If you are one of the many fans of the House of Mooshki, with its vintage, tea-length wedding dresses, then you are familiar with designer Phil Woodley. He is regularly seen at international bridal events and presenting newly designed gowns on the brand’s entertaining and often humorous Instagram page.
Phil is part of a talented trio of designers creating wedding gowns for the House of Mooshki and Grace Philips brands. Bridal Times had the opportunity to sit down with Phil and find out more about the designer, the Grace Philips collection, and more.
So, who is the dream team behind the two successful brands? “The name Grace Philips is a combination of my name and partner designer, Grace Gatens. We work together on the collections with managing director, Vikki McCarthy-Wright, who puts a realistic approach to the wedding gowns,” says Phil.
Sketching hundreds of designs at a time, Phil is a natural when it comes to creating new gowns and feels no pressure to churn out ground-breaking designs every season. “I have been sketching since I was 3 years old, so I have been doing this since I was a child.” None of Phil’s family members are designers themselves, but recognized his talent right away. Phil reflects, “My dad used to buy me dolls so that I could dress them up. so yes, I had their support from the beginning.”
When asked about his own personal style, Phil reveals his love for the looks and styles of the 1980’s American television show, Dynasty. “I love glamour,” says Phil. “I would only design with this look, but when partnered with Grace, we have a good mix.”
With the team’s passion for fashion, both the House of Mooshki and Grace Philips brands have succeeded in filling gaps in the market at times when there was little demand.
Unknowingly creating a niche in the market, the House of Mooshki created their first ever tea length gown by accident when the team decided a ball gown that they were working on looked better cut in half.
The Grace Philips brand was then launched in 2015 before the Meghan Markel effect, filling the gap at the time for simple, modest and contemporary looks.
Grace Philips Vanessa Gown
Grace Philips Magdalene Gown
The so-called “no fuss or flounce” Grace Philips wedding gowns embrace strong, clean lines, glamourous trains, and are made with materials such as Duchess Satin and Mikado. The signature silhouettes of the collection are fishtail and ball gown, with the brand even offering gowns in stunning black or red!
Grace Philips Amara Gown
Grace Philips Margot Gown
Grace Philips Sienna Gown
One particular stand out wedding gown from the Grace Philips line, is “Hannah”, often showcased at international events. “We had a client who was interested in covering up for a religious wedding, and this is how we came up with the Hannah gown,” says Phil. “Grace Philips is high fashion. A bride can be covered up but still be elegant. The gowns are well cut, well-structured and well-tailored.”
Hannah Gown front
Hannah Gown Back
So what does Phil think about the deep, plunging necklines, cut-outs and see through material that are full in trend? Is this age appropriate for brides over 40?
Phil says, “There is no such thing as “age-appropriate”. I think if a woman feels great about her body, or if she has great legs for example, then she should show it off. Every bride should be judged individually and there isn’t a certain style to conform to. You have to put on a dress and say `I fancy myself´. That is most important.”
Phil does say, however, that retailers should carry a broad range in their stores and not just what is in fashion.
The two brands currently have stocklist in the UK and internationally. Brides who are dying to wear the House of Mooshki or Grace Philips gowns are also able to get in contact with the team directly. “We’re skyping in with brides from all over the world, helping them with their measurements or questions they may have,” adds Phil.
As for the new upcoming Grace Philips collection, Phil looks up at the dresses hanging at their stand at the Harrogate Bridal Show and says, “Yes, we are really ready to create something new.”
In the meantime, the rest of us can only wait and wonder what is in store for the upcoming collection.
Visit Grace Philips or House of Mooshki for further information.
For more, read “House of Mooshki- Interview with Vikki McCarthy Wright”