audrey Hepburn on repeat as a child, I remember feeling drawn to the stunning costumes and how transformative they could be… How, without words, they can tell you a person’s life story! From this I studied costume designers such as Adrian, always being drawn to the glamorous gowns and places you could wear them.

What do you do when you’re not working?

JP: I have a young family and a lot of my time is spent having fun with them. However, I make time for close friends and enjoy many social events and stylish restaurants.

Do you keep sketches of all of your designs?

JP: Yes. I keep a sketch of every design. I refer back to them often as a source to continually develop and improve for future collections.

Do you have a signature style?

JP: Modern romance with a signature British elegance and sophistication.

What does your bride look like?

JP: Rather than looks, it's more who she is. My brides are confident, respectful and secure in who they are, choosing a gown to reflect the woman they have, and are still becoming.

If you were getting married in the UK next year, where would the wedding be, and what would you wear?

JP: I would still choose my wedding venue – Berkeley Castle. It had the perfect mix of tradition, history and ultimate fun with a fabulous Ceilidh. I would also still choose my wedding dress: 'JOSEPHINE' with the beautiful high-neck French lace jacket. To celebrate my 10-year anniversary, and the first-ever Josephine Scott gown I designed, It will be launched for the 2024 collection.

Have you ever walked the catwalk?

JP: Not yet!

Which boutiques stock you in the UK?

JP: We have been overwhelmed with the support of many leading bridal boutiques across the country and love working closely with all of them.

What makes a good bridal boutique great?

JP: Experience! Experience! Experience! We are in awe of the extra’s boutiques now offer their brides. The attention to detail, décor and service they provide goes above and beyond to create the ultimate wedding gown shopping… even offering fully serviced bars and private rooms! We love visiting them as much as the brides!

What makes you unique, and successful – what is your USP?

JP: My vast experience and knowledge of the industry, combined with a drive and purpose to create gowns that make brides feel empowered and beautiful while working closely with our stockists to ensure they have the best choice at the correct price to sustain us both for long-term business together.

Whose accessories complement your designs the best?

JP: This is such a hard question. There are so many talented accessories designers that we love working with an all have stunning pieces that complement each gown which create different looks. Designers we have worked with recently include; Cornelia James, Victoria Percival, Halo & Co, Gibson Bespoke, Saint Elizabeth and Dolecka.

Tell us about your latest collection?

JP: The new 2024 collection will be launched at Harrogate in September. Having spent the past months working with our boutiques and understanding our market and brides in greater depth, there are lots of exciting gowns that have evolved from our best sellers, keeping the luxury modern romantic feel, yet lighter and more refined.

What are you feeling excited about in the coming year?

JP: More opportunities to expand our team and stockists, to develop the collection and brand and to work with more creatives on exciting collaborations.

What’s your favourite gown?

JP: I love them all… However if I had to choose one to wear from the Debut collection, I would choose Kitty. From the upcoming 2024 collection, it would of course be Josephine!

To see more of the fabulous Josephine Scott London collections visit www.josephinescott.co.uk