Australian TV show host and positive fashion spokesperson Faye de Lanty of Fashion Hound was born a love child.
Her mother and father met after he’d moved to a 1960s fashionable London in his late teens to become a glam rock star. His aspirations to buddy up with Mick Jagger took a detour after walking into a record store and seeing Faye’s mother (and his future wife), Nadia. He “fell head over heels,” says Faye, and the rest was history.
This guest post from Faye marks the first in a new series called Empowered by the Past.
After publishing vintage 1970s photos of my mother and receiving so many great comments, I realized that each and every person reading this has a special past that we can share with this ever-growing community of #vintagelovers.
This series is open to every reader who would like to share the photos and stories of the women in their lives who have inspired them. Whether your mother, grandmother, aunt or a teacher, neighbor, co-worker and the like, Empowered by the Past is an homage to yesterday’s fashion and the stories of the women who lived amazing lives wearing amazing (and now vintage!) style.
Are you interested in contributing to Empowered by the Past? Email me ([email protected]) for consideration!
Or say hello on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or subscribing to my newsletter. Check out my book, the 100 Best Vintage Shops Online, now for sale on Etsy!
Sammy
What did your mom wear when she stepped out in style?
My Mumma was a BIBA girl (an iconic shopping destination of London in the 1960s and 1970s) so her style was ineffable.
The Photo: This is my favorite of my Mumma, taken by her first boyfriend in a London park.
I actually have it on canvas above my bed. This photo is everything to me. If you look closely at the bottom right hand corner, she wrote “From Me.”
My Mumma was the ultimate Boho, central London babe. She wore long flowy skirts, lace-up suede boots, my Dad’s scarfs as tops, big bug eye shades, vintage brooches and had luscious long locks.
While she wore new, she also wore a lot of vintage too.
The Photo: My Mumma in our London garden. She’s wearing my Dad’s vintage scarf as a belt secured with a brooch and a skirt from BIBA. That furry thing in the background is our dog Angie.
It’s mid morning and that’s a G&T in Mumma’s hand!
What is an example of how your mom overcame a challenge in her life?
She went through a lot with my Dad. They grew apart and it was a tough break up and I know she “braved a thousand storms to leave him” (a lyric byAdele).
It affected me so I can’t imagine how hard it must have been for her. I was young when it happened and I was confused so I didn’t talk to Mumma for three years. I know that must have been the most awful thing in the world.
The birth of my sister when I was 15 after my Mum had remarried is what bought us back together. Sarah (my sister) is our auburn angel. I couldn’t be closer to my Mumma now if I tried! Or my sis for that matter.
The Photo: My sister Sarah, me and my Mumma at a very special event I created three years ago.
I had a clothing label called “Love Chile,” named after the fact that I was a love child! I organised this amazing fashion fundraiser for the Butterfly Foundation to help women suffering from eating disorders and negative self image.
My sister modeled in the show. It was a very proud moment. The collection was totally inspired by my Mumma and Dad’s life in the the 70’s. It was called the “Night of the Butterfly.”
What were your mom’s most admirable traits?
My Mumma is one of the most divine creatures on the planet. She is kind, sensitive, giving, funny and her smile and laugh lights up a room.
She is positive and has a can-do attitude. She keeps things really simple too. She loves her girls (my sis and I) her husband, her friends, her craft and her garden. She is earthy, authentic and gives the best hugs on the planet.
The Photo: My Mumma and her dog Angie (named after the Rolling Stones song!) at their London apartment.
How do you try to embody your mom’s best traits in your own life?
I aim to keep my Mumma’s rosey outlook on life. She’s been through so much that she doesn’t sweat the small stuff.
I also try to stay as earthy as I can – connected to nature, my spirit, the angels, being kind and thoughtful and being grateful and present.
What physical piece of vintage do you own from your mom’s personal collection?
It’s a combo of my Dad’s jacket with my Mumma’s handiwork. They both used to wear this piece and it was handed down to me: A green velvet bespoke tuxedo jacket made by famous London tailor Tommy Nutter, who used to make jackets for the Stones, The Beatles, Elton John and Bianca Jagger.
My mumma embroidered the entire back with birds and flowers. It’s a show stopper. I feel confident, proud and like a one of a kind peacock when I wear it! It has opened many doors for me – I love how fashion can do that.
Australian #vintagelover and TV show host, positive fashion spokesperson and sustainable stylista Faye de Lanty founded Fashion Hound to create a digital portal for “individual style, being savvy, smart, clever, cool and conscious of how you spend.”
She was a host of Australia’s popular Totally Wild show for more than a decade, and as appeared on various TV shows, programs and digital web series over the course of her career as a presenter, journalist and role model.
Visit Faye!
Site – Twitter – Instagram – Facebook
MORE VINTAGE FASHION
My Mom: Paying Tribute this Mother’s Day
Love Child: How to Dress in ’60s Mod
Designers: Why Mary Quaint is a Vintage Rockstar (and Inventor of the Miniskirt)
Plus: Fashion in the 1960s Made History (and Rocked Every Woman’s Closet)
Wonderful article. Thank you for sharing the memories of your mother. I can tell she is everything to you! You, your auburn haired sis and your mother are gorgeous and I am so glad that the rift between you and your mother healed. Best wishes to you and your family…G
What a beautiful story of two sisters brought together! I love the photo of Nadia holding Angie, the massive dog!
Just stopped by to see what Sammy’s up to and was pleased to find this post. I loved that jacket! It’s really what true vintage is- a special piece passed down and added to by each generation. Whether that’s in it’s care, repair, the passing down of its story.. Easy to see Faye’s passion for it and her family:) thanks!
Dropping by to put some love on your blog!! xoxoxo (A pinterest link sent me.)
Long time, not enough speak! Feeling your spirit Abiola! We must connect digitally or in person soon! xx
Such a sweet, heart-felt story about Faye and her mom. And Mom was a BIBA girl no less. Long live Bohemian style!
Great idea for a series, Sammy. Nice work as always. :)