| It’s All Rock N Roll Baby - Interview with Melanie Greensmith of Wheels & Doll Baby |
| Articles - Interviews |
 It’s All Rock N Roll BabyBy Christianne Bradshaw Iconic Australian label Wheels and Doll Baby captures the classic feminine sex appeal of a 1940’s film star laced with the rock star edge that transforms you into the chic glamour-puss that we all have hidden within. From beginnings of designing clothes for friends in bands founder Melanie Greensmith “…never thought the brand would be where it is today” and has sighted its success to just “…having fun and running with it”. After establishing the label in 1987 Greensmith has built a legion of celebrity followers from the original rock star Debbie Harry, to pop princess Katie Perry, modern rockster Gwen Stefani and the glamorous Dita Von Teese. Melanie has also had the pleasure of dressing Kate Moss and Daisy Lowe and also customising a leather jacket upon request for the late Micheal Jackson on his Bad tour. Parisian antiques, velvet and chandeliers adorn the Wheels and Doll Baby store in King St, Perth which all define the vintage inspired aesthetic that the label has become renowned for. And as an excellent ambassador for not only the Perth fashion scene but also as an Australian designer, Greensmith has stores in Perth, the flagship store in Sydney, a proposed boutique planned for London where she also has a huge following and can also be found stocked internationally in Harrods, Harvey Nichols and countless other boutiques from New York to Paris! The Perth Fashion Festival that begins formal festivities in September marks Melanie’s return to the annual event after being recognised on the Fashion Walk of Fame in Perth’s fashion central King St in 2008. So what can everyone expect from the new Spring Summer 09/10 range? Greensmith divulges that the “Le Seduction” collection will incorporate midnight blue hues with glitter and sequin embellishments, 40’s high waisted knickers with fringing, Parisian themed pieces with embroidery and also additions to the Classic Collection of jersey and body con dresses that have become the “must have” piece for any true “doll baby” devotee. Labelled the show not to be missed, the Wheels and Doll Baby Spring/Summer 09/10 launch is the hot ticket for the Perth Fashion Festival on Sunday the 6th of September at Fashion Paramount, Perth. The new website has also just been launched at www.wheelsanddollbaby.com and if you too desire one of the scene stealing pieces that are labelled as….. “Clothes to Snare a Millionaire” you are able to purchase product online. What Inspires Me…… with Melanie Greensmith, founder and designer of Wheels and Doll Baby What are your main influences? I’m inspired by different things……I love the old film stars like Rita Hayworth and all my old favourite classic movies and I’m also into music so I have rock n roll influences as well. Your collections define the real classic film star chic that you love. Who in your mind captures that classic sexy look in modern times? Audrey Tatou and Nicole Kidman are both true film stars with a classic elegance about them which I love. You have used Daisy Lowe in recent campaigns and she is well respected right now for her unique style, what drew you to use her for your collections? I met Daisy when she was 15 ,as I knew her mum, when she wanted to do some modelling for me and then 5 years later I have been in contact with her to do some work and she is amazing…… I just love how she has the real London style going on. What is your favourite item from your new Spring/Summer 09/10 range that you are launching at the Perth Fashion Festival? A midnight blue silk trench dress and the high waisted knickers. What are the most important staple items every woman should have in her wardrobe? Definitely a sharp black dinner jacket, leather jacket, a logo tee…. from Wheels and Doll Baby of course…. A great pair of Louboutin shoes and one of our bra dresses – they look fabulous and suit girls with curves. Who would you love to dress? I have previously worked with Kate Moss and loved dressing her….also just did Katy Perry. But would have to say would love to work with Audrey Tatou. What is your life motto? Don’t be afraid to have a go and be determined at what you want to do.  Daisy Lowe for Wheels and Doll Baby www.wheelsanddollbaby.com |
