The ‘inverted pyramid’ of editorial writing tells you to start with the most important and exciting information first. But they don’t tell you where to start when Wheels & Dollbaby launch their new range Theatre Dejazet, and then team up with Ellen Von Unwerth to make a film that’s so good that everything about it should be in the first sentence.
The collaboration is something made from a dream. Ellen Von Unwerth’s speciality in erotic femininity and Melanie Greensmith’s rock ‘n’ roll chic aesthetic work so synonymously that you couldn’t be blamed for wondering if they can read each other’s minds. There seems to be some sort of magic going on: the backdrop for the film is the theatre – a characteristically French setting; the models are two Parisian babes who eat macaroons, put lipstick on each other and wear Greensmith’s designs like they own them; stylist Sascha Lilic puts together beautiful ensembles, and Von Unwerth shoots the whole thing in black and white to the sound track of that Lollipop song. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time to Paris in the ‘50s.
We caught up with Melanie Greensmith, brain mother of Wheels & Dollbaby, to ask a few questions.
How would you describe the Wheels & Dollbaby woman?
Cool, chic, confident and perhaps playful.
What was the inspiration for Theatre Dejazet?
I was in the South of France recently, then Paris and of course became inspired by all things French. I worked on my print there for the collection and then things just unravelled.
What are three things we might not know about Ellen Von Unwerth?
She used to be a model, she has a lot of houses in Normandy, Germany, New York and she has a son!
What was it like working with her?
It showed me a whole other level of professionalism with art. It was the first shoot I have ever done where I did not have to really control every aspect of the feel and look I was going for. I pretty much let her and Sascha Lilac go for their vision of Wheels & Dollbaby, which luckily was amazing and in line with mine. Working with someone like Sascha, styling was a first also, as I have never really used a stylist. But as he had worked with Helmet Newton and we had hung out in London together, I knew he would get me.
Who inspires you and why?
Oh, lots of different things people, films, music, antique furniture and art, but mainly seductive glamorous films of the ’50s and ’60s. At present I am obsessed with Elizabeth Taylor in “Butterfield Eight“. The blues and the apartment where its shot are amazing!
Who is your favourite designer?
Well, I like different people for different things. For sparkle red carpet glamour I like Jenny Peckham. For fun chic I like Nina Ricci, some Sonia Rykiel, Lanvin, Dior but possibly my all time favorite would be Galliano.
What is your favourite fashion era?
The ’50s for glamour. The ’60s for the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll like The Stones, Anita Pallenberg, The Faces etc. They are still taking from all of those now in the music scene. I met Anita Pallenberg in London. She was my idol so that was pretty exciting!
What are your 5 fail-proof beauty pick-me-ups?
1) Afternoon closed pores nap (decadent I know)
2) Lots of Evian water
3) Creme de lar mer serum
4) Then a strong eye, soft lip
5) And lots of hair!
Tags: Beauty, Ellen Von Unwerth, melanie greensmith, retro, Theatre Dejazet, Wheels and Dollbaby
