Intervew with Vivienne Sharman-Lewis (Part 2) (December 01, 2009)
CC ... Whom would you describe as your style icon and why?
I still admire the style of the Hollywood Goddesses, the eternal Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca for her iconic look; Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel and Desire; for sheer 40's Glamour, Rita Hayworth in Gilda; and - for ultimate style - Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep. I remember being influenced by the cover girls of the Roxy music albums, all tight satin pencil skirts, lurex tops and long satin gloves with red lips. I believe my own parents, especially my own mother, had to be my original style icons, with that same style, her long black carefully-curled hair, parted on one side, her red lipstick and her slim French suits, with tight pencil skirts, nipped in wasted jackets, and always the most sheer seamed stockings, stilettos or fur trimmed ankle boots and a matching handbag and gauntlet gloves. My father too, tall at 6' 2", jet black wavy hair and moustache with huge blue eyes, very Clark Gable in appearance, wore clothes so well, and I still remember his gaberdine mac tightly-belted, his leather brogues, double breasted suits and his all engulfing luxurious Winter coats in camel mohair or navy ribbed.
As a gawky tom boy, with my skinny straight up and down flat chested body, I yearned to be as glamorous and as feminine as my mother, but, when I did start to develop, the style had moved on to chunky trainers, track suits, jeans and Lycra!! I still long to return to that ever so stylish era.
A more recent icon would have to be Princess Diana, for someone who, after escaping her frumpy Sloane twin-set and pearl look, her battle with eating disorders and a tragically sad and lonely marriage, had eventually found her true goddess style, and had blossomed into a stunningly healthy, happy, bronzed and fashionable young woman, who was so much a part of our generation, just before her tragic and untimely end.
CC ... Who is your favourite fashion designer and why?
It is more an actual outfit than any one designer. I love the glamour of pure escapist and totally impracticable evening wear, so admire a designer who can achieve pure jaw- dropping, all-out glamour. Yves Saint Laurent and Versace can do just that. However, all I own of Versace are his spectacles!! Fashion was a great influence on me when I worked as a graphic designer at an advertising agency in London, and worked on glamour photo- shoots such as Martel Cognac, featuring a stunningly glam couple sipping cognac on some exotic Persian rug, in front of an open fire, with the copy-line of: 'we should do this more often'. Such ads graced the sumptuous pages of Harpers & Queen and Vogue, sharing space with top goddess models of their era, the impossibly beautiful Jerry Hall and Marie Helvin, as well as the Russian model Veruschka, exotic and resplendent in their pure white trouser suits, slashed to the waist, worn with gold stiletto-heeled sandals, or shimmering metallic backless gowns. I poured over those pages, devouring every outfit!!
CC ... Do you have a signature perfume and why do you choose this scent?
I could not live without perfume, to me it is the ultimate concession to femininity. I wear it every day, even when home alone! I loved Marilyn Monroe's statement that the only thing she wore to bed was Chanel No 5!! Promotional stunt, maybe! But oh, such a nice thought!! I tend to favour one particular fragrance, and, once found, after several trial and errors, will stay with it for some time, until I feel the need to change.
My recent favourite was 'Envy Me' by Givenchy, which I found fresh and subtle for day and wore for over a year; then I moved onto Allure by Chanel.
I steer away from too many floral notes, especially rose, which I find too cloyingly sweet, and tend to favour a more spicy and exotic undertone.
CC ... Do you have a favourite boutique in Wales?
Wow, just the one?? Shall we start with department stores?
No, living in Abergavenny, I have grown to love the convenience and relaxed ambience of shopping at the individual boutiques in the town. The recently-opened 'Base Boutique', owned by the stunning Joanne Wray, on Lion Street, sports quirky eye-catching designs from Desigual, the Spanish range, with their striking day and evening wear, as well as their eye catching Chilli Pepper range. You can also get your nails done at the same time!!
Then Twinkle Toes, with Allison Probert at 1-2 St Johns Street, for a really girly experience, where you can find some delicious mouth-watering evening wear, shoes and bags. I also pop into Alison Todd's, the milliner who supplies Harrods, for bespoke fascinators and hats.
Cardiff is also a regular High Street haunt, and I always find Zara on Queen Street a must visit, for its clever, relevant and affordable designs. The designer collection at Debenhams usually has something of interest, especially J at Jasper Conran or the Pierce Fionda evening dresses. I recall tearing up to Debenhams in London, the only branch that still had a size 10 in a red silk and burgundy velvet-trimmed evening dress, after the Cardiff branch had sold out. I returned triumphant, my prize secure, and I still have it to this day!!
One project I plan for Abergavenny to raise the international profile of this lovely town, and funds for a local charity, is is a 'Best Of Welsh Design Show', to showcase all the very best Wales has to offer in bespoke fashion, textiles, millinery, jewellery and accessories, hair & make-up . The stunning Georgian Angel Hotel, with its fabulous ballrooms, would make a stunning venue. I would like to follow this with a 'Wellness and Beauty Show' Do get in touch, if interested, and help put Welsh design and Abergavenny on the map. Why should London have all the fun???
Vivienne Sharman-Lewis
B.A. Hons Post Grad Ed
Director: Visions PR Ltd
CC ... Vivienne Sharman-Lewis, thank you.
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