Bringing back the big band sound: The Tenor Ladies

QoV: Do you wear vintage regularly?

The Tenor Ladies: I think its harder to find decent plus-size vintage in this country. Would it be too pretentious to say we are ‘neo-vintage’? We pull inspiration from modern influences and blend that with vintage references. As we speak we’re defacing Primark shirts to look like Barry Manilow knock-offs, covering T Shirts in glitter and dry cleaning evening suits with a sluttier neck line. 

Our friend Felicity, who has a lovely vintage store called ‘Vintage for Sale’, often gives us bags full of earrings and sequined jumped suits, but we have the problem of finding two of everything! The team at Nina’s Hair Parlour often pull our barnets into lovely shapes.

QoV: What’s your favourite vintage era?

The Tenor Ladies: Everything pre-rave.

QoV: Do you have any vintage idols?

The Tenor Ladies: ‘Fatter femmes’ of course: Diana Dorrs, Mamma Cass (pictured), Marilyn Monroe, Divine

Where do you shop for vintage?:

The Tenor Ladies: ‘Vintage for Sale’ on Brick Lane is great for your staples. We also go into plenty of rural charity shops, American thrift stores (make sure you bring you surgical gloves) andRokit, although its way overpriced. Remember the £10 or less shop in Camden called ‘Starship’? Wish that was still there.

 Why vintage? What makes it so special?

The Tenor Ladies: The idea of having something unique that’s not mass-produced with a little history. It’s a little romantic we guess!

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Tags: London, Tenor Ladies, Vintage For Sale

Category: London, Vintage news