Belinda Hay likes to mix-and-match her vintage eras - and team authentic vintage finds with repro and contemporary pieces. She's also a whiz with hair who adapts her beauty look to work with what she's wearing, whether it's a beloved 1940s printed tea dress or Twiggy-approved 1960s micro-shift. Jen Barton goes for a rummage...
From the early days of her childhood - when she would play dress-up in her mum's 1970s sheepskin coat - to an alterna-phase as a teen (think Doc Martens with maxi-dresses), hairstylist and owner of Shoreditch's The Painted Lady salon, Belinda Hay, has always experimented with vintage.
The New Zealand native and author of Style Me Vintage: Hair: Easy Step-by-Step Techniques For Creating Classic Hairstyles, Belinda's vintage aesthetic has influenced more than just her beauty (although we're loving the beehive and pin-curls she rocked for our shoot).
Whether it's her engagement ring (vintage Art Deco), her body art, or her wedding dress (the vintage 1960s cream lace mini photographed below – isn't it fab?!), the allure of eras past has influenced all aspects of Belinda's work and life (even her almost-two-year-old daughter, Violet, has an adorably impressive stash of vintage clothes). Take a peek at Belinda's favourite vintage pieces below...
Tell us a bit about your style.
I like to wear a mix of vintage and contemporary styles, and true and reproduction vintage. There are some amazing vintage reproduction companies out there now. But I would say I enjoy wearing the looks of the 1940s the most - although the looks of the 1930s, 1950s and 1960s always inspire me too.
Where are your favourite places to source vintage items?
The internet - the world at my fingertips. But I also frequent some of the shops in and around Brick Lane and Shoreditch. The Vintage Emporium has an amazing selection of dresses that would make any vintage enthusiast swoon in delight. And I will definitely be checking out the local opportunity shops and car boot sales when I take a trip out to New Zealand in February.
Any advice for scouring the best vintage pieces?
Scan the rails for the patterns and colours and fabrics you know are typical of the particular era you are interested in. Be open-minded.
Try on things you might not normally choose because often, vintage dresses look completely different when you are wearing them.
Finally, if it is a perfect fit, feel obliged to buy it!
Any vintage beauty and wardrobe must-haves?
A great vintage coat to keep you warm and stylish for the winter. A pretty tea dress for the summer and a pair of saddle shoes.
Ruby Woo by Mac for the perfect red lip. Oh, and don't forget the Lipcote to make it last all day.
How does vintage inspire your work?
Fashion history inspires my work every day. From a classic bob, pixie cut or purdy to a gent's short back and sides. Even if it is a "contemporary" haircut, it nearly always has some kind of vintage inspiration.
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MORE! See inside the best vintage wardrobes here.