Vinterview 6 - Victoria of Vintage Maedchen / Marlene Dietrich

Portrait taken by Lilou - Galerie des Lebens
The latest vinterview features two German maedchens. Victoria is a vintage girl with a love of all things 1920's to 1960's from Leipzig, Germany. Victoria studied art history in Leipzig and Leeds and over the years developed a great passion for aesthetics and history, art and culture. Victoria blogs at Vintage Maedchen. You can find Victoria on Instagram @vintagemaedchen_by_victoria

Victoria chose Marlene Dietrich for her vinterview. Marlene was a German actress and singer who held both German and American citizenship. Throughout her unusually long career, which spanned from the 1910s to the 1980s, she maintained popularity by continually reinventing herself.

In the 1920s in Berlin, Dietrich acted on the stage and in silent films. Her performance as Lola-Lola in The Blue Angel (1930) brought her international fame and resulted in a contract with Paramount Pictures. Dietrich starred in Hollywood films such as Morocco (1930), Shanghai Express (1932), and Desire (1936). She successfully traded on her glamorous persona and "exotic" looks, and became one of the highest-paid actresses of the era. Throughout World War II, she was a high-profile entertainer in the United States. Although she still made occasional films after the war, Dietrich spent most of the 1950s to the 1970s touring the world as a marquee live-show performer.

Dietrich was noted for her humanitarian efforts during the war, housing German and French exiles, providing financial support and even advocating their US citizenship. For her work on improving morale on the front lines during the war, she received several honors from the United States, France, Belgium, and Israel. In 1999, the American Film Institute named Dietrich the ninth-greatest female star of classic Hollywood cinema

This vinterview comes from an interview that Louella Parsons conducted on her CBS radio show, Sunkist Musical Cocktails on 20 May 1931.

Good evening. I know from the many letters I have received since we announced that Marlene Dietrich was to be our guest star that the listeners-in are as thrilled as I am at having her here. I am happy to introduce -- say, by the way -- won’t you please tell me how you pronounce your name?
My name is not a difficult name to pronounce, it is an old Latin one (meaning "winner") and home in many languages, which is wonderful - it makes it easier to get in contact with other people when they understand your name at once! And I love hearing my name pronounced in English. I guess my mum - an English teacher - also had Queen Victoria in mind when making her decision.

Well, one day, Marlene Dietrich -- how do you like my German accent? -- I hope to be able to speak German as well as you speak English. Where did yo learn your English?
German is a really difficult language to learn as a foreign one! I learned English at school, in Germany we start learning English in the first school years already. I also went to Leeds to study there, but unfortunately not much of the beautiful British accent remained in my pronunciation.

Though many foreigners say German sounds very harsh, to me it is one of the most beautiful and manifold languages. And words like Wanderlust, Zeitgeist or Doppelgänger are also being used in English, right? How wonderful!

And very sensible. I think our American children should have better training in languages. By the way, were you ever outside of Germany and Austria before?
I think everybody should learn foreign languages. It is a way to show respect to other countries - it is not only learning vocabulary, it is also learning about a country's culture and life. I have been outside Germany a couple of times, especially I love Great Britain and Scandinavia. I am not a heat and summer person, so I am fond of visiting the north of Europe.

I also learned French at school, but have not seen any part of France but Paris yet. I just read a crime novel based in the Provence and I am sure this would be such a wonderful place to travel!

Well, that’s very interesting news to me just as I am sure it must be to all those listening today. I am surprised to find that you speak French and English without a German accent since your environment was so essentially German.
Oh I wish I would, but I guess I will never speak French without a German accent. German and French are so contrary. But I would really like to practice a bit more to speak fluently, it is such a beautiful, sensitive and poetic language!

I have heard you sing on the screen and, of course, I’ve listened to your phonograph records, but tell me -- do you play any musical instruments ?
What amazing skills I seem to have! Unfortunately I am not talented in playing instruments at all. I have tried a couple of times to learn playing the guitar and bass guitar, but haven't improved for years, so I decided it is better to concentrate on other things (for me and my environment)... :))

I know everyone will want to know why you happened to become an actress.
Ahh so you seem to have found out that I once played a snowflake in primary school! Well I guess I wanted to try something new and it was more exciting than learning the multiplication table.

I wonder if you know how anxious we were to see you when we heard that Josef von Sternberg was bringing you to America? At that time most foreign actresses were on the wane. Among all the stars whose pictures you’ve seen since you've come to America, which is your favorite?
Old Hollywood had so many amazing actors, how difficult to pick a single name. I would like to stick to strong women and choose Katharine Hepburn, who absolutely deserved the fours Oscars she won, I am sure she will still be an idol and role model in many decades to come.

It must be a case of mutual admiration because Miss Garbo has told her friends that your records are her favorites. You two girls dress in a similar manner. The mannish clothes that you wear are the same type I’ve often seen Miss Garbo wearing at luncheon.
Greta Garbo is a style icon and unique in her own way. She looks gorgeous in her garments and we should stick together and show women that every style is possible - as long as they feel beautiful in it.

Returning to the subject of your success in America at the time when other European players were on the wane -- your success must be a source of great gratification to you?
Of course success is a result of motivation, believe and hard work, but also always needs an essence of luck and good constellations. And I could not do everything I do without the help of others. Summing up all of these aspects, there is big joy in the end - when things work out the way they were planned. But I feel like I am still having a long path to go until I can say I am really successful in what I am doing.

There's one question I want to ask you. I have heard it said many times that you don’t like Hollywood and that you are very homesick.
Hollywood is an extremely superficial place. As well as the internet, Instagram and co. People need these places to dream, live in different worlds and create their own ones, just like I do it with my vintage photos and looks. Of course I am always making sure the photographers I work with do not change my face or make me look like a perfect supermodel. I want people to say that I am the same person in real life as on the internet. Still there is so much makeup and photoshop everyone works with - whether in Hollywood or at photoshoots. Also people can create themselves and their reputation very easily - in contrary to who they really are as a private person. So I do not reject Hollywood, I only think one should be careful.

To the second part of the question - I really get homesick very easily and fast. Especially since having our two Bengal cats. Home is where your cat is! <3

You must have seen Charlie Chaplin recently when he made his tour through Germany and England. I am curious to know how the German people received him. Did they like him?
What a lucky person I am to have met Charlie Chaplin! I hope I took a selfie with him or got an autograph for the family album.
Yes people in Germany really like Charlie Chaplin. In my home town in Leipzig there was an open air cinema yesterday. They played some of his movies, which were accompanied by live music. I definitely want to go there next time as well. I love that people still admire the tradition of silent movies.

 I don't know whether you know it or not, but I talked to Mr. von Sternberg because I wanted to get something about your personality before we talked on the radio. He told me that, for one thing, he is lucky if you say three words in a whole conversation.
Actually I am more a reserved and distant person when talking to someone for the first time. This is not because I want to be rude, it is just because I am a bit introvert. I am more the one who listens than the one who speaks.

Among other things, Mr. von Sternberg told me that it was you who found the book Morocco for him. He also said you are intensely interested in the camera and the technical side of motion pictures.
I really am! I would love to learn a bit more about filming. I was asked a couple of times whether I would like to make some youtube tutorials on my styling routine. Actually I am thinking about doing this.

I’m going to ask you a question that’s a little prosaic when applied to a glamorous being like yourself. If you don’t want to answer out loud just whisper in my ear. Is it true you like to cook ?
I do, if it doesn't take too much time and is not too difficult. :)

Won’t you tell us something about your little daughter? Is she learning to speak English?
I am sure cats meow in a universal language, so Nahla does not have to learn English.

How old is your little daughter and does she look like you? I realize, Miss Dietrich, these are very personal questions, but I know the people listening in who admire you are interested in her.
Nahla is two years old. She is the most beautiful cat in the world and has big blue eyes, the same colour like mine. And her fur is so soft, you can hardly imagine!

Do you find it easy to combine the duties of motherhood with those of being a successful actress?
I don't know, I have never been a successful actress. :))

Do you think little Maria will be an actress or a musician?
Oh you meant Nahla? She is an amazing cat model! Apart of this, she simply loves to eat, cuddle and enjoy life. She does not have to work, we do it for her.

Vinterview 5 - Missi of Curve Creation / Marilyn Monroe

Missi's outfit by Evette Dubois
This next vinterview features two voluptuous blonde bombshells. Missi is stunning pinup from Sydney, the creator of Curve Creations Closet blog and My Curve Creation as well as the creator of stunning hair pieces and accessories at  Daisy Jean Floral Designs. This pinup sure keeps herself busy! You can find Missi on the socials below:


Missi chose the iconic Marilyn Monroe for her vinterview. Marilyn Monroe was born (born Norma Jeane Mortenson; June 1, 1926 – August 5, 1962) was an American actress and model. Famous for playing comic "dumb blonde" characters, she became one of the most popular sex symbols of the 1950s, emblematic of the era's attitudes towards sexuality. Although she was a top-billed actress for only a decade, her films grossed $200 million by the time of her unexpected death in 1962. She continues to be considered a major popular culture icon

This interview comes from January 1954 edition of Motion Picture Magazine.

Is it true you dress for men?
Oh goodness no. Where’s the fun in that? When I get dressed in the morning, I like to dress to how I feel. Is it a cute day? A sophisticated day? A sassy day? World domination vibes? It’s so nice to be able to dress to what feels right at the time.

Why do you wear low cut gowns?
There’s something truly classic and sexy about a low cut gown and the confidence that goes with wearing one. I’ve got quite a few in my wardrobe and I’ll probably end up adding a few more over the years.

What do you do in your spare time?
I enjoy reading where I can. There’s nothing quite like delving into a world constructed to evoke the imagination. Music is something that I like to listen to on my commute to work. The right soundtrack can definitely make the day. I enjoy movies nearly as much as I enjoy books. I keep track of new movies coming out and often head to the movies with my man. I do also love watching documentaries. Knowledge is food for my soul.

In Niagara, were you clad only in a sheet when you were lying in bed, or were you wearing other clothes underneath?
Well why don’t we leave something to the imagination? I can’t give away all of my secrets now can I.

What is your description of the ideal man?
A man who can hold a conversation. A man who has a thirst for knowledge to match my own and a quick wit to make me smile. A man who can understand and except my own little oddities and love them as I would love his. A man who is secure in himself and can walk beside me through life.

How do you feel about being the sexiest girl in Hollywood?
Oh I don’t know about that. I’m just a girl who likes dressing for herself and enjoying the fashion trends she loves. All women are sexy in their own way ;-)

What do you do to keep your body so beautiful?
I simply take care of it. I like to moisturise before bed and in the morning to dehydrate my skin. Trying to get enough sleep, water and eat well is also important to me. Though I’m definitely one to indulge now and then too. Balance is key I think.

What do you think of girls in pictures who try to imitate you?
Well I don’t think people really imitate one another when it comes to the pinup scene. We all draw inspiration from one another and put own flare on things and I think that’s beautiful. Inspiration is infectious and I think its an amazing way we can share our creativity by taking inspiration from others.

What is your age, birthplace and nationality?
I’m 27 years old, born in Sydney Australia and I’m an Australian

How many different boyfriends do you have a week?
Lol who has time for that sort of thing? Just the one I have will do me fine.

Are you happy being the type you are, or would you rather be more like Ann Blyth or Jeanne Crain?
I’m happy being the type I am. It’s good to be your own kind of person.

What is your worst fault?
I believe it’s one of my biggest faults as well as my strengths. I’m highly logical. While it can be great in so many ways, but it also means I can be indecisive about things if I haven’t weighed up all the outcomes and it can also make me appear like I lack empathy. It’s definitely a double edged sword.

Do you like to dress up and go out at night to formal affairs?
I do and I don’t. My nights out are often after work so I’ll normally wear what I wore to work or just change m outfit. It always is exciting though on the rare occasion I go out on a weekend and can fully coordinate a look to go that extra glamorous mile.

Do you think it is rude, or do you like it when men whistle at you?
I personally find it quite rude and rather objectifying. Your whistle at a dog, not a lady.

What are your measurements?
I’m a 40 bust, 33 inch waist and a 47 inch hip. Pear girl for life.

Is it true that you really posed for calendar pictures?
That one isn’t true. I’ve never posed for calendar photos. But its on my list to maybe do one day!

Do you act the same off screen as you do on?
I think so. I try to keep my online presence as true to who I am as I can, while still keeping within the bounds of what I’m comfortable sharing. For me keeping a level of authenticity is important.

What is your favourite pastime?
Having the time to just read. I don’t get a lot of that time anymore. I’ve generally always got something on the go which really takes away a lot of my free time. It would be nice to be able to relax and just read a book again like I used to.

Were you popular at school?
Nope. I honestly don’t know what people thought of me in high school but I certainly wasn’t popular. That’s for sure.

How many dates do you have a week?
If I’m lucky the one. My partner and I work opposing shifts so our time for dates is rare.

If you weren't an actress, what would you want to be?
When I was growing up I wanted to be a marine biologist. Sadly after talking to people who I knew who had studied and been unable to find employment I opted not to pursue it. With a need to be able to support myself independently I couldn’t afford such a big student debt for a degree that mightn’t yield a job.

 Do you walk in real life the way you did in Niagara?
Sometimes. If I’m having a particularly good day and feeling sassy. But mostly no. I’m just focused on getting from A to B and watching the killer black pavers they seem to favour here in Sydney.

Are you happy with the type of publicity you get or would you rather be known for something else besides your figure?
I’m pretty sure I’m known for more than my figure, just saying. The feedback I get from people online points more towards my journey of self love and body positivity than my figure itself which I think is incredibly cool.

Who was your first love?
My first love was my high school bf. He was the perfect high school bf, he just wasn’t mature enough to face the adult world after we graduated, which ended up causing the relationship to break down.

Are you sultry and sexy by nature and do you enjoy being this type?
Sometimes I do, though sometimes I prefer a more demure take on things. Like my outfits, I do like to change this up sometimes.

What are your favourite hobbies?
Reading, listening to music, drawing, playing music, watching documentaries and movies.

What is the truth about your romance with Joe DiMaggio?
 I can honestly say I’ve never met the man and its all just rumours.

Have you a temper, and what makes you lose it?
I can have a temper, especially if I feel I’m not being heard or if I’m finding what I’m being presented with highly illogical. My temper is rare to flare thankfully but when it does, people know about it.

What attracts you first to a man, his looks or personality?
Personality. Definitely. I need an intellectual man or I generally lose interest.

Who is your best girlfriend?
Miss Annie Sky. Adore this girl so much. She’s been my rock through so much and I’m so grateful to count her as my friend.

What's your idea of a good time when dating?
A movie date definitely with a nice dinner beforehand or afterwards. You can never go wrong with a good movie. Plus I find if you’re new to each others company, a movie can help provide that ice breaker with conversation.

How do you feel about criticism of your low cut gowns?
I honestly don’t care for it really. I wear what I want because I enjoy it. Its my body and my business so the opinions of others don’t really matter, if you get me.

What kind of man do you want to marry?
None. I have no intention of marrying. I find the whole constitution quite commercial and archaic now days.

What kind of life did you live before you became a star?
Well the life I live now is pretty much almost the same as it was before I became a ‘star’, I’m just busier for it. My weekends are spent blog shooting and drafting now as well as working on stock and trying to be a domestic goddess. Its been a crazy ride but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Do you ever want to play something besides a siren on the screen?
I’ve not really thought about it all that much if I’m going to be completely honest. I just do what feels right and embrace what I enjoy.

Vinterview 4 - Bonita of Lavender and Twill / Rita Hayworth

This weeks vinterview is with a friend of my the lovely and multi-talented Bonita of Lavender & Twill. Bonita is a busy lady not only does she blog at Lavender & Twill where she writes about her vintage style and is currently documenting her family's move to Thailand she also in the process of setting up two companies. The first one creating cute brooches from her original designs. You can check out some of Boni's artwork at Teacupgirlart and even purchase some for yourself!  Boni's second venture is creating vintage style clothing that is durable and hardy enough to be thrown into a suitcase and can upstand the rigmaroles of a busy travelling woman. You can follow her progress at Time Traveller Clothing. You can follow Bonita's adventures on instagram @lavenderandtwill or check out her artwork @teacupgirlart

Bonita chose another redhead for her vinterview the stunning Rita Hayworth. Rita Hayworth was an American actress and dancer. She achieved fame during the 1940s as one of the era's top stars, appearing in a total of 61 films over 37 years. The press coined the term "love goddess" to describe Hayworth after she had become the most glamorous screen idol of the 1940s. She was the top pin-up girl for GIs during World War II.

Hayworth is perhaps best known for her performance in the 1946 film noir, Gilda, opposite Glenn Ford, in which she played the femme fatale in her first major dramatic role. Fred Astaire, with whom she made two films, called her his favorite dance partner. Her greatest success was in the Technicolor musical Cover Girl (1944), with Gene Kelly. She is listed as one of the top-25 female motion picture stars of all time in the American Film Institute's survey, AFI's 100 Years...100 Stars.

And now to the interview. 

This is the first film you've made in quite some time. How does it feel to be back in front of the camera?
I haven't ever made a film personally, but I can say that it always feels a bit weird to come back to something after taking a break for a while. This is particularly timely as I have been taking a break from blogging. When I've not been blogging regularly, I always feel like I've completely forgotten how to do it! It takes me some time to pick up the thread and get my "voice" back.

Who is in it with you?
Well, mostly I keep the blog to personal subjects ~ vintage fashion and creative lifestyle, my family do come into every so often. In fact, they will probably feature more predominantly as we have started a big adventure over in Thailand and I will be blogging about that once I get into the swing of things.

Can you tell us anything about the story and the part that you play?
In this story of our life, I am a wife, mother and artist! I am trying to expand my role to small business owner as well, and I am learning all I can about the part.  ;)

Is this different from anything you have done before?
Yes, quite! I have always designed and had creative output but this is the first time I've really put a lot of effort into creating my own business.

When you were out in the Caribbean did you visit a lot of places?
I haven't been to the Caribbean as of yet, but so far in Thailand we have seen a lot of the West side of the island and explored around, and visited the Royal Old Town on the East side. We are planning to spend two in Malaysia or Vietnam in about a month's time, so I am looking forwards to exploring there!

You've got your children with you haven't you? Have you been taking them around? Have you had time?
Yes, our whole family has relocated to Thailand, we have three little ones. Theodore, our eldest son is five, Isabelle is four and our youngest, Charlotte is two. We have been able to take them on some adventures in TukTuks and taxis, but my husband and I have also been exploring by ourselves on our scooter. One of the things we have very much been enjoying is loads more time to do the things we'd like to as a family. The benefits of not having to prepare meals, clean or do laundry have been a very big blessing for our family!

Are you going anywhere this weekend with them?
At the moment, my plan is to go back to the Royal Old Town on Saturday, or we might hire a Jeep and head down to the National Park on the Southern tip of the island. There's a gorgeous lighthouse and tons of monkeys that I would like to take the children to see.  Or there's a Butterfly Garden ~ as you can tell, we still have a lot of things to see!

Are you going to do any more musicals?
No, but I am planning to do more videos for YouTube! I do like sharing videos and filming them, and hopefully I'll have a new one up soon showing the villas that we have been living in for everyone to get a better idea of what they look like.

You've made musicals with stars like Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly it must have been fun?
Have I? How marvelous!! Gene Kelly is my favourite actor, I think he is wonderfully talented! That would have been an absolutely amazing experience!

Have you any ambition to play any particular part or do any particular picture?
My ambitions currently are to get my two businesses up and running, one designing and making a brooch line ~ Teacup Girl, and the other, manufacturing an ethical, vintage inspired, travel clothing line ~ Time Traveler Clothing.

So I am very much focused on these goals, and I am really hoping to see that happening within in the next few years. Then I truely will have achieved my ambition of becoming a small business owner!

Thank you for having me, it's been delightful chatting with you today.

Vinterview 3 - Eva Devore / Lili St Cyr

The next vinterview is with the gorgeous Eva Devore, burlesque babe extraordinaire! Sultry, sensual and seductive, Eva Devore  will transport you to days gone by. Enchanted with old world glamour and bygone eras, this vintage vixen creates luscious visual feasts with acts to titillate and tease. Bringing her fresh take on classic striptease to Sydney stages since 2016, Eva combines her extensive knowledge of costume and history with her love of dance to bring you a performance you won't forget. Let Ms Devore mesmerise you with her hips, sequins and so much more.

Eva Devore is an accomplished seamstress and costumier,with qualifications in Fashion and Costume for Performance. A self-professed history nerd, Eva has lent her expertise to several major productions, including working with the Sydney Conservatorium in 2015 for their Centenary production at the Sydney Opera House.You can find Eva on inta @eva_devore and catch Eva in her upcoming performance in June at the Martini Lounge, Sydney. Details and tickets can be found here.

Eva chose burlesque legend Lili St Cyr for her vinterview. Lili was born Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 3, 1918. She and her sister (who was also a burlesque dancer ) were raised by their grandparents. Lili took ballet lessons in her youth and began dancing in the chorus line in Hollywood. Lili begged the manager to give her a solo act. From her self-choreographed act she eventually landed a bit part at a club called the Music Box in San Francisco, with the Duncan Sisters. It was here that she found a dancer's salary was only a small fraction of what the featured star's salary was. The difference was that the featured star was nude.

From the 1940s and most of the 1950s, St. Cyr with Gypsy Rose Lee and Ann Corio were the most recognized acts in striptease. St. Cyr's stage name is a patronymic of the French aristocracy, which she first used when booked as a nude performer in Las Vegas. Although more obscure toward the end of her life, her name popped-up regularly in 1950s tabloids: stories of her many husbands, brawls over her, and her attempted suicides.

St. Cyr was married six times. Her best-known husbands were the motorcycle speedway rider Cordy Milne, musical-comedy actor and former ballet dancer Paul Valentine, restaurateur Armando Orsini, and actor Ted Jordan

And now to the interview these questions were taken from a 1957 interview by Mike Wallace

What is your personal opinion of the men that sit in nightclubs and burlesque houses and watch you strip?
Personally, I love that men are coming to see an artform that portrays women as strong, powerful and sensual beings. Burlesque is one of the few platforms that a woman can explore her sensuality in performance without the sleaziness factor. Burlesque can be comedic, sexy, sensual, silly or make a political statement. It’s such an empowering art form.

What is the reason you think most men come?
I think a lot of men might come along to their first burlesque show expecting something similar to a strip club, but come back for the incredible performances and the exploration of striptease and sensuality in art and comedy.

What do you think of women that come to see a girl take off her clothes?
To be honest, most of the audience is made up of women at burlesque shows! I love that women can come together to celebrate each other’s bodies and sensuality. Burlesque doesn’t exclude any body types; whether you’re short, tall, slim or curvaceous, big boobs or small, burlesque celebrates everything that shimmies and shakes!

Why do you go to striptease shows?
They’re just so much fun! I’ve always adored the glamour and the costumes, and as I studied costume-making, I was drawn to the vintage aesthetic of classic burlesque (best represented in the mainstream media by Dita Von Teese.) As I started attending burlesque shows in Sydney, I got to see the variety involved, be it comedy or satire or circus arts, and I fell in love.

Suppose there were a male equivalent of the striptease in which a man got up on stage and took of his clothes would you approve of that kind of thing?
Absolutely! There is indeed a male equivalent to burlesque, known as boylesque or brolesque, and I think it’s fantastic! The burlesque community is very welcoming of many performers, of all genders and orientations, and often this is explored in performance too. There are some absolutely fantastic male burlesque performers, including Russel Bruner, whose vaudevillian acts are just amazing, and here in Sydney we are lucky to have Mac Galleon and Bullseye Billy, supremely talented performers who I recommend seeing if you get the chance!

What do you think about while you go through the gyrations which are calculated to arouse the most basic emotions in people who watch you?
I’m usually cheering or whooping along with the crowd, enjoying the performance and the creativity of the artist. I love appreciating beauty in all forms!

I know you have been arrested for indecent exposure 3 or 4 times. What do you think of people who say the striptease is lewd and immoral and its sole function is to arouse lust in an audience?
Well, I haven’t actually been arrested yet, but to people who think burlesque is immoral, I think they should come along to a show and actually experience burlesque. Sexuality, sensuality and the human body are all parts of life, so why not explore them in performance? I think some people are very limited by their beliefs and views, and if we could all be more open and accepting of each other and our own feelings and bodies, the world would be a kinder place.

Have you ever done anything that you are ashamed of?
Well sure, haven’t we all? Nothing burlesque related though. Usually I’m feeling ashamed because I demolished a whole packet of Tim Tams in an hour, when I was supposed to be rationing them out…

Do you think you are an artist?
Absolutely. My interpretation of burlesque is vintage and history inspired glamour, and it’s a great platform for me to explore my costume-making.  I love to create big, lavish costumes! Every burlesque performer approaches their art in a different way, and that is why there is so much diversity in burlesque performance.

How did you get into the business?
I’ve been interested in burlesque since I was in high school, but I started performing professionally in 2016. I’ve always done dance classes of some kind, including belly dance, go go dance and jazz dance, but a few years ago I started taking burlesque classes with the Sydney Vintage Dance Studio, run by Sheena Miss Demeanour. It definitely built up my confidence, and so I started to put together my first act, my Egyptian revival-inspired Nile Queen act. It got a wonderful response when I debuted it at a night for new performers, and things kind of took off from there!

How did you feel the first time you performed?
Over the moon. I was so excited to finally be doing something I had always dreamed of! Also, there’s no feeling quite like having a big audience cheering and clapping as you are taking off your clothes!

How does your husband feel about his wife disrobing and dancing provocatively in public?
My boyfriend is really supportive of my burlesque. When I was just starting, he was a little unsure how he would feel, but at my very first performance he was so proud and supportive! He’s definitely my biggest fan and I’m so lucky to have him. He comes to all my shows!

Are you going into business with your husband or will you just be a housewife and forget the bright lights?
Haha I don’t think I’ll ever be a housewife (even if I dress like one sometimes!) My partner is a photographer and so we often collaborate to shoot my costumes or concepts. He shoots burlesque shows as well, so sometimes we both get to work on the same show.

When you quit what will be your interest?
I don’t know when or if I will quit, I’m really enjoying burlesque at the moment! I’ve always followed one creative pursuit or another, so I doubt that will change.

What kind of religious upbringing did you have? What are your religious beliefs?
I was brought up atheist, but my personal beliefs are just that; personal. I believe everyone has the right to believe what they wish and follow their own religion, but I don’t believe in forcing one’s religion on another or expecting others to abide by your beliefs.

What about politics do you have any interest in that?
I think politics are pretty ridiculous at the moment, given recent circumstances. The world would be a much better place if we could all learn to be compassionate and emphatic.

What kind of things do you read?
I love fantasy and historical fiction! Lately I’ve been working my way through the Miss Fisher series (I just adore the television programme too.) I also love classic literature, and have a huge collection of costume and clothing reference books.

Do you think with your occupation, with your business, your body, your beauty, are you afraid of growing old and growing ugly?
I think everyone is a little afraid of this, but then I also think of the beauty in age. We all grow old one day, and that shouldn’t stop you from doing what you love. One of my idols is Iris Apfel, the eccentric fashionista in her 90s, who exudes amazing style every day. That’s my goals for old age for sure!

You don't respect marriage, you don't want children, you have no interest in politics, religion. What sort of world do you think it would be if everyone were like you?
(Side note: I love how backwards the reporter in this interview was, and how Lili St Cyr handled it with such grace. She is just incredible!)
If everyone were like me, I would hope that the world would be a kinder and more compassionate place. I’m by no means perfect, and I think it would be pretty boring if everyone were just like me! But it would be lovely to see a more accepting and peaceful world, full of art and expression.

And here is the original interview with Lili:

Vinterview 2 - Annora of Nora Finds / Hedy Lamarr

This weeks vinterview is with another good friend of mine, Annora of Nora Finds, a vintage blog by Nora, a Chinese Indonesian Australian now living in London. Nora is a lover of the bygone eras who enjoy thrifting and finding vintage treasures. As a vintage blogger Nora aims to bring the old school elegance to her modern wardrobe and busy life and hope to inspire others to adopt vintage. You can find Nora on instagram @norafinds.

Nora chose Hedy Lamarr as her vintage idol which I think is a great match as they both are scientists with beauty and brains! For those of you that don't know Hedy Lamarr was born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler, 9 November 1914 – 19 January 2000) was an Austrian and American film actress and inventor.

After an early and brief film career in Germany that included the controversial film Ecstasy (1933 – in which Lamarr is very briefly seen swimming in the nude and running naked), she fled from her husband, a wealthy Austrian ammunition manufacturer, and secretly moved to Paris. There, she met MGM head Louis B. Mayer, who offered her a movie contract in Hollywood, where she became a film star from the late 1930s to the 1950s.

Lamarr appeared in numerous popular feature films, including Algiers (1938), I Take This Woman (1940), Comrade X (1940), Come Live With Me (1941), H.M. Pulham, Esq. (1941), and Samson and Delilah (1949).

At the beginning of World War II, Lamarr and composer George Antheil developed a radio guidance system for Allied torpedoes, which used spread spectrum and frequency hopping technology to defeat the threat of jamming by the Axis powers. Although the US Navy did not adopt the technology until the 1960s, the principles of their work are now incorporated into modern Wi-Fi, CDMA, and Bluetooth technology, and this work led to their induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014.

And now to the interview. These questions were taken from a 1969 interview on the Merv Griffin show. 

You're beautiful
Why thank you - you’re not bad yourself.

Did you put on something new?
I always have something new. I like beautiful things and they keep showing up here and everywhere and I simply must surround myself with them.

Can I call you Hedy Miss Lamarr? Its a great name
It is indeed a great name - I do prefer Hedy than Hedwig. After all I’m not an owl.

Do you live in New York? Why are you here?
I wish I did - it’s such a great vibrant city and what a great place for a scientist and an actress to be. And why wouldn’t I be in New York - isn’t America the land of opportunity? Oh wait, that was pre-Trump wasn’t it?

Did you like pictures?
I loved pictures. It has always been my favourite mean to escape the real life. It’s always been a way for me to learn about other people, other lives, other cultures, and places outside my home.

You weren’t forced into it by your mother?
I was forced to do a lot of things by my mother, but pictures were not one of them. She’d rather me spending my time studying, practising the piano, or reading. Pictures were more of a reward if I did well in school.

Do you want me to tell you what your image is? its a glamorous beautiful internationally know star who obviously rides in limousines has great jewels and you don't scrub your kitchen floors
Well, image is a funny thing isn’t it. It’s only a glimpse into someone’s real life. I choose the image I want you to perceive and most of the time that is the image that sticks. Media doesn’t always show the real me, and it is so heavily filtered that you get to know *some* part of me, but not all. Do I have a glamorous life? Sometimes. Do I have great jewels? I sure do. Do I scrub my kitchen floors? Yes, but only because I have to. I don’t believe in paying someone to do something you can do better/ you enjoy doing. I love cleaning - I find it therapeutic. It’s about outsourcing what you don’t want to do and use the time to do something more enjoyable.

Isn't that what its all about?
It sure is. Isn’t that what we all want? Being happy? Making enough money to allow for our happiness?

Tell me something that I didn't know about you
I have a lot of sadness in me.

Of all the movies you made in Hollywood do you remember one leading man better than others?
William Powell was always a special one for me. We had great times making our movies and he is such a protector and a great friend to me. He was the Nick to my Nora - actually I wish I had played Nora Charles.

Do you have a desire to make films now? Would you like to go back? Have you seen any you'd like to do?
I’d love to. It’s always been on my bucket list to be a zombie. I’d love to be a glamorous zombie in a movie - or a zombie queen. They have vampire queens all the time but not zombie queens - I shall rectify that. I’d love to go back, I’d like to do an Alfred Hitchcock or a Stephen King movie actually.

And for a special treat you can watch the original interview here:

Thanks so much to Nora for agreeing to this interview!

Vinterview 1 - Ellen of a Wild Tea Party / Katharine Hepburn

Credit: Naomi Gall @lilajeanvintage
My first vinterview is with a good friend of mine Ellen of A Wild Tea Party. Ellen is a vintage blogger with a modern twist, a former magazine editor turned stylist and freelance writer, shoes are her life. On Ellen's blog you can find stunning outfit posts, fantastic hair tutorials and a whole lot more. You can find Ellen on instagram @awildteaparty.

Ellen chose Katharine Hepburn as her vintage idol. For those who do not know Katherine Hepburn was an American actress. Known for her fierce independence and spirited personality, Hepburn was a leading lady in Hollywood for more than 60 years. She appeared in a range of genres, from screwball comedy to literary drama, and she received four Academy Awards for Best Actress—a record for any performer. In 1999, Hepburn was named by the American Film Institute as the greatest female star of Classic Hollywood Cinema.

Raised in Connecticut by wealthy, progressive parents, Hepburn began to act while studying at Bryn Mawr College. After four years in the theatre, favorable reviews of her work on Broadway brought her to the attention of Hollywood. Her early years in the film industry were marked with success, including an Academy Award for her third picture, Morning Glory (1933), but this was followed by a series of commercial failures that led her to be labeled "box office poison" in 1938. Hepburn masterminded her own comeback, buying out her contract with RKO Radio Pictures and acquiring the film rights to The Philadelphia Story, which she sold on the condition that she be the star. In the 1940s, she was contracted to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where her career focused on an alliance with Spencer Tracy. The screen-partnership spanned 25 years and produced nine movies.

Hepburn challenged herself in the latter half of her life, as she regularly appeared in Shakespearean stage productions and tackled a range of literary roles. She found a niche playing middle-aged spinsters, such as in The African Queen (1951), a persona the public embraced. Three more Oscars came for her work in Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), The Lion in Winter (1968), and On Golden Pond (1981). In the 1970s, she began appearing in television films, which became the focus of her career in later life. She remained active into old age, making her final screen appearance in 1994 at the age of 87. After a period of inactivity and ill health, Hepburn died in 2003 at the age of 96.

Hepburn famously shunned the Hollywood publicity machine and refused to conform to society's expectations of women. She was outspoken, assertive, athletic, and wore trousers before it was fashionable for women to do so. She married once, as a young woman, but thereafter lived independently. A 26-year affair with her co-star Spencer Tracy was hidden from the public. With her unconventional lifestyle and the independent characters she brought to the screen, Hepburn epitomized the "modern woman" in the 20th-century United States and is remembered as an important cultural figure.


And now to the interview. These questions were taken from an interview on the NBC Today show with Katie Couric on 30th June 2003.  

What's your most intense memory? 
So going in hardcore for the first question I see... I am struggling to pick one. I have intense memories of plenty of things, so I will pick a pleasant one. I must've been about eight years old, and I was sitting on the swing attached to a pine tree that grew amongst thick green grass interspersed with the needles at a historical house next to the river at Sussex Inlet, singing 'You are not alone' by Michael Jackson and watching the way my feet swung up above the horizon of the river. I felt so free and relaxed, like I could fly. The river was so blue, and my uncle's dinghy was tied to the jetty, and when it was time to leave I had to avoid being headbutted by the goat -again- that was tied to a nearby tree. All that while my parents and relatives and their friends ate scones and drank milkshakes on the veranda.


Do you consider yourself beautiful?
There's no right way to answer that question. It's a can of worms. I will attempt it though.

As a teenager I always felt there were plenty of girls prettier than me because no one had ever told me I looked anything other than skinny (thanks mental health issues for a diet of tea and three chocolate Jaffa biscuits and whatever my mother cooked for dinner a day). It wasn't until I was an adult I mentioned how pretty I thought a girl I went to school with was and my mother blinked and was like, "You're far prettier!" which really threw me. That was the first time anyone had really said anything positive about my looks.  And then people started telling me how photogenic I am, and I hear it a lot, without blowing my own trumpet there. I guess, perhaps now as I grow into myself more I do like my face and think I am capable of taking a good photo. Beautiful though might be a stretch. That's very subjective to the viewer.


Makeup?
Yes. I like it. I like lipstick and mascara especially, and doing my black liquid liner on the train for a challenge. In my day to day and even for more formal things I really don't do too much. I've never gotten the concept of contouring right on my own face, and I think I always apply too little of my foundation. One day I will get it right.  Make up artists on the other hand delight me with what they do to my face.


But you do consider yourself a good actress, don't you?
My high school drama teacher was rather impressed by my enthusiastic 'Here!' at roll call, so, I am sure I am fantastic.

On a more serious note, in some ways perhaps I really am. I've mastered pretending I am a lot more together than I am thanks to dealing with mental health issues and having to get on with stuff when it's the last thing you feel like. But you don't get an Oscar for that. I think I am in front of the camera too. I'm communicating a visual story, whether it's just for my blog posts or for other people's products or creations. I have a lot of fun in front of a camera. I dance about between shots, even when the final product is quite serious.


In your book you write, "I loved Spencer Tracy. He and his interests and his demands came first. Food, we ate what he liked, we did what he liked. We lived a life which he liked. He didn't like this or that, I changed this and that. They might be qualities which I personally valued, it did not matter. I changed them."
What attracted you to Spencer Tracy? 
Yahoo! I wrote a book. Wait, what?

Personally, I found Spencer to be the opposite of attractive. Not my taste. But I did love his quiet comedic presence. I'd never actually do those things for any lover, so my book is full of lies, clearly. I fiercely value my independence in a relationship, and return the favour. It's fine for my partner not to want to do, like or eat the same things as me. In fact, I think it's healthy. This probably only worked for Katharine and Spencer because they didn't actually live together.


What do you think attracted Spencer Tracy to you?
He's never met me, but if he were alive and got to be in my presence, I am sure it would be the way my hair is wildly fluffy first thing in the morning, and I leave my tea bags in my cup far too long, and sing unreleased Lana Del Rey songs in the shower ("You call me sunshine, you call me lavender, you say take it off, take it off!"). I pout quite effectively when I'm annoyed, and I cook an excellent steak - no, really I do! Of course, it's been suggested it could've been my bum. But I put no stock in that rumour.


In the book you say you're still not sure if he was really happy, or if he really loved you. 
Well, that just speaks of my own insecurities doesn't it? You can never really know what anyone feels, you can only take their actions at face value (not their words, of course). And if someone seems to enjoy your company and you laugh together a lot, and they treat you with respect and kindness, than I guess that's love and happiness.  


Why did you think the on-screen chemistry between the two of you was so good?
Our on-screen chemistry, well, put that down to my perfume. I wear Lush Sikkim Girls or Anna Sui most days, though a friend kindly gifted me a bottle of Dita's perfume and I save that for special occasions. I used to wear Chanel No 5 a lot but it seems to vanish when on my skin and I don't see the point of spending money on perfume no one can smell on you.


Are you ever sorry that you weren't able to live together as husband and wife?
Look, I always thought I'd be married by my age, so it's pretty weird to be this age and realise my longest fulfilling relationship is with shoes.  I could actually build myself a small house with the shoe boxes. There's equity right there. Am I sorry I haven't married Spencer? Not at all. I think it's been good all round that I haven't co-inhabited with a corpse, in my real or shoe box house.


So there it is readers my first vinterview and what a fantastic one it is. Thanks to Ellen for a great start to the blog!

Welcome

Welcome to Vinterviews. Vinterviews is a vintage interview blog where I interview my favourite vintage guys and gals with questions from interviews with their favourite vintage idols be it silver screen stars, burlesque babes or musical melody makers.

The concept may seem a little confusing but it will become clear once the first interview is up. In the meantime why not follow me on the socials: