How did you get into vintage modelling? How can I get into it?
Well, as I said in my biography, I've been dressing in a vintage style for a good
few years now and am a member of various different vintage and retro style communities online. After being invited by a friend to join the forum at
The Hourglass, I found that the wonderful owner Nicole Klein was offering a photoshoot to twelve girls to launch her (then) new project, The Hourglass, a package aimed at "normal" girls who want to be pampered head to toe and take part in a glamorous photoshoot. Having recently gone through a life-changing experience, I jumped at the chance of doing something I'd always dreamed of, but never had the courage to do before. Following that shoot, I then hired the infamous Tony Nylons, aka Tony Rusecki, who, with the help of makeup artist extraordinaire, Dani Richardson, turned me into a pin up girl once more. I then signed up to
Model Mayhem, and the rest, as they say, is history. I've been shooting regularly since then and hope to continue to do so for a long time to come. I'd advise any aspiring models, vintage or otherwise, to use Model Mayhem and other online portfolio sites, they are truly an invaluable tool. One word of advice though,
treasure your reputation above all else. Always be polite, punctual (or at least let your photographer know if you're going to be late - I get lost about 9 times out of 10!), and professional, even as an amateur, and you'll go far.
Where do you get your clothes?
I get the bulk of my vintage clothing and accessories from eBay US. If you're dedicated and dilligent (or just plain lucky!), you can snag some real bargains. I also have a real eye for vintage-inspired items on the high street, like blouses, knitwear and shoes. Having a "vintage figure", with a large waist to hip ratio, I don't find much in the way of skirts or trousers as they don't tend to fit. There are some fab companies making authentic vintage repros out there. Check out companies like Lipstick Vogue , Rocket Originals and Revamp Vintage. But there are a lot of great repro brands out there for the retro-glam fans out there. Bettie Page Clothing is probably the best in my opinion as they use more authentic fabrics, but and Mode Merr and Queen of Heartz are other options if you tend towards the 50s/rockabilly end of the spectrum. Visit my friend Helen's site Pinup Parade for all these brands and more. Another veritable gem is the eBay store TopRunway as they will make you virtually anything as long as you have a picture, and in your exact size. You'll find links to all these sites and more on my Links page.
How do you do your hair?
One word, practice! Lots and lots of it! There is a lot of information out there and basic setting patterns. Check out the Fedora Lounge for loads of hints and tips on styling, both of hair and clothes, plus Vintage Hair on Livejournal is a goldmine of information. Pinup Parade carries a fabulous book that I recently bought called Vintage Hairstyling, which is extremely useful for beginners and experts alike.
My personal recipe for success is:
Tresemmé Curl Defining Frizz Control Mousse worked through damp hair, and Lottabody setting lotion, diluted 1:1 with water, sprayed lightly throughout.
Then I set the hair overnight using sponge rollers. In the morning, brushed out carefully and formed into waves (this can take much longer than you think), finished with a generous coating of Tresemmé Freeze Hold Hairspray, and I have a style that will stand up to almost anything. Except, perhaps, a chap running his fingers through it wistfully. It's rather too stiff for that!
I have regular cuts by the most fantastic hairdresser that ever lived, the legendary Nina of Nina's Hair Parlour. I can't recommend her highly enough.
How can I get to model for clothing companies like you?
I really have no idea as the only company I've modelled for is Loulou Loves You, which is run by a friend of mine. The offer to model actually came out of the blue, from the photographer, who didn't realise I knew Loulou, so really you could say it was just luck! The other companies that have featured in my shoots have either lent items after being asked nicely (in the case of Retro L'amour and FairyGothMother) or I have just bought the items and sent them the pictures afterwards. In the case of very small companies, I'd rather buy the item as I'd wear it anyway, and then everyone wins!
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