How some of our pieces have been used for celebrity shoots like Hayley Westenra's!

Before having Painted Black, I was friends with a few creative people, who like the rest of us was broke, passionate and looking for a break. I was not a media darling, neither did I come from an affluent background (far from it). So when I opened the shop and became part of the 'Vintage Scene' it came as some what of a shock, being contacted by actual magazine that were read by the general population and wanting to use some of my pieces, being interviewed and being asked for my opinion of fashion (to be honest it felt both startlingly amazing and like I was going to get busted as a charlatan any minute). 

What I have come to realise is, if you are honest, willing to put yourself out their for rejection (some people are very power crazed and love telling you that you suck) and not an ego maniac who thinks they are better then everyone else, amazing things can come from it. Being featured in The Sunday Times Stella magazine, some of my pieces being used in national campaigns for big brands, picked as one of Time Outs top 50 vintage shops in London and getting a piece of my writing published by Vintage Life magazine (in all good stockiest I am in May's issue). 

Actually having contacts that aren't a figment of your imagination is very cool, and I have come to realise that most people are just looking for like minded people to collaborate with. I have a few contacts now stylists, buyers for brands, journalists and photographers who I never knew before getting the shop. through these connections some of my clothes have appeared in brilliant print media or used in campaigns for big brands and have been worn by actual famous folk, or bought pieces that will be used as inspiration for new lines. All of these things are brilliant for your ego, and although mine is not very big I still like to feel the relieve of my stock being seen as beautiful or cool (as I hand source it all and work at the shop six days).

Here is Hayley Westenra in one of own gowns

It is strange to feel apart of something that seemed impossible to be a part of. When I was in Stella magazine I got up horribly early and went and bought the newspaper and all by myself sat on the freezing doorstep and looked at the piece - I thought this can't be I am just a girl that grew up in Tottenham and everyone thought dressed strangely.

I look forward to the next year and all the new people and opportunities that will come my way.

Failure is nothing to be ashamed of and happens to us all you just to have to keep on keeping on and have fun!

Love 
PB
x

Why We Love Rose Draws

The art of styling a shop window.

Here at Painted Black we are lucky enough to be friends with lots of creative types – and our in house resident artist Rose Hudson, pops in from time to time to create some amazing shop graphics and artwork. One of our favorite pieces being the brilliant Beatles window, which was created for Mothers Day.

We realize the importance of window dressing and every Monday we have a complete window change. We can either theme our window – we have done seaside, lazy day in the sunshine, 50’s glamour and 60’s pop. We have even had levitating felt animals heads (we are nothing if not inventive). We always try and draw people in with our displays. Its always our chance to be creative and have fun. Our window at the moment is Spring themed (call it wishful thinking) We have flower mannequin heads, floral wreaths and baskets of fresh flowers.

Although our budget is not very big we are always inventive and reuse some of our props, this is part of the perk of going on buying trips, is the props you can find. One of our favorite was a original 50’s metal rocking horse which adorned our central window for Christmas. Next week we are doing a record display – showcasing our 70’s record player and gramophone.

Pop by each Monday to see Amelia the owner beavering away.
Love PB
x