I heart bombshell-inspired clothing, but being a curvy girl means that it’s not often I can indulge my inner 1950’s goddess girl.

Enter Vivien of Holloway. If you love the retro look, Vivien of Holloway is your go-to girl whatever your size. She has a real-life shop in London and a beyond pretty website that has a fabulous range of 40s and 50s inspired ensembles at very reasonable prices. Charlotte Church, Nigella Lawson, Alesha Dixon and Kate Nash are all fans of the full-skirted halter dress, and myself? Well, I just want it all! Come meet the lady behind the label…yep, you’ve guessed it, I’ve gone and got a girl crush.

What is Vivien of Holloway exactly?
Vivien of Holloway is the way I pass my time when I pretend I am actually working. It is my favourite hobby and for some reason people pay me to do it. But slightly more seriously. Vivien of Holloway is a reproduction Clothing company specialising in 40’s and 50’s clothing.

Describe the lady behind the label in 5 words…
Hmmm…5?
Passionate, anything more I would sound vain possibly, so you best ask someone else!! 
 


How long has VOH been established and what made you set it up?
Vivien of Holloway as a brand has been established for over 10 years. But since I am Vivien, I live in Holloway and I have been doing this all my life, then quite a bit longer. 
 


What’s your creative process like – how do VOH prods go from an idea in your head to items of total prettiliciousness?
Truly, I am very selfish and design clothes I want to wear then hunt down or design fabrics I would like to wear them in. Though all the fabrics may not really be me, I know they will look amazing on others. I am a pasty blonde after all.

What’s your fave prod right now?
I am very excited by the new fabrics we have coming in. But to wear I love the sarong and the 40’s dress. The sarong is total glamour and can be worn in lots of different ways to dress it up or down. The 40’s dress always works whatever the occasion and is so comfy.  Needs no more thought than which necklace shall I wear with it. I have both dresses in over a dozen fabrics in my wardrobe

Is it hard to be creative and business-y too?
They are kind of one and the same for me. I enjoy thinking up new ways to promote the company almost as much as I like choosing what product to make next. I also have a great team behind me. But it can be a challenge sometimes. 
 


What do you love most about what you do?
Really what isn’t there to love? I can even choose which hours I work as I don’t work in the shop, just drop in to make sure things are running smoothly. But I must say that working in the shop is the fun part. Helping to style people in the clothes I have designed. But I like the freedom, as I do love to party. 
 


What’s your motto for life?
Never work harder than you play. 
 


If VOH had a soundtrack what songs would be on it?
Oh, I couldn’t say but I’m sure it would be very upbeat and make you think of summer with a bit of raunchy Rock n Roll thrown in! 
 


What do you love most about being a girl?
Flirting with Boys and wearing beautiful clothes, of course.

Who are your style icons?
I don’t really have one. But I do just love old movies and get a lot of inspiration from them. But I guess to give a name or 2, Rita Hayworth and  Marilyn, of course. 
 


If you could return to a specific era, what would you choose?
Late 40’s early 50’s but not for too long. I like my home comforts. 
 


The Sassy List – what’s your favourite… 

Book: Bring on the empty horses/ David Niven

Website: Ebay of course
Make up brand: Dior
Movie: Gilda
City: London

Hang out: Wherever my friends are

Food: Mexican

What does the term Sassy Minx mean to you?
I think it is a gal ahead of the game and going for what she wants, in the best possible way! 

Vivien of Holloway are having a half-price in-store sale from 28th – 31st January. The sale will include seconds, samples, overstocked item and maybe even some vintage items from Vivien’s own collection.

The SALE will be BIG and it will be CHEAP…SO GO ALONG AND GRAB A BARGAIN….DON’T MISS OUT ON THE FIRST EVER VoH SALE – I’ll see you in the queue!