Anyone for (Liverpool International) tennis?

Blankstones get back to events and this is a calendar favourite…

Before we begin, welcome to our new-look Blankstones Blog, where we will be talking fashion, style, famous faces, glamorous gatherings and our favourite subject, iconic eyewear, throughout the year.

We thought we’d serve up our first ace (pardon the pun!) by sending you a quick report about an event we missed so much during last summer – Liverpool International Tennis Tournament. Being a proud Event Partner, we get to rock up every year not only to show off our ranges, but we also, luckily enough, manage to take in a few matches and enjoy everything we love about the other beautiful game.

Under the expert eye of Anders Borg, it’s an experience that is a central part of the city’s social diary, in its now beloved home at Aigburth Cricket Club. As it heads into its twentieth birthday year in 2022, and having played host to a whole roster of champions including Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, and Marat Safin, the tournament is a fantastic mix of sport, fashion, hospitality and especially this year, a chance to mix, meet, and dress up!

Men’s Singles Champion, James Ward

Ladies Singles Champion, Sarah Beth Grey

We also think so much of Anders, whose Liverpool Tennis Foundation supports a number of tennis initiatives across the city during the year, promoting the sport and making it more accessible, especially amongst young players and children who want to get involved.

This year, our whole team was super excited as, to be quite frank, we need to get out more, and we know you all know that feeling. Anders and his whole team gave everyone such a warm welcome and the tennis, as always, was awe-inspiring and entertaining. We also love that you can kick back and relax in style: it’s strawberries and champagne, but so much more besides.

Pretty in pink – so many Best Dressed guests…

The models swapped their red carpet for a much greener one…

Our Mark with Anders Borg

Mark welcomes more glam guests

Mark with our legendary Glenys: style twinning

One of the extra added ingredients sprinkling a bit of magic are the now legendary fashion shows that turn tennis lovers into Front Row experts between matches. Showcasing lots of local fresh talent and designer names, they also give aspiring models an opportunity to take to an unusual, but very welcoming, kind of catwalk.

We were lucky that Chelsea Lea Stokes, a fashion lover on a mission with her own story to tell, came over to model for us. We caught up with her at the end of the tournament to have a sit down about tennis, Miss England, and her love of our very favourite type of accessory.

Chelsea, you are just about to take part in Miss England. How are you feeling?

I am really proud to be representing the Liverpool region, and have met so many new friends already. It has really enabled me to build my confidence, shine a light on my growing fitness business, and spread my body positivity image.

A tiara and sunglasses make perfect style sense to us

This is your first time modelling at the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament – how did you find it?

It was great fun and because it was largely outdoors it felt less formal, which was fantastic. The models were from all different backgrounds so it was wonderful that the tournament is embracing new talent from both the modelling and fashion arenas to take part. I’ll definitely be back next year!

Thank you for modelling for us at Blankstones. Did anything catch your eye?

What didn’t catch my eye?! As a fashion lover, of course I fell in love with all of the Chanel styles. It certainly encouraged me to try on lots of different designs next time I am choosing for myself – it’s not just about a label or brand, but what suits your personal style and face shape. I don’t think you can beat Ray Bans for a classic look, and I fell in love with everything by Tiffany & Co.

Shades and a sash fit for a style queen

Could you choose?

Everyone at Blankstones wishes Chelsea the best of luck. When it comes to fulfilling her dream, we hope she smashes it.

Now another year of this tennis diary date is over, we are already looking forward to next year celebrating twenty years of the Liverpool International Tennis Tournament. From now, until then, we are also hoping to enjoy lots of events we have missed out on since lockdown began, with fingers crossed they can all go ahead as planned. 

Our social media channels also have a new flavour, so please keep checking in with us to find out more about our brands, our Blankstones family, and our take on style, trends, of-the-moment news and upcoming dates for your very stylish diaries. We always welcome your feedback, so feel free to engage with us, too.

During the month of September, our #blankstonesbrand featured across our channels is Oliver Peoples.

It also means someone on the team has to do an awful lot of research around both Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt. Not as a couple though. It’s not that kind of exclusive.

It’s a tough job, as they say…

For more information on Liverpool International Tennis Tournament go to liverpooltennis.co.uk

Additional images courtesy of: @liverpooltennis @ptchelsealeastokes