Maddi is wearing American Apparel shirt, Charlavail button cover, as well as jeans and boots of her own choosing.
Styling: Jonno Revanche, Rem Jawi and Pierre Kieu
Photography and Editing: Jade Elliot
Location courteously found and co-opted by: Ronnie ChinUps
Ghosts, girls, ghouls, and all things creepy - for our heroes theme, we tried to aim for that which is inherently dark, yet friendly and comforting. Our favourite heroes are those that aren’t explicitly taken from comic books or dressed in lycra, but the more humble anti-heroes, the unexpected saviours cloaked in darkness. Inspired by the art and aesthetic of our first “hero figure” for vaein, Charlavail Effron, as well as movies like Casper and Corpse Bride, our models effectively communicated the haunting narrative of two girls and one boy that have been carried on through to the other side. Having spent years in purgatory, the girls have become so close that they are unfamiliar to the presence of anyone entering their wide open abandoned home, until skull boy joins them. His isolation and dejection is perfectly contrasted with the almost unsettling closeness of the two dead girls, who take it upon themselves to make him their new play thing.
Pierre is wearing a bomber by Lazy Oaf, Sugar Skull from Charlavail, as well as a shirt and trousers of his own choosing.
Styling: Jonno Revanche, Rem Jawi and Pierre Kieu
Photography and Editing: Jade Elliott
Location courteously found and co-opted by: Ronnie ChinUps
Ghosts, girls, ghouls, and all things creepy - for our heroes theme, we tried to aim for that which is inherently dark, yet friendly and comforting. Our favourite heroes are those that aren’t explicitly taken from comic books or dressed in lycra, but the more humble anti-heroes, the unexpected saviours cloaked in darkness. Inspired by the art and aesthetic of our first “hero figure” for vaein, Charlavail Effron, as well as movies like Casper and Corpse Bride, our models effectively communicated the haunting narrative of two girls and one boy that have been carried on through to the other side. Having spent years in purgatory, the girls have become so close that they are unfamiliar to the presence of anyone entering their wide open abandoned home, until skull boy joins them. His isolation and dejection is perfectly contrasted with the almost unsettling closeness of the two dead girls, who take it upon themselves to make him their new play thing.
Maddi is wearing American Apparel shirt, Charlavail button cover, as well as jeans and boots of her own choosing.
Styling: Jonno Revanche, Rem Jawi and Pierre Kieu
Photography and Editing: Jade Elliot
Location courteously found and co-opted by: Ronnie ChinUps
Ghosts, girls, ghouls, and all things creepy - for our heroes theme, we tried to aim for that which is inherently dark, yet friendly and comforting. Our favourite heroes are those that aren’t explicitly taken from comic books or dressed in lycra, but the more humble anti-heroes, the unexpected saviours cloaked in darkness. Inspired by the art and aesthetic of our first “hero figure” for vaein, Charlavail Effron, as well as movies like Casper and Corpse Bride, our models effectively communicated the haunting narrative of two girls and one boy that have been carried on through to the other side. Having spent years in purgatory, the girls have become so close that they are unfamiliar to the presence of anyone entering their wide open abandoned home, until skull boy joins them. His isolation and dejection is perfectly contrasted with the almost unsettling closeness of the two dead girls, who take it upon themselves to make him their new play thing.
Rem is wearing Hysteric Glamour, skull button cover from charlavail, as well as shorts and shoes of her own choosing.
Pierre is wearing a Lazy Oaf bomber, as well as a shirt and trousers of his own choosing.
Maddi is wearing American Apparel shirt, Charlavail button cover, as well as jeans and boots of her own choosing.
Styling: Jonno Revanche, Rem Jawi and Pierre Kieu
Photography and Editing: Jade Elliot
Ghosts, girls, ghouls, and all things creepy - for our heroes theme, we tried to aim for that which is inherently dark, yet friendly and comforting. Our favourite heroes are those that aren’t explicitly taken from comic books or dressed in lycra, but the more humble anti-heroes, the unexpected saviours cloaked in darkness. Inspired by the art and aesthetic of our first “hero figure” for vaein, Charlavail Effron, as well as movies like Casper and Corpse Bride, our models effectively communicated the haunting narrative of two girls and one boy that have been carried on through to the other side. Having spent years in purgatory, the girls have become so close that they are unfamiliar to the presence of anyone entering their wide open abandoned home, until skull boy joins them. His isolation and dejection is perfectly contrasted with the almost unsettling closeness of the two dead girls, who take it upon themselves to make him their new play thing.
After coming to the realisation that a career in acting was simply not what she was destined to do, multi-talented punk rock girl Felicity Heath made a plan. Jet-setting back to her home country of Australia, she put her head to the grindstone and began working on an idea of hers that had been brewing silently behind a headful of Cruella Deville inspired hair. No longer restrained by the standards of the acting industry, she went back to things she always enjoyed doing in her teen years- dyeing her hair amazing colours and wearing whatever she wanted on the daily, and then, suddenly, delved right into the clothing world.
Her vision? Mermaid Killer. Inspired by the riot grrrl movement of the 90s, cartoon heroes like the little mermaid, and punk and “emo” music, her clothing line has exploded in just over a year to gain widespread recognition. The facebook page (which is often updated with messages of self-empowerment and positive life affirming messages) has over 4000 likes and the clothes have been worn by bands like Tonight Alive and We Saved the Party. Additionally, 10% of all of the profits “animalia” collection were donated to The Animal Welfare league, and all of the clothes are made from completely vegan-friendly materials.
Felicity’s pieces are all about brash, unapologetic moments of self expression, hearkening to comic book aesthetics and in some cases, feminine idols that are not afraid to be up front and bold about who they are.
Felicity is not only a boss bitch and endlessly creative, but she is also kind, respectful and forward thinking. She is also a great friend and a personal hero of mine. Are there any more reasons why this interview is needed and why it’s relevant to our “heroes” issue?
Jonno: Who are some of your favourite designers? Is there anyone in particular that comes to mind that inspires you to be creative and motivated?
Felicity: I love Betsey Johnson (can I please be wearing giant bows on my head at 70) and I really love Vivienne Westwood, of course. Yeah, the people who keep my motivated are actually probably the people that have given me the most shit in my life haha! I’ve had people I consider my friends tell me they don’t believe I can do this, family members tell me I’m not doing anything worthwhile, other “friends” slander me online and get their friends to harass me until I had to change my phone number and had people hack my social media accounts and delete them. THEY are the people who motivate me to succeed….just so I can do that face that Max Black does that says “suck it” in that episode of 2 broke girls when they have the opening party for their cupcake shop.
Jonno: SO GOOD!
Jonno: The designs for mermaid killer are very bratty and colourful - I certainly feel like some kind of X-men character when I’m wearing them. This may seem like a nebulous question, but is there anything you want to make people feel when they’re wearing mermaid killer?
Felicity: Yes- that they can wear anything. I hate this idea of “I love it but I could never pull it off”. Uhm, yes you can. You can do whatever you want and it should make you feel amazing and empowered!
Jonno: I always feel about that with clothes too. I think if you like it, you should wear it, even if it makes you feel a little bit uncomfortable initially!
Jonno: Mermaid Killer, your clothing line, hasn’t been around for long but already you’ve released a few collections, done some amazing shoots and incorporated original ideas and themes into your clothes quite effectively. Where does your inspiration come from in this context and how do you keep track of all your ideas?
Felicity: I’m really inspired by random things. Street art, people on instagram, the colour of garbage bags, Malibu in California, the sky at dusk, Christmas trees. Creative people know how it is - you’re just constantly inspired by everything…you just have to learn how to compartmentalise things. Now I have a folder for any picture I’m inspired by to go into and I write lots of things down. Plus, I’m just really true to myself and I don’t do things because they’re trendy or whatever and I think people can identify sincerity.
Jonno: I’ve found that I have to do that too. My iPhone “notes” section is overcrowded with so many random thoughts and ideas…it would look absolutely ridiculous to an outsider.
Felicity: Yeah me too! I always forget what they are and I’m like ‘what is this jibberish…”
Jonno: Do you have any advice for someone who wants to start their own clothing line?
Felicity: Do what YOU want. Know your demographic. Think big.
Jonno: In an industry so over-run by (and that continually glamorises) animal abuse, is it difficult to maintain a clothing line that is fully vegan?
Felicity: Not really. I mean I don’t live in a world that abuses animals. Sometimes I make a new friend and if they eat meat I’m always caught off guard by it - just because it doesn’t even enter my universe and I forget that people do haha. I just do my thing and do my research. It’s just a part of Mermaid Killer and I’m really proud of it, but it isn’t difficult.
Ebony and Naomi, MK girls, visiting the Animal Welfare League shelter.
Jonno: I get a bit of a riot grrrl vibe from some of your designs, as well as from your blog and personal style. What do you think of the riot grrrl movement? Do you think it was valuable and a good way of getting more girls involved in female empowerment or do you think it was just “white feminists patting themselves on the back” as some critics say? Maybe both?
Felicity: I think it’s really important for women who identify with the punk sub culture. I mean this happened in the late 80s/early 90s and in 2013 we STILL have sexism issues in punk. Those women (Courtney, Kat and don’t forget Gwen) really paved the way for women like Hayley. Apart from the reproductive rights issues, being a riot grrrl means to me means you’re an equality, feminist and active member of the punk scene - and you don’t have to be white to do any of that and I hope it doesn’t come across like I am attempting to diminish any PoC’s experiences of feminism and/in punk in saying that, because I understand that I as a white woman potentially have had different experiences of both movements. I am 100% a 2013 riot grrrl.
Jonno: I definitely agree.
Jonno: I think some parts of riot grrrl may not have been inclusive but it’s important to remember that you can still be a riot grrrl in 2013 and reconceptualise that for yourself to be completely all encompassing, positive, open-minded and intersectional!
Jonno: Continuing on that train of thought, who are some of your favourite female musicians, actors, or general heroes?
Felicity: I love Gwen and Courtney. I remember when I was about 6 or 7 and the Just a Girl video came on Rage and I was like “what?! She’s so pretty! Women can do this stuff and look like that? WHO IS THIS I MUST FIND OUT” I also love Ellen DeGeneres for what she has done in terms of equality and overcoming her obstacles. I love Iggy Azalea (she’s younger than me so that’s awkward) and how she made something of herself in a male dominated, American industry as a poor Australian teenager. I love Merivale Hemmes, her company was the first fashion house in Australia to sell miniskirts!
Jonno: That new Iggy track sumps up all the good things that you said about her. Also, her ponytail is fierce as hell.
Felicity: THAT PONYTAIL!
Jonno: You’ve inserted a fun reference to someone you look up to - Audrey Kitching - on one of your pieces. Do you intend to do anything else like that in the future?
Felicity: I love Audrey and seeing her evolve over the last 7 years or so. Yes, there is definitely that kind of thing coming up soon! We Courtney Love doing that kind of thing! Ho ho ho.
Jonno: Oh my god, perfect.
Jenna Tonight Alive wearing Mermaid Killer.
Jonno: I’m sure a lot of readers might want to know because of your expertise in this field - where do you find good cruelty free products?
Felicity: Look I mean, immerse yourself in the culture, and be patient if you don’t know a lot if you’re new. When I first started attempting a cruelty free life I literally ate pasta for all meals cos I had no idea ha ah ha. Google is a goldmine! Most things are labelled, and most websites are proud of it if they are cruelty free and will have it plastered all over their FAQ.
Jonno: What would you like to achieve, as a person and an artist/creative thinker/designer in the years to come?
Felicity: To be honest, I just want to own an international empire of fashion houses under the name Mermaid Killer, I want to own an international boutique restaurant mini-chain too as well as motivational speak for high school students in lower socio-economic areas and own a big piece of land in the mountains where I have an animal sanctuary and get to be with the love of my life and have our babies. Am I giving away too much?
Jonno: Not at all. I think I heard a quote recently that said something like “if your dreams aren’t scaring you, they’re not big enough.” That made me feel a lot better about my aspirations, especially because when I was younger I was absolutely terrified of my uncertain future and felt like my goals for the future were too “unrealistic”. Do you feel that way sometimes?
Felicity: Yes, all the time and I hate telling other people just in case it doesn’t work and they all laugh at me. I mean three years ago I was an actor and didn’t think there was anything else out there for me, and when I decided it didn’t make me happy anymore I copped a lot of shit because people thought I just gave up - but things changed and I’m so much happier with MK.
Jonno: That’s really beautiful! I think it’s important to realise that people change over time and if sometime isn’t making you happy…then changing to something that will make you happy, even if it wasn’t your original goal, is perfectly fine. I definitely feel that I’ve put things on the back burner to focus on other stuff, but as i grow up i realise that at least within myself, these things happen for a reason. How has MK changed your life for the better, specifically?
Felicity: As an actor I put so much pressure on myself and every audition saw me comparing myself to 50 other girls who looked just like me. It makes you doubt your individuality and question everything about yourself that you should just feel comfortable with. With MK I don’t have to compare myself to anyone. More so, when I was an actor - no haircuts, hair colours, tattoos or piercings. Now I have the freedom of expression that makes me a lot happier. Also, I love being my own boss and doing something that resonates with other people. Plus, MK saved my life I think. I was in a pretty dark place when I started it and I could barely get out of bed. I’m really lucky to have the drive to succeed I have and also to have had the people around me at the time who helped me and made sure I kept on track instead of just not doing it, which seemed easier at the time than doing well, anything at all. (EMMA WRIGHT SHOUTOUT)
Jonno: Working with people you love and making something together with your friends is honestly one of the most rewarding things you can do. It’s very life affirming.
Felicity: For sure.
Super serious CEO bosses must be serious at all times.
Jonno: What you said about “being your own boss” is sort of relevant to this issue because we touch upon taking command of your life and being your own hero, saving yourself from situations that maybe aren’t benefiting us or helping us grow.
Jonno: Are there any moments in your life, or maybe recently, where you’ve related to that sentiment?
Felicity: Recently I decided to move back to LA which has been a HUGE decision. I went to bed one night and have been second guessing all decisions in my personal life for about a year and I just decided to make an executive decision and just go back. I make all the decisions in my career now so I’m going to be competent at making decisions in my personal life too.
Jonno: Do you think it’ll be harder or easier to run a company from LA as opposed to Sydney?
Felicity: Well I have a lot of legalities to get through at this stage, but ultimately I think there is more potential for growth and creative expression there. Most MK designs are inspired by something in LA anyway so I think it will thrive there. Plus, I’m at the next level where we aren’t making to order now - everything is in stock so that will help!
Jonno: How does living in Sydney differ from LA in terms of pursuing a career in fashion? Sydney is quite a big city, but I imagine even being in Melbourne would be radically different to the vibe in LA.
(This is coming from someone who has never even set foot in America…)
Felicity: There is just more room for personal expression in LA I think. Sydney is so beige, they keep the “weird” in one suburb - and even now that one suburb is getting “trendy” and getting lots of chain stores and people moving in TRYING to be “weird” or whatever. It’s such an odd, culture-less city I think. LA is just so diverse. You have punk rock and hair metal and hip hop and you can do your hair crazy and drive a weird car and there is just SO much of everything crazy due to the population that there are more opportunities TO do things and nobody looks twice. I am constantly inspired while I’m there and in Sydney I always feel like I have to tone it down, per se.
Jonno: I guess Newtown can only sustain a person for so long.
Felicity: Yeah it isn’t what it used to be you know, when I moved there in 2008 it was entirely different to what it is now. It doesn’t do anything for me anymore.
Jonno: I only went there for the first time last year! I think we’ve covered the candid, deep part of this interview, so is there anything else you wanted to let our readers know?
Felicity: Yes! Cruel summer, our newest collection, will be coming out very soon- at the end of this month, actually.
Jonno: Fabulous! Also…i had to ask another really important question. In fact, the whole interview is useless without it…
Jonno: Who is your favourite superhero?
Felicity: Peter Petrelli.
Jonno: Good choice! Babe male nurses always do it for me.
Felicity: Hahahaha Yes!
Felicity: He doesn’t need a pseudonym, he subtly pulls apart gender stereotypes, and always has the interests of others in his intentions…
Felicity: Plus, Milo Ventimiglia can be my boyfriend any time he wants.
Jonno: “Are you doing the whole trying to make me fall in love you thing and then being casually disinterested because of your nurse code of ethics? Because I could totally get into that.”
Felicity: Hah!
Jonno: Thankyou so much for doing this! I really enjoyed doing it and your answers were wonderfully honest!
Felicity: You’re welcome!
Models: Phebe Rendulic and Jon Santos
Styling: Jonno Revanche and Phebe Rendulic
Make-up: Yassmin Abdo
Photography: Mike Papez
Editing: Jade Elliott
For the first issue of Vaein, we could have gone for a typical idea to match the theme of emerging: something theatrical and grandiose or a reference to youth or new beginnings…instead we chose to do the opposite. The idea came about after hearing a quote by John Waters, who said that teenagers should “mock the fear of aging and plastic surgery by purposefully looking old when you’re young. That, to me, would be a good way to rebel.”
We chose to subvert the concept of what has always been fashionable (the eternal idolisation of anything to do with youth) and opt for something else. The shoot was inspired by Vintage clothes and the style of long dead owners, Marina and the Diamonds’ latest album campaign, Morrissey’s rejection of current art and fashion, girls like Alice Glass, Lana Del Rey and Tavi Gevinson, Ari Katz and the advanced style ladies, as well as the concept of glamour and luxury that sometimes arises in old age.
Model: Jon Santos
Make-up: Yassmin Abdo
Photography: Mike Papez
Editing: Jade Ellliot
Styling: Jonno Revanche
For the first issue of Vaein, we could have gone for a typical idea to match the theme of emerging: something theatrical and grandiose or a reference to youth or new beginnings…instead we chose to do the opposite. The idea came about after hearing a quote by John Waters, who said that teenagers should “mock the fear of aging and plastic surgery by purposefully looking old when you’re young. That, to me, would be a good way to rebel.”
We chose to subvert the concept of what has always been fashionable (the eternal idolisation of anything to do with youth) and opt for something else. The shoot was inspired by Vintage clothes and the style of long dead owners, Marina and the Diamonds’ latest album campaign, Morrissey’s rejection of current art and fashion, girls like Alice Glass, Lana Del Rey and Tavi Gevinson, Ari Katz and the advanced style ladies, as well as the concept of glamour and luxury that sometimes arises in old age.
There was something so compelling about Jacky’s look and energy when we first spotted her in a New York restaurant this winter, we introduced ourselves and pulled up a chair. During a long discussion that touched on everything from career choices and nutrition to insights on relationships, age and beauty, we asked if she would consider being photographed by us. We were thrilled when she agreed.
vaein zine is totally behind older ladies that don’t give a fuck about the beauty standard - here’s a photoset of Jackie, taken from the american apparel facebook. she’s lovely and trampling ageism without even trying.
- Stef and Jonno
(Source: vaeinzine)
When I had a 1940s themed party for my 21st birthday I made the conscious effort to start dressing in a 40s/50s style each day. It’s that style that I’ve been documenting at my blog, Andi B. Goode, for the past two and a half years. But, before my 21st, I had already started to experiment with these styles, inspired by the LiveJournal community vintagehair amongst other things.
Since my 21st (in 2007) I’ve refined this look and I got to a point where I was comfortable with knowing exactly what my style was. There are, naturally, many ways to wear vintage clothes and I enjoy seeing the ways in which others incorporate vintage pieces into their outfits, but the way I’ve worn them is to create an entire “vintage” look from head to toe including hair, make-up, etc. Online communities and other blogs were a great source of both inspiration and information whilst I cultivated this look and I still have so much to learn about the eras I’ve been drawing inspiration from, which is only one of the many things I love about vintage clothing.
But sometimes I get…itchy. To try something different. Or I start feeling less sartorially inspired by my vintage wardrobe and just don’t feel like putting on one of my ’40s or ’50s frocks and setting my hair. Sometimes I want to mix it up a little, though I’m not sure where to start. Sometimes I want to go back to certain ways I used to dress and incorporate some mid-late 60s into my wardrobe again.
When these moods strike, I feel a bit…stuck. Because I’ve built up a wardrobe that centres almost entirely on the styles of the 40s and 50s (both vintage and reproduction pieces) and because I’ve only been wearing it one way - that is, in a slightly more period accurate, though by no means entirely historically accurate, manner, and I think it’s starting to feel a bit limiting for me. (Even though there is still a lot of room for experimenting whilst sticking to this approach.)
I started to realise that I’d set out all of these rules (a good deal of them subconsciously) for myself despite the fact that I dislike fashion rules entirely. That I liked a dress but couldn’t wear it because it wasn’t my ‘style’ or, even worse, because it wouldn’t suit my body. The one rule or piece of advice I do like is always this: wear whatever you want. That’s it. Wear what makes you happy and feel good. And have fun.
But if I’m stopping myself from wearing cute dresses or even from experimenting because I don’t think it will fit into the ‘style’ I’ve created for myself then I’m not living by the only fashion rule that I want to keep, am I? I’m thinking and talking about personal style and my beliefs around it one way and then acting another. It hasn’t been very often that I’ve wanted to branch out or to try something wildly different but when I do, why should I curb that urge?
There are so many possibilities for mixing up 40s & 50s (and the late ’30s and early ’60s I’ve sometimes thrown in) styles if you look at all the different things women (and men) were wearing during these eras but, despite that, I still sometimes want to try something else. I’ve rarely been one to stick to one style for long and when I did my hair, at least, was always changing. I don’t think I would ever not take inspiration from the past, though and wearing vintage and/or recycled clothing, as opposed to fast fashion, is still a top priority for me…but I do want to start changing my style up a bit more and try slightly different things whilst not entirely abandoning the 40s and 50s.
I’m not sure where this near sudden urge to change things up has come from – if it’s a natural progression after dressing a certain way for so long, if it’s over-saturation with ‘vintage’ being everywhere or something else. Whatever it is, I need to remember my own advice for personal style: wear what you want and have fun.
- Andrea
Rem’s age is irrelevant. She’s a studier, an observer, an obsessive compulsive cleaner, a vegetarian and a writer in her own mind. Often mistaken for Macy Grey, she enjoys exploring the universe with Carl Sagan and being rolled up like sushi while watching Gilmore Girls. Rem is inspired by the weird and slightly off beat moments and people in life, channeling them into her personal style, art and writing. Her curiosity drives her to say yes to everyone and people are her favourite things. She believes in good energy and chai lattes. Check out her blog here.
