What inspired your love of vintage fashion?
That’s a complex question because I’m comfortable with my own style and not influenced by trends. I wanted to create my own look and found it hard with contemporary clothing. Vintage allowed me to find unique pieces that inspired me. I also love discovering history behind a label and finding small labels which didn’t have as good PR as say Pucci, so just fizzled out and are no longer known.
What brought you from Philadelphia to Notting Hill?
A man. I came to study and wanted to be an entertainment lawyer. I planned to study English common law, did work experience in entertainment PR, then just fell into PR really. The guy dumped me but introduced me to his best friend who I actually married and had two kids with. I’ve been in London most of my adult life and don’t have any plans to go anywhere else.
What’s your top tip for keeping vintage clothes in tip-top condition?
Freeze everything in plastic bags for at least three days to kill moths and bacteria. Also, depending on the age of the fabric, when it’s 50 years or over the cotton thread seams disintegrate so might need mending. For underarm stains use a bicarbonate of soda paste, let it dry, then brush off and hand-wash.
Who are your customers?
Thirty to fifty-five-year-old accomplished women, comfortable with their style, not so influenced by trends, and who want something truly unique. Some hedge-funders I dress could afford couture, but don’t want to turn up at events wearing the same contemporary item as someone else. For landmark birthdays, people have started hosting more themed parties at the shop. We host evenings for guests where we edit the store beforehand according to the host’s theme so that everyone can find an outfit in a stress free environment.
Can you name-drop a few celebs you’ve styled…
In the last six months I’ve dressed Jerry Hall for a British Airways campaign (who’s also bought several pieces she’s worn on the red carpet), Penolope Cruz, Florence Welch, Laura Mvula for the BAFTAS, Leona Lewis for her Christmas single, Thandie Newton quite a few times over the last year, Oona Chaplin (Charlie’s granddaughter), Katie Piper when pregnant, and Amanda Abington.
If you could go back in time, what era would you choose and who would you be?
I have so many women I’d love to live as for a period of time, and I couldn’t choose just one era. Josephine Baker, Barbra Streisand, and Doris Day. But most of all Rosalind Russell’s character in the film Aunty Mame – the clothes, story and set are fabulous.
Who is your favourite designer and why?
I find such joy in designers from all different eras, it’s too limiting to restrict myself to one designer. Lilli Anne is up there though. I also collect Alfred Shaheen, Malcolm Starr and Paganne.
Do you have any items you can’t give up?
Yes. Loads. I don’t wear most of them; I like to just look at them.
What are you most proud of?
If I pull off my current project Vintage Screenings, that will be it. In a nutshell it’s an evening watching a classic film in a luxury setting hosted by a celebrity. We launched the first one last May hosted by Oona Chaplin at The May Fair Hotel partnered with The Times +. We sell through Farfetch.com, are a global platform for independent boutiques, part-owned by Conde Nast. So, when this all comes together, I’ll be very proud indeed.
What’s your most embarrassing moment?
I once approached a well-known chef to say I knew his wife and they’d actually divorced. I only found out the following day.
Where do you like to eat/drink in the neighbourhood?
A new Pugliaese place called Ostuni in Queen’s Park. Fantastic, simple Italian food done well, comfortable setting, great staff, and it’s just round the corner from my house. Also The Cow, Bumpkin, The Electric Diner, and sometimes Paradise, and also The Shop in Kensal Rise.
What’s your life motto?
Don’t f**k my shit up.
What’s next?
The screenings and I’m also in talks with a TV show. I think there’s a whole rich world of vintage out there that’s not known about. I’m a sassy black American woman but I also understand British sensibilities, so that could be an interesting dynamic. We want people to learn how to incorporate vintage to create and express their own style. For instance with classic pieces, that don’t have to scream vintage, but whose value lies in their uniqueness.
