Cotton Candy comes to Pokesdown

In November 2012 the newest vintage shop to open it's creative doors in Pokesdown, Bournemouth's vintage quarter was 'Cotton Candy'. 

Owners Emily South and Cara Lloyd-Hopkins make a variety of handmade products, and also stock vintage wares. This includes handbags, clothing, fashion accessories, home wares, furniture, haberdashery, bric a brac and other curiosities.

After an opportunity arose from the Boscombe Regeneration Partnership ‘Talent’ scheme, Emily and Cara were able to fulfill their lifelong ambition to open their own shop, where they can showcase their creativity.

The inspiration behind their work is; "Finding that perfect piece of fabric, button or trim that inspires you to create something new."

Why open a shop in Pokesdown? 

"Pokesdown is becoming well known for its artisan atmosphere. With the antique and vintage stores, and quirky handmade shops, there really is something for everyone."

From Cotton Candy you can expect homespun vintage sweetness, with a friendly atmosphere and great customer service.

They will be selling at February's Boscombe Vintage Market , and will soon be launching sewing classes - more details to follow!

Find them at 903-905 Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, Bournemouth BH7 6AX (Tues - Sat / 11am - 4pm)

You can follow Cotton Candy on Facebook

Tel: 01202 430558

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Images : Nicki Grainger

Twinks Burnett - Styling up a storm

{Eleanor Byrd Photography}

Twinks Burnett, student, accessories designer and stylist is currently in her second year studying fashion at Arts University College Bournemouth. The 22 year old has already in the last 18 months been taking the world of fashion photography by storm with her signature styling and flair for all things theatrical.

Over a cuppa I learnt more about the girl in the killer heels responsible for the images capturing everybody’s attention.......

{Gita Buga Photography}

Upon returning from travelling the world in 2010, Twinks started a fashion course at university which gave her a new direction. A passion for creating imagery encapsulating all things glittery, colourful and fun began. She describes her signature ‘Twinks’ style as fun, glamorous, eccentric, elegant, odd and obscure.

“I want to create beautiful, different images and conceptual and fun accessories. I love it because it’s such a huge part of me, I dress up everyday as if it’s an event or adventure, I strut around in heels to buy milk, I feel that expressing yourself through the way you dress should be celebrated, silliness and elegance personified is the look I aim for!”

{Eleanor Byrd Photography}

So where do your ideas come from? What inspires you?

“I have a very over active imagination; I can be very childlike and choose to surround myself with beautiful, fun sparkly and bizarre things. Bright vivid colours and totally bonkers patterns. Highest of the high heels, I love toys and cartoons. I love the romanticism of vintage and bygone eras. I would have been a fabulous flapper! I relish working to a brief, once someone gives me project I snowball from there. I think mostly my ideas filter down from my lifestyle and experiences; a lot of my work can be quite autobiographical without me even noticing. My shoot; “if you were a shoe would you be…?” I made pom pom and gem stone encrusted leopard print platforms and had the model glamorously slumped over in night club toilets… !”

Do you prefer styling indoors, outdoors, in a studio, or close up?

“Every shoot is different and location can make or break. It also depends who I am working with. I mostly work with my two best friends, Gita Buga and Eleanor Byrd. One is a wizard in the studio and the other can shoot location like a demon! It depends on what aesthetic is needed for backdrop but I must admit I love working outdoors. I just need some sturdy outdoor heels! “

{Pheobe Cheong Photography}

Talk us through your favourite photo shoot to so far?

“Ahhh it’s like picking my favourite child! I’ve shot on the beach, in bars, in toilets, in old houses, the team and location vary and with it the experience. However my most recent shoot based on the idea of children and their imaginary friends, shot as a wacky editorial. I shot in a wonderful old house, and compiled my absolute dream team of 17 crew members, ranging from make-up artists, actors, and a film crew! Total chaos, I had four very lively children, and four imaginary friends dressed in an ensemble of antler hats, giant hooped dresses, birds nest hats and super hero’s. Action Hero jelly and overflowing knicker bocker glory, and glitter lobsters served on a platter of nonsense. It was all under the guise of silliest dinner party ever. It was my latest visual love child and I was so touched by everyone’s enthusiasm, commitment and fun!”

What's the most challenging aspect of being a stylist?

“Not freaking out when things start to fall apart! Also a lot of patience and democracy is needed “

{Gita Buga Photography}

Who would you love to get the chance to work with?

 “I am a little bit obsessed with the stylist Alexis Knox right now, She’s fabulous! William Baker manages to incorporate two of my favourite things burlesque and fashion, so to assist him would be a dream. My heart belongs to millinery, so piers Atkinson is a favourite of mine. Along with Stephen Jones and Phillip Treacy. Photography wise I am drawn to photographers as people and as artists. David LaChappelle is my absolute idol! I worship at the altar of his ridiculousness, and I think I can pretty much categorically state I choose this life pathway because of his work. I am utterly in awe of Accessories Company’s such as Tatty Divine and irregular choice; a chance to work with them would be a dream come true!”

Talk about your personal style…

“Everyone should have a signature style! Colour, lots of it, I start the day by clashing as many shades as I can. Red lipstick and black batwing eyelids are a necessity. My shoe collection is my pride and joy, in fact I don’t actually own flat shoes or a pair of jeans. Head to toe sequins and lots of vintage fur. I am a dress fanatic and can always be found in a petticoat. If I had to pick a description, I would say neon revival, 1950’s housewife acid trip. I don’t take myself too seriously…

My style icons are the departed Isabella Blow and Anna Piaggi, I love their ethos of outrageous all out elegant ridiculous dressing for the everyday! Izzy Blow found and created incredible fashion giants such as Phillip Treacy, Alexander McQueen and Hussein Chanilain, she was a fabulous pioneer of collaborative creativity!”

{Tory Smith Photography}

Where do you see yourself after university?

“I want to travel the world, challenge myself daily and explore everything. I dream of having my own studio to create odd accessories and wearable art pieces! Its always going to be a good day when you have a hat on! To be able to work as a freelance Art director and stylist working for major publications such as ‘love’ and ‘PoP’, and directing major advertising campaigns. I am a little bit greedy goblin guts, I want to do it all from visual merchandising to shoes, fabulously eccentric menswear to millinery. If I could spend my career exploring all aspects of the fashion industry I would be complete.”

What can we expect from you in the future, anything up your sparkly sleeve?

 “Things will just progress, bigger and better I hope, who know where the next idea will come from, I am currently seeking a new best friend in the model making industry that wants to make me ridiculous oversized props, think giant my little ponies and neon chandeliers! Look out for my latest work, which should be making its way into publications soon! Think imaginary friends let loose, curious fashion creatures and an amazing Black and white UV shoot with my creative partner Gita, very different from my usual work“

She leaves our interview with a big energetic smile on her face, wearing a tutu, headphones and a lot of leopard print, saying one last gem as she waltzes out the door…

“When I’m gone and all that’s left is a pile of glitter, I hope to leave behind a set of really beautiful images and happy memories! Life doesn’t have to be black and white, it should be multi-coloured!”

~~~

Follow Twinks Burnett Styling and design on Facebook

Visit her www.twinksburnett.com

Images copyright to Twinks Burnett and individually credited photographers

Stereophonics latest music video filmed in Southbourne

Have you seen the latest Stereophonics music video for their single 'In A Moment' ?

Kelly Jones, Stereophonics frontman, wrote the song and directed the emotive video here on Southbourne Beach.

Kelly told NME; “The song is about finding some hope in life. It’s about those moments in life when you feel a bit lost and stuck and you don’t know how to get out of it and then there’s a glimmer of hope that helps you pull through it.”

The single ‘In A Moment’ will appear on the forthcoming eighth studio album ‘Graffiti on the Train’ by the Welsh rock band, and they have made it available as a free download via their official website.

You can watch the Southbourne based music video below:

Lil' Vintage with a big heart

In the centre of Bournemouth's vintage quarter resides Lisa Watson's unique shop 'Lil' Vintage', a business brimming with bespoke home wares, upcycled furniture and vintage collectibles.

First launched in April, last week Lisa moved to a more spacious premises - just on the opposite side of the road! The newly re-opened shop has a small workshop at the rear so Lisa can be found working on pieces whilst being in the shop. We caught up with her for five minutes to have a nosy...

BV: Oooh, the new shop looks lovely! Tell us about how you got started;

Lisa: "I had always wanted to sell my upcycled furniture so opening the shop had realised a childhood dream. There is no job I would rather do. I chose Lil' Vintage as the shop name as I take a Little piece of vintage and by redesigning and upcycling bring the piece bang up to date. I have never worked in this industry before but have always upcycled and produced items which I have sold or created for friends and family. I even found some 'upcycled' pieces in my parents attic that I had made as a child!

In the past I have worked in finance and have studied interior design. My mum is very artistic and my dad is the sort of person who can turn his hand to anything - I believe that I have inherited these qualities from them which is why this is the only thing I want to do now I have finally taken the plunge! I chose Pokesdown to sell in as I think my shop suits the area - the quirky, vintage feel of Pokesdown is what appeals to me and I couldn't imagine the shop being anywhere else."

BV: So what is Lil' Vintage all about?

Lisa: "Unusual, individual items that give a wow factor to their home. Pieces that can't be found in any other shop in the local area - pieces that are truly 'one offs'. I love finding original furniture that some people may ignore and then imagining how or in what way it can be changed and improved.

The pieces in my shop cover a wide price range starting from £5.00 through to £190 for the larger pieces. The price is dependent on the original cost and the amount of time that I have spent upcycling each piece. I try as best I can to keep my prices as reasonable as possible as this is as much a hobby for me as it is a business."

BV: Where do you get your inspiration?

Lisa: "I get my ideas, as cliché as it sounds, from anywhere and everywhere, I can sometimes wake up in the middle of the night with an idea and will add it to the ever growing list on my phone of future projects.

My inspiration is a desire to improve or change a piece of furniture that could be classed as 'rubbish' or 'dated' to a lot of people - seeing a piece that looked ready for the tip be transformed into an item which is practical, stylish and gives a wow factor is all the inspiration I need.

My favourite thing about what I do is starting a new project - seeing the idea from my mind come into fruition gives me a genuine feeling of contentment."

BV: Talk us through a typical day in the life of Lil' Vintage...

Lisa: "A typical day starts with the school run and walking my pugs. If its not an open day in the shop I will be in my workshop or sourcing new items, auctions, internet, bric-a-brac shops etc - I would then be busy sanding down, painting and creating the pieces.

I always have 3-4 items at various stages of completion so am always busy. If I am in the shop I really enjoy interacting with the customers, being able to discuss and accommodate various customer requests is one of my favourite things about Lil' Vintage."

BV: What advice would you give shoppers new to the world of vintage and upcycled?

Lisa: "My advice to anyone new to shopping in the Vintage/Secondhand/Upcycled area is to buy the pieces you fall in love with. I have learnt myself that leaving a shop to 'think about it' only to come back to find it is sold is upsetting - the pieces you find within this category are generally one offs completely different to shopping on the high street - so if you love it buy it!"

BV: Any goodies in your shop at the moment that might make a great Christmas pressie?

Lisa: "Ideal Christmas presents from Lil' Vintage would be the upcycled candelabras, handbags made from gents ties, or upcycled coasters. But I'd like to think that anything from Lil' Vintage would be great under your Christmas tree!"

BV: ....and what plans do you have for Lil' Vintage's big future?

Lisa: "This year my main objective was to get the shop up and running and to complete the website - 2013 will be the year in which I start taking Lil' Vintage to the vintage fairs and markets. Really trying to get our name out there and being able to sell more items from my website are my hopes for next year."

Visit Lil' Vintage at 871 Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, Boscombe. Opening hours are:

Weds & Thurs: 10.30 - 14.45 / Fri: 10.30 - 13.45 / Sat: 11 - 17.30

You can find Lisa online at www.lilvintage.co.uk or on her facebook page.

Tel: 07983 428477

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Images by NIcki Grainger

A masked evening at Russell-Cotes

We were delighted to attend an intimate affair held at at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum - its first ever Victoriana themed masked salon. The atmospheric event was held to celebrate the return of Albert Moore’s Midsummer painting from its 2 year international tour and part of the Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival.

Dimly lit by candles, with live pianists is each gallery room - guests arrived in their own individual interpretation on the dress code ; specified as evening, Black Tie, Masks and Fans, Victorian, Edwardian, Steam Punk and Burlesque - something for everyone to be inspired by!

Amidst the masks and cocktail murmurs - we were treated to a lesson in the art of the Victorian Language of Fans, and acts and musicians were introduced by the Master of Ceremonies, Bournemouth’s 2012 Slam Poetry Champion Steve Biddle.

{The Mayor of Bournemouth Councillor Phil Stanley-Watts}

Injecting some age old glamour to the evening was a burlesque show by dancer Lucy “Twinks” Burnett, dazzling the silhouetted crowd against the backdrop of the gallery artwork.

 

Images by Joseph Kent

Words Nicki Grainger