Thank you so much for doing this interview! We all love your beautiful photos and vintage style; how and when did you get started doing modeling work?

• I did my first shoot in July 2007 – something I never thought I would ever have the chance, or courage to do! I’d admired many a retro pinup girl’s photos on the internet, but I was always far too self-conscious to try it out myself. But a friend of mine got in touch to tell me about a photographer called Nicole Klein, who wanted to start up her own pinup photography business called The Hourglass, and was offering 10 girls the chance to have their hair & makeup done and a shoot, for free, well, I kind of seized the opportunity without giving myself time to think or back out. I enjoyed it so much that I decided to book myself another shoot, this time with the UK’s top pinup photographer Tony Rusecki and an amazing makeup artist called Dani Richardson. I then joined up to a few modelling websites like Model Mayhem with my pictures and the shoot offers started coming in. The rest is history!

You’ve been photographed by quite a few photographers, appeared in periodicals and books, and even fashion shows! Do you have any advice or thoughts for ladies who are interested in perhaps doing a bit of retro-style modeling?

• My advice to anyone wanting to have a go at retro modelling is to go to a professional for your first session. Working with Nicole and Tony was the best thing I could have done. It not only meant a fantastic start to my portfolio with high-quality pictures, but Nicole really boosted my confidence and then Tony’s experience meant that he could help me find my best angles and perfect my poses and expressions. Watching Dani as she made me up ensured I could buy the right products and recreate the makeup on myself, something that is crucial for good pictures. But my advice is definitely to learn how to do retro hair and makeup yourself. There aren’t all that many makeup artists or hairstylists who can do an authentic retro look. Another thing to make sure of is that you build, and maintain a good reputation. Don’t be late (or call your photographer and keep them informed if you are), or turn up looking awful with a hangover, always be over-prepared with clothes and props, and be a pleasure to work with! And be picky about who you work with, it’s about quality over quantity, in my opinion. Do all that, and you’re all set for success as a retro model!



You embody the look of the 40s and 50s so well; have you always been interested in vintage and retro fashion (what caught your interest initially about retro style)?

• Since I was old enough to choose my own clothes, I was always into alternative fashion, but the interest in vintage didn’t come until later. I used to dress according to the music I listened to, first grunge and metal in my teens, then rockabilly. I had a 50s-inspired style for a couple of years, but I was still searching for my perfect look. When I started researching vintage hairstyles I discovered sites like the Fedora Lounge and became fascinated with the 40s. I basically felt drawn to a more authentic look, rather than the 50s pastiche that I had, and slowly but surely started to transform my wardrobe. I’ve been dressing (mostly) authentically 40s and 50s for about 3 years now and I can’t see myself ever changing… I’ve found my niche! I do feel an affinity with the time and do swing dancing and go to events so it’s not all about the superficial fashion. But on the other hand, I do see it as another form of the ‘alternative’ look I’ve always had, just more feminine and grown up.

What is your hands-down favorite era or style from the past? Who inspires you style-wise (contemporary or past)?

• My absolutely favourite era is the very late 30s and early 40s, from about 1939-1942 or so. I love the shapes, the sleeves, the details, the skirt lengths, the hair, to movies… everything! If I could go back and order everything from one Sears catalogue, say, it would be one from those years. But really I’m not that restricted in my look, I have outfits from the mid 30s to the late 50s (as well as modern stuff), and I do mix eras, I have to say. As far as style inspiration, while I do have my favourite glamorous stars of the past like Virginia O’Brien and Yvonne DeCarlo, I am more inspired by my real life vintage girlfriends, who have the most wonderful array of clothes and enviable hair skills.



You usually do your own makeup and hair for shoots, correct? Any tips or tricks for gals who want to achieve the perfect vintage coif? Got any “secret weapon” products you use?

• You are correct! I don’t use anything particularly special, Lottabody setting lotion, Tressemme Freeze Hold Hairspray and Frizz-ease serums which I only just tried out, but they are great for taming my frizzy flyaways (of which I have many!). I favour sponge rollers over pin-curls, but only because I have never had the patience to master them and find sponge rollers work brilliantly so I have no need to. I’d say my best ‘secret’ weapon is my rat, which is just one of these things cut in half, and covered with my own hair at the ends to prevent it showing. It makes doing faux bangs an absolute doddle! The most important tip: practice makes perfect! When you do it every day it becomes second nature, and looks a lot better.

I notice you find a lot of things on Ebay to add to your wardrobe. Are there any other online venues you love to frequent for vintage-inspired clothes and accessories?

• I do use Etsy to find things, it’s got quite good for vintage, though I’ve used it more for costume jewellery than clothes. I find most online vintage shops are priced too high for my budget. For vintage inspired and repro clothing lines I love, do check out my website links page, there’s a good comprehensive list there. Unfortunately I haven’t updated it in a while, but I have started a regular feature on my blog on Vintage Inspired fashion, in which I aim to find the best repro and modern clothes out there. So please do have a read of that!

I’m sure you, like many others, have a fashion “wish list”. What are some of your top “must haves” right now?

• My wishlist is so long it could probably stretch across the Atlantic! In terms of fantasy vintage wishes, I would love a mint Lilli Ann suit or coat (or both!). And there is always room in my wardrobe for more of my beloved Swirl dresses. But my next must-have purchase for the summer party/wedding/event season is a new dress from Whirling Turban . I’ve worn my one so much and really got my money’s worth, but it’s time for a change. If only our mighty British Pound wasn’t so weak and feeble!

(Thank you again, Fleur! If you haven’t already, be sure to trot on over to Fleur’s website and blog for more vintage fun!)