Living Dolls are mothers, nurses, models, photographers, graphic designers, grandmothers, students, teachers - infact you name it, they come from every walk of life but have this one thing in common - they love and live vintage !
It is such a thrill for me to introduce our adorable Miss July - my beautiful, vivacious, stunning friend, Miss Bonnie Rose !
What does 'vintage' mean to you?
Vintage
to me means style, glamour and sophistication
What
was it that first prompted your interest in vintage culture?
My interest was
first sparked by watching the old movies on a Saturday night and Sunday
afternoon. I adored the costumes from the musicals with Ginger Rodgers and the
class of the Hitchcock femmes blew me away. I wondered how on earth would I be
able to find clothes like these?
I also
used to spend a lot of time with my Nanna who lived in country Victoria. I
would go with her to her card playing afternoons where the ladies would all be
dressed so immaculate and the afternoon teas were so amazing. The stories the
ladies would share delighted me and inspired me to carry myself the same way.
Even the way they spoke was beautiful and a favourite saying of my Nan’s was “Right you are”which I would hear her
say over the telephone to her friends during conversations.
What is your favourite era, and do you 'live it' every day? In
what ways?
Oh...that’s a really hard question.
I love
so many eras. My absolute favourite era is the 1930s. I love the opulence of
the feathers, furs, velvet and sequins. I try to work something 30s inspired
into my wardrobe, even if it is just a little hair clip or I even love to mix
say a 30s silk jacket with a pair of jeans. Even by doing this it can then give me a
1970s look, so I really like to mix it up.
Tell us about your favourite item of vintage clothing, kitchenalia,
music, furniture or whatever!
My
favourite item is my Nanna’s
engagement ring. My husband had it resized for me when he proposed and I love
it so much. I also have the most amazing blue velvet opera coat with a snow white
Arctic Fox collar from the 30s and also a glorious 30s Ostrich feather cape
that is lavender and light green it is so lush and amazing!
Can you share with us why vintage culture continues to hold such
appeal for you?
The
vintage culture holds such appeal for me still now as it did when I was a young
girl, because it allows me to express myself and my personality through
fashion. For me it’s not
just about one particular era. I love to dress how I am feeling or sometimes I
may be feeling I need a lift so for example will pop on a little 50s wiggle day dress,
some ballet flats and a little lippy and I feel super glam! Vintage allows me
to express and celebrate my femininity more than modern fashion which can be
quite masculine in style.
Do you have any tips for anyone starting out in the vintage scene?
Don’t be shy! Get out there
and mingle, go to dances or events and meet people. The one thing that I found
when coming onto the scene was how friendly and welcoming everybody was. Also,
don’t be
afraid to go all out with your vintage outfit and experiment with different
eras.
Now is your chance to provide us with an overview of who you are
and what you do.
Well, I run a Vintage
Clothing and Styling E-Boutique on the internet (Bonnie Rose Vintage) and curate many Vintage Fashion
shows around Australia. I can create a head to toe look for any Vintage Fashionista or Vintage
enthusiast. I also work as Classic Vintage Pin Up model for Some Fancy Ladies
creating a range of fun and flirty merchandise in true Pin Up style.
Finally, what or who inspires you and why?
Personal: My Nanna and mum for
their class, style and strength.
Celebrity:
Marilyn Monroe for her self awareness, Anne Margret for her style and sassy
wit, Vivien Leigh for her sheer talent and beauty and last but not least Mae
West actress, playwright, screen writer and sex symbol. She was a pioneer in
her own right showing and inspiring women to stand up and be not just
seen, but be heard as well. Also, her bawdy double entendres were killer!
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