Pearce II Fionda at Debenhams

 

At the beginning of their career, the design duo Pearce Fionda enjoyed high flying success receiving orders from Sachs, New York and designing for stars such as Nicole Kidman and Celine Dion.  But with a desire to reach a bigger audience, it was with excitement that they took on the offer to colllaborate with Debenhams to bring their evening wear range to the high street.

That was 15 years ago, and they haven’t looked back since.  We caught up with one half of the design duo, Andrew Fionda, to find out why their evening wear designs at Debenhams have been such a success, what our mum’s should and should not be wearing this season and what is hot from their current collection.

 

 

How closely do you work with Debehanhams for your designs?

We’re with them all the time, we have meetings at least two to three times a month, and we’re always on the phone.  We are totally involved with the design, submitting and editing pieces all the time; every piece from the Pearce II Fionda range is designed by us from start to finish, and we’ve also tested it on models that are standard sizes, so we know these designs will suit the high street lady. 

 

Why should our mums buy from your range rather than other (cheaper) ranges?

Well, it’s definitely a difficult time right now, and I don’t want to focus on the bad times we’re in, but I do believe that women still want to look well and feel great.  And that’s what our range offers.  It’s about a great cut and well chosen material that will last the test of time.  Sure, you can buy a cheap item that you might like this season and wear once or twice, but you’re not likely to wear it next year.  Our dresses are investment pieces which you will want to wear again and again.  It’s about buying investment pieces that make you feel fantastic.

Every woman wants to look and feel a million dollars when they dress up to go out, and being a mum or a working mum, your wardrobe is based primarily on that function, so when you have the occasion to buy that special dress, the Pearce II Fionda pieces deliver style and sophistication every time.  You’re paying for the design, great quality fabric and a cut that will sit right on you.

 

What’s the most popular dress right now?

There is definitely one dress that stands out right now, which is the “Black Diamante Ring Evening Dress” – it’s such a sexy design, with 3 rings at the cleavage, based on a 1960s swimsuit and interpreted into an evening gown.  In classic black with bias cut panels in mat and shine, this dress is pure elgance, with hint of a bond girls dress of the 70s, brought bang up to date.   This is the kind of dress that is still going to look great next year and the year after that.  This is what you are paying for at Pearce II Fionda in Debenhams.

 

 

What trends should our mums be avoiding this year?

It’s not really about avoiding trends this year, it’s about knowing what looks good on you.  Not every woman can pull off the lace leggings look, or the hot colour of the season.  And season styles such as the nautical look for summer or the rock look for winter might not be to everyones taste – so don’t be a slave to what is ‘in’.  Instead just select elements of the styles and the colours that are in and include that in what you wear.  Buy what suits your body shape and your style, that’s what I believe looking great is about, that’s what is meant by being fashionable.

 

Coco Chanel famously said in relation to accessorising: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off”… what would your one piece of advice to our mums be?

When you are spending a lot of money, be careful that you are not just following a trend, and that it’s an investment piece – if you buy in this seasons colour you’ll regret it. Keep to classic and you’ll have it for life.

 

 

The Pearce II Fionda range is available to buy online at Debenhams