Two of Wands

photo by Albert Nijmolen

Just a quick post to thank some lovely people for their ongoing contributions to my work- firstly the lovely team at Illamasqua who've replaced all the make-up that was in my luggage lost by the airline on tour in America.I'm loving experimenting with some of their new range of colours. Also Felicity of Now Voyager who has sent me yet more incredible goodies for my hair, like the giant orchid in the picture above, taken at Festival Mundial yesterday. I've also just received some wonderful hair pieces and extensions from Annabelle Wigs.

Two of Wands by Katelan van Foisy

I've just seen this wonderful painting by my friend Katelan van Foisy, who did the beautiful artwork for our Song for Japan.This is the Two of Wands card from the Tarot Deck- I love that I'm wearing the headdress by Her Curious Nature and a fabulous dress that Katelan came up with herself- I may have to have one made!I love collaborating with designers, artists and all creatives really, its such a great complement when others find inspiration in my work, as I do in theirs.

Queen of Hearts

A very quick picture post of me backstage at The Sage last night where I was supporting the legendary Marianne Faithful. You know how I have a real thing for Alice in Wonderland, so you can imagine how much I fell in love with this Queen of Hearts dress by Victoria Bramwell. I'm really excited about wearing some of her other 'Alice' inspired pieces this week on tour in Germany too.

And it just so happens that Gabberdashery contributor Chloe of Hatastic had created a stunning playing card headpiece which could have been made for this dress-they went perfectly together! You can buy one yourself here.

Song for Japan by Gabby Young and Friends

Our 'Song for Japan' is now available to buy on itunes for only 79p, featuring me, my friends and family including my mum and dad, my boyfriend Stephen Ellis from the band Revere, Tallulah Rendall, Kate Sikora and Kai Altair. The artwork is by the amazing New York artist Katelan van Foisy. All proceeds go to relief efforts in Japan.Please support us by buying the track and spreading the word on blogs and social media accounts.The people of Japan may not be in the headlines everyday anymore but they are still struggling to rebuild their lives and need our help.
Thankyou for helping us make a difference!
xxx

Firework

Another cover-this time Katy Perry's Firework for Radio 3 (their equivalent to radio1) in Holland!I'm wearing a vintage domino hairband made by Katie, and my make-up is by Jennifer Nash.

Like a Virgin

Hat by Eliane Sarah Millinery. Clothes all vintage. Hair and make-up by Jennifer Nash.

Designer Interviews: Eliane Sarah Millinery

An interview with rising star Eliane Sarah whose millinery we used on our last video shoot.

What's your earliest fashion memory?

Wow, that’s going back a while. I have always lived in fashion. My mum is a designer  and she always made sure I was dressed in made to measure dresses following every trend. I do remember an amazing black velvet dress with pink stitching that I pretty much lived in when I was 4 years old. It was possibly the first and last time I appreciated getting my sisters’ dress as a hand me down a year later!

And the first piece of clothing you ever made?

I helped my mum make a skirt for me to match a T-shirt when I was 9 or 10 years old. It was in three layers. One was black and white striped, another yellow, the third was possibly white and was finished off with a ribbon trimming. The first piece I made completely by myself was a head-piece I made when I was 15. It was a huge flower made of sinamay. I did some embroidery on the petals and made butterflies out of wire and old tights which I then painted. This piece is probably what made me decide to go into millinery and I also show it to clients for ideas!

 photo by Gemma Hall

If you could dress any personality, (dead or alive) who would it be?

Lady Gaga. I would love to make hats for her. Got a few already in my collections that I think she would love (including the silver disc worn by Gabby Young).

If you hadn't become a designer, what might you have been?

I always considered going into architecture, but got put off by all the years of studying. I thought about TV production, PR, Advertising and a few others, and then had accountancy as the back-up plan cos it’s a lot easier to get into but also very boring!

Whats the best thing about working in fashion?

Seeing my designs and finished products in magazine, videos etc.

 And the worst?

People not liking or understanding my work. Timings of things! The list is endless! Luckily the best things about the industry cover up the bad days.

 What are your goals for 2011?

My goals … I would love to have my business properly set-up and established by the end of the year. Have pieces stocked in department stores and boutiques. Possibly to try and expand internationally but I think that may need an extra year or two!

Her Curious Nature

Here's a little shoot we did on Hampstead Heath when I'd just got back from tour. The beautiful floral headpiece is by Sabrina Said, creator of Her Curious Nature. Hair and make-up by Jennifer Nash, styling by Katie Antoniou and photography by Gemma Hall. The dress is vintage; it used to be my mum's! Shoes by Irregular Choice, tights by Tabio tights.