25-part series all about Ian Stuart’s flagship London store, The Blewcoat, coming soon to Channel 4
Channel 4 has commissioned a behind-the-scenes docu-soap about the extraordinary world of womenswear designer, Ian Stuart.
The Posh Frock Shop will offer a rare and fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a British fashion house, revealing the exceptional talent behind Ian’s multi award-winning designs.
With unrestricted access to Ian’s flagship London store, The Blewcoat, viewers will get to know the man behind the brand and the colourful characters that make up his trusted team.
Twenty-five, half hour episodes will be aired each weekday evening at 5.30pm for five consecutive weeks from 11 June, 2018.
Since opening in 2014, The Blewcoat has been home to Ian’s exclusive bridal, special occasion and evening wear collections. The exquisite 18th century building – leased from the National Trust – offers women a relaxed, yet luxurious experience of high fashion. Shopping is by appointment to ensure that clients enjoy a truly personalised service.
We just know this is going to be essential, entertaining and educational viewing!
Ian is proud of The Posh Frock Shop because it portrays the real him and helps dispel the myth that designer clothes are only available to an elite few. Filming over such an extended period was a huge commitment, but Ian feels a duty to lift the lid on the world in which he operates and to show that his designs are accessible for all types of women.
“There is this misconception that boutiques like mine are snooty and unwelcoming. The Posh Frock Shop will show you otherwise. Yes, the fashion world is glamorous and over the top at times, but I am a normal guy from up north who doesn’t take myself too seriously,” says Ian.
The show will introduce audiences to some of Ian’s favourite clients, many of whom come from overseas for their fittings. Each episode will focus on at least three different women, all looking to invest in Ian’s distinctive, signature style.
Finding THE dress can be empowering and often emotional, which is what makes The Posh Frock Shop such compulsive viewing. There is tension and high drama alongside hilarious and tear-jerking moments.
We’ll get to see behind the scenes at Ian’s flagship store, The Blewcoat
The Blewcoat attracts every type of bride, whether they are looking for something floaty and romantic, or edgy and unconventional. Whatever their personal style, Ian creates the dress of their dreams.
Clients can be divas with attitude, ball-breaking career types, or high society women who come to get kitted out for a season’s worth of public appearances and charity galas. Others are less confident in their style and are in desperate need of a killer outfit for a one-off, special occasion – often their son or daughter’s wedding.
“I agreed to the show because The Blewcoat offers such a unique shopping experience and I know that I can make any woman look beautiful and feel fabulous.
The Posh Frock Shop is about me sharing my knowledge and experiences with the public and with the industry. As a gay man with an intuitive eye for what works for women, they never feel threatened by me. They trust my opinion because I have no ulterior motive other than to show them off to the very best of my ability. I am 100% motivated to make them look amazing without taking them too far out of their comfort zone,” says Ian.
Make sure you tune in weekday evenings at 5.30pm, from 11 June, 2018
The series will reveal how The Blewcoat is far from being stuffy or unwelcoming. Women come along with their friends and family to enjoy the surroundings and to get the most out of the advice on offer from highly experienced stylists.
With at least two new collections out each year, filming the series was an enormous undertaking and at times stressful for Ian and his small team. Despite some trepidation about opening themselves up, Ian is excited about the show and feels indebted to his wonderful, crazy clients who so generously agreed to be filmed.
The Posh Frock Shop promises to be a must-see show for anyone interested in the glamorous world of high fashion. Ian’s cutting-edge collections may speak loudly for themselves, but this forward-thinking designer has plenty more to say.
