Vintage Tragic: Q&A with Amy of Minette's Vintage
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Amy Truslove is the style queen behind Minette’s Vintage.
Minette’s is all about fashion, style and personal expression. She seeks out beautiful pieces for her collection, pieces that were made to last that she brings back to life for people to enjoy again. Minette’s has an ever-changing collection depending on what treasures Amy has found recently. Her collection ranges from vintage women’s wear, gentleman’s wear, pieces of furniture, homewares, jewellery, candles, scents and greeting cards.
Tell us about yourself and what you do!
My name is Amy and I am a vintage tragic/devotee. I love all things vintage and I love people, so it just makes sense that I have an online store that brings them together!
How did you get into vintage and retro clothing?
That’s a loaded question… probably growing up in a house full of antiques with a mother who taught me the joys of personal style and thrifting at a very early age.
I see clothing as a form of expression. An outfit to me is similar to a work of art – choosing the vibe, the inspiration to suit the mood, then the colours and the shapes and textures to suit, building layer upon layer to create just the right effect (and sometimes taking a layer or two off too...).
I prefer vintage clothing for many reasons – the colour palette, the designs, the (often) superior make, the eco footprint and the uniqueness. It is the antithesis of today’s fast fashion high street model which is not sustainable.
What is your ultimate creative dream?
To have a wardrobe the size of the Sydney Opera company’s filled to the brim with vintage clothing of all eras at my disposal!
Styling people is so much fun, showing them shapes and colours that really suit them that they would never have dreamed of putting on.
Tell us about upcycling! We know you work with accessories as well as clothes; what’s the typical process for you?
Upcycling is the process of taking one item and using it to create another, in whole or in part.
The beauty of this is that you can use broken items that would usually be headed for the bin and create totally new items – like our range of crochet dresses made from vintage tablecloths and doilies for example: Upcycled crochet shift dress
What do you use the space at Nauti Studios for?
I run my business from my private space and I shoot my products in the communal sunroom space.
What’s your favourite part about the space at Nauti?
Physically? The sunroom – it has the most amazing light. Spiritually? It’s the vibe man.
What would be your ultimate vintage outfit – ignoring cost!
Oooh, no one has ever asked me this…
Probably a perfect condition beaded flapper dress, with feather headpiece, double length string of black pearls and patent Mary Janes to Charleston the night away!
We have a ping pong table here at Nauti – are you any good?
No, I’m terrible! Mind you, I don’t play much which probably has something to do with it….
If you were a sea creature, which would you be?
Have you seen my messy locks? Mermaid for sure.
Finally, are you nauti or nice? ;)
A little from column A aaaaaand a little from column B. 😉
