Current Inspiration - At The Mechanics

 

Top image - Model - Thandi Dubé

 Photography - Gavin Millar

 MUA - Ashley Morhej 

Styled by me. (Customized mechanic's shirt with model's own denim shorts.)

Bottom image - A few of my Dad's 70s garage essentials still in use today!

Styling Fun 70s Inspired Campervan Shoot

                                                       
                                                                                         Model - Nicola Byrce Ward
                                                                                         Photographer - Gavin Millar
                                                                                         MUA - Samantha Weightman
                                                                                 Styled by me. Clothing from The Rusty Zip.

Fast Fashion Interviews Laura Firby (Soup du Jour)

Laura Firby (Soup du Jour), a burlesque dancer who works in Belfast’s vintage shop The Rusty Zip, has organized the burlesque evening ‘Belfast Tease -O- Rama’ on the 30th of November in The Black Box. 

How did you become interested in burlesque and how did you start?

I started at Leeds University when I was 19. I had never even seen or heard of burlesque before. A friend who knew I was into vintage fashion asked myself and some other girls to perform in a presentation at one of her lectures. All five of us had lots of fun and after the performance we wanted to pursue burlesque dancing properly so we formed a troupe. This meant that we could perform as a group but also do solo acts. After university everyone went their separate ways but I decided to carry on doing it.

The burlesque scene is quite small in Belfast, do you think it is continuing to grow in popularity?

Yes, I do think it is growing; it’s just about forming a community and getting people interested. I’ve lived in Belfast for over a year now. When I go out at night with victory rolls in my hair some women approach me and ask me about my hairstyle. When I say that I do burlesque they often reply ‘I’d love to do that’, but there isn’t a regular evening or established community here yet. There are 20s/40s themed cabaret evenings like Pigeon and Plums and also BelleHoppers that sample a taste of burlesque so it’s definitely getting there! People have this idea that burlesque is very competitive but it’s not. Other performers like to share, give critiques and grow together. I stay in touch with a group in Dublin who are organizing the Dublin Burlesque Festival and have arranged for a few dancers to perform in Belfast at the Tease -O-Rama.

Your performance style contains a surprise element of comedy, how do audiences react to this?

When I started I looked up what the word ‘burlesque’ meant. It began in the Victorian times and the word means satire. Women at the time used this form of art to make fun of the things that were going on. That’s what I got from it; when my clothes come off that should be the punch line.  Even though I’m naked, it’s funny. It’s sometimes difficult but that’s the challenge. People always say humour is sexy. For me it’s just like a defense mechanism. When I get on the stage and I’m nervous the first thing I think of is ‘how can I make them laugh?’ I think it tricks the audience a little bit. People who haven’t been to a burlesque show before are going to expect something beautiful and glamorous. When you come out and do something hilarious it takes them a while because they don’t know you can laugh. I think it makes for a good atmosphere.

When composing your routines, where or who do you look for inspiration?

It usually comes from music. The songs are mostly modern and I like the idea that burlesque should be satire of the times. I’ll be at home listening to a song then an idea will pop into my head.  I’d then research it, look up costumes (referring back to vintage from all eras and even artists). Occasionally I’d find a hat in work and that would spark a whole routine. From just one article of clothing you can create a ton of ideas.

What would be your dream costume, what’s on your wish list?

My weakness is anything girly like sequins and feathers. I’ve been collecting a lot of ostrich feathers and they’re waiting at home ready to be made into a costume. They’re bright pink and remind me of vintage follies costumes. I think I would die if I saw one in real life. I also love the creepy cabaret side of burlesque. The possibilities are endless, if I wanted to dress like a strawberry I could make a costume and perform it. I think that’s why burlesque is still going strong and that’s what inspires me: never-ending ideas.

What can we expect on the evening?

There will be three performers on the night offering a wide spectrum of burlesque, from cheesecake, comedy and some sexy/almost fetish styles. I wanted to show people a mixture and for future shows I hope to include specific themes alongside crazier performers. This is just the start….

Belfast Tease-O-Rama takes place on Sat 30th November at the Black Box. Information and tickets at their website. Illustration by Stephen Maurice Graham.

Warehouse Launch Party at Victoria Square

Last Thursday saw the official launch of the brand spanking new Warehouse store in Victoria Square so I skipped down after work to take some snaps! The Talent Spot competition concluded with two winners - Shauna McGowan a Newtownards-based artist who showcased unique leather work and quirky screen prints on the evening, alongside the beautiful vocals of  County Derry singer Clodagh Quinn who wowed the judges with her song 'Bare My Soul.' Delicious drinks and cocktail flavoured cupcakes from Lily Pink Bakery were a hit amongst customers whilst they browsed the lovely new Autumn/Winter collection. 

Full Steam Ahead For Victoria Square's A/W 2013 Fashion Show

Catwalk models Carys Magill and Richard Skinner get ready to board Victoria Square’s ‘Autumn Winter Express’ as they help showcase the first glimpse of the iconic shopping centre’s new season trends.

This exclusive fashion reveal is all part of the countdown to Northern Ireland’s premier retail, residential and leisure complex’s first ever Autumn/Winter Fashion & Beauty Spectacular taking place on Saturday, 28^th September 2013.

The Fashion Spectacular event will offer style enthusiasts everything they need to know for their Autumn/Winter trend fix – with no need to search high and low for this season’s must haves as Victoria Square have it all under one roof.   From catwalk shows and styling tips to beauty demonstrations and much more, this one stop fashion event will also give style conscious shoppers an exclusive opportunity to take advantage of in-store offers and activities. 

Victoria Square’s Personal Stylist, Rebecca McKinney who’ll be on hand at the event to lend her fashion expertise and advice, comments ahead of the fashion extravaganza:

“We’re really excited for our first ever A/W fashion event hosted here at Victoria Square and as this season is our most stylish yet, we’re looking forward to revealing a range of Wow-worthy outfits to fall in love with - only available at Victoria Square - ensuring our customers are a step ahead of the fashion pack this Fall.

“Without giving too much away, our themed fashion platform will showcase items for every occasion, from the September chill right through to the Christmas sparkle. Expect ladylike daywear, this season’s must-have oversized coats, along with statement winter prints and minimal tailoring for both men and women - showing that ‘There’s More to Wear’ at Victoria Square.

“Come down to see what picks to invest in over the coming weeks (most are already in-store in Victoria Square) and you’ll have a capsule wardrobe that will see you through the winter months.”

There will be 500 fabulous goodie bag bursting with seasonal treats for people who attend Victoria Square’s Autumn/Winter Fashion & Beauty Spectacular.  Shoppers also have the opportunity to win incredible prizes such as a winter wardrobe worth £1000, just in time for the new season. You can enter now by visiting www.victoriasquare.com. 

Asos Giveaway!

Asos Autumn 2013 - 'Ladylike Chic'

Very thrilled to team up with ao.com to offer my very first giveaway - a £40 voucher to spend on Asos.com! You can enter here and on the 7th of September a winner will be selected at random. Every entrant can gain up to 10 entries each so good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I would also love to hear from you what is it you are most looking forward to this Autumn, whether it is simply wearing your favourite coat again or an upcoming gig! I can't wait to layer up vintage dresses and meet friends for hot chocolate ;) x

The Rusty Zip's 15 Year Anniversary Party

Flyer designed by Don Miller

Hope you can make it, see you there x