When it comes to her vintage style, pin-up model Vanessa Frankenstein is all about 1940s-1960s silhouettes - with a spooky twist (think spiderweb prints and skull necklaces teamed with girly capes and fitted pencil skirts).
The German-born (and based) pin-up has a mostly repro collection of vintage from brands like Collectif, Mädchentraum Fashion and Pinup Girl Clothing, which she teams with horror-inspired accessories and a classic, sex kitten beauty look of red lips and cat's eye make up. She's also never too far away from jungle print...
Sneak a peek into Vanessa's vintage-meets-horror wardrobe (and check out the new Camden outpost of vintage shop Scarlet Rage Vintage, where we photographed her)...
What got you interested in vintage fashion?
I've always been a fan of 1950s/1960s music and films and that's what really brought me into the retro/pin-up way of life.
I was raised very close to the house Elvis used to live back then when he was in Germany. I actually don't listen to modern music at all (80s rock is the most modern music I collect). Films like Pleasantville and Cry Baby also inspired me to live a retro life. If you idolise people from the 1950s you obviously start trying to look like they did.
There is no specific item of clothing or specific person that made me want to live a "pin-up" life. It's the whole feeling of that bygone era which I absolutely adore and just try to hold onto in my everyday life.
Where are your favourite places to source vintage items?
I live in Frankfurt, Germany, which is not at all comparable to London when it comes to vintage fashion. Honestly, my favorite place to shop is the Internet – I don't have a choice.
I buy all my clothes, shoes and accessories (whether repro or authentic vintage) from the US, the UK, the Netherlands or Scandinavia. I regularly visit a lot of flea markets where I find vintage accessories every now and then, but most of the time I find vintage furniture for my apartment.
Tell us a bit about your style.
Despite my love for vintage and retro, I'm a fan of classic horror (that's the reason I'm a "Frankenstein") and all creepy things. I think this is visible in my way of dressing.
I love matching classic pieces like pencil skirts, capes and gloves with creepy spider web prints or accessories with a Tim Burton touch.
I like everything that is classy and sexy at the same time. Animal print, red lips and cat eyeliner are my all-time favourites.
What do you need to watch out for when buying vintage? Top vintage-scouring tips?
Buying vintage is not that different to buying repro or modern fashions (apart from the condition). You just ask yourself the same questions: Do I love it? Can it fit me? Will I wear it?
What I'm trying to say is, I love 1950s prom dresses but do I really need more than one or two (or maybe three)? ;)
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