Phil Bickley – Founder of Tonic London, co-creator of Real Stars Are Rare with Paul Weller

This week on the Paul Weller Fan Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Bickley – founder of London menswear store Tonic and co-creator of the Paul Weller clothing label Real Stars Are Rare.

Phil’s story is a fascinating mix of music, fashion, and friendship. We talk about how his admiration for The Style Council soundtracked his post-rave comedowns in the early ’90s, how Weller first walked into his shop and bought a belt, and how that encounter led to a full-blown creative partnership.

From sketching ideas on scraps of paper to launching a successful menswear brand, Phil shares what it was like working side by side with one of Britain’s most stylish musicians. We also explore the challenges of balancing creativity with business realities – and the mutual respect that kept their collaboration grounded.

Phil’s insights into Weller’s eye for clothes, his “upside-down triangle” physique, and the shared spirit behind Real Stars Are Rare offer a new perspective on Paul’s lifelong relationship with style and substance.

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Dancing Through the Fire

Phil Bickley is one of over 250 contributors to my Sunday Times Bestselling book, Paul Weller: Dancing Through the Fire, which is available now.
Click on the image below to grab your copy now…