A Little Interview

Hullo Playmates,

As I haven’t done a profile, I thought I would share the results of an interview I did a while back. It’s not an in-depth insight to my likes and dislikes, but it does give a general inkling to what makes it all so Tickety Boo for Tupney!

I shall endeavour to create a profile very soon, but in the meantime here’s the interview ….

>How long have you been wearing and collecting 1940s clothes and 
 memorabilia?
> I’ve only been dressing in 40’s clothes full time for about 3 years now but have been collecting related all sorts since I was sixteen, so it’s been 5 years in all.

> What is it about the 40s that particularly appeals to you?> I love it all, the design, music, the social history and of course the fashion. I’m fascinated at how there was still a want/need to look your best and fashionable through times of danger and uncertainty. With restrictions on practically everything people had to make the most of the old and find nifty ways of making new. Also the time put into doing this. Who nowadays would take the time or even bother to re-knit a jumper or re-fashion one of your fellas suits into a sporting little number for yourself?

> Can you talk us through some of your collection?>Originally I started collecting costume jewellery, but this soon branched out into clothing and accessories and now I collect anything that appeals to me from the 20’s to the 50’s, focusing mainly on the 30’s and 40’s. This includes Packaging, magazines, knitting and sewing patterns, furniture, kitchen/home ware and wartime memorabilia.

> Can you tell us a few of your favourite pieces (clothing and/or objects etc)?

> Blimey these are tricky questions. I’m a sentimental old fool who gets attached to the silliest of things so it’s really hard to choose.

Firstly I would have to say my Evacuees. They are life size child mannequins from the 1950’s (or earlier) called Edmund Arthur Askey, Trudy May Trinder and Baby Peggy Lee. At the moment they are all dressed in a mix of original 40’s and home made clothes that ma and I have made for them.

Secondly my green Tala meat safe filled to the brim with my beloved knitting pattern collection. And lastly an outfit made up of an early 40’s green woollen suit with an military air, a late 30’s / early 40’s brown straw tilt hat (my very first tilt), a white pair of utility peep toe platforms and last but not least my favourite pair of white 1930’s sunglasses- I love them to bits but unfortunately one day I’m sure they will end up in bits!

>We've got the WAVE 40s fair coming up, what 40s fashion and make up 
 tips do you have for people looking for a way to achieve a classic 40s look?
> Throughout the forties emphasis was on the hair, long or short it would almost always be waved, set and curled in some way. Unfortunately it’s also the bit that takes the most time to create and to perfect. (It’s taken five years in my case) You can achieve a quick page boy bob by using these modern electric heated contraptions called curling tongs, just by curling your hair under. If you have time on your hands pin curls and curlers still give the best results - remember patience is a virtue and if all else fails wear a turban!

Everyday makeup on the other hand was kept minimal. With a touch of rouge to match your lipstick, a dusting of powder and the iconic lipstick, be it a true red or one of the coral or pink varieties. If you’re a man ignore all of the above and buy a pot of Brylcreem! On the clothes front keep it smart and well put together. It’s all in the detail.

> Who are your 40s icons, in film or fashion or both?

> I’m rather fond of people like Carmen Miranda and Sonia Henie. Fred Astaire was nothing but style and sophistication itself, danced with charm, had personality and elegance and if that wasn’t enough already he had the powers to make it all look effortless. Of course I’m going to have to say David Niven. He’s another snappy, well attired man and will forever be the tops in my world. (Sigh) I also have a fondness for Tommy Trinder, Arthur Askey and the Marmite of the comedy world, George Formby. They are all utterly charming.

As for Icons in fashion, I like Schiaparelli’s designs, also with the likelihood of sounding cheesy just every day people and relatives from the era. For me their photos are the best resource and inspiration one could have. There is also a model from the late 30’s and 40’s who I think is simply wonderful but unfortunately I don’t know her name.

Tata for now

Tups x