welcome to
[editor’s letter ]
daydreamer
What makes you happy? This is what photographer Faye Douthwaite asked her friends and family when we gave her the chance to take over our first supplement. Daydreamer is a chance for aspiring talent to come forward and show us exactly what they do and why. As we take you through the journey of our first issue, we connect with Faye and the style of photography that took over her dreams as a child and is now becoming a reality. Raw, real and meaningful, Faye’s personal style is conveyed through photoshoots with land rover trucks and vintage Dior dresses. Inspiring others to fulfill their dreams and believe that their daydreams can become a reality.
ISSUE 1
9
THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE
[table of contents] 26
FEATURE: I WAS BORN THIS WAY, BABY
18 A DIFFERENT KIND OF LOVE
32 RIGHT BY YOUR SIDE
22
BOOTS WERE MADE 36 THESE FOR WALKING
FEATURE: DAISY DAYDREAMER MY LOVE FOR MY GRANDMA AND THE 1950S
44 48 54
FEATURE: BEVERLY SEMMES
FEATURE: I’M FOR HER AND SHE’S FOR ME
THE BARE NECCESSITIES
60 68
TWISTED VINTAGE
FINAL WORD
the simple things in life Taking us through her happiness, Nicola enjoys sharing her freedom with us on the beach.
skirt, DAHLIA
Photography and Styling by Faye Douthwaite Dd / 011
dress, ASOS
jumper, ALL SAINTS earrings, VIVIENNE WESTWOOD
Hi Nicola, how are you today?
“I LIVE FOR MYSELF AND TRY TO LIVE LIFE TO THE FULL. I MAKE THE MOST OF LIFE AND THAT’S WHAT MAKE ME HAPPY”.
Very well thank you. Working hard this week but trying to enjoy the sunshine that has finally appeared!
That’s great. Where are you right now? What can you see out of the nearest window to you?
Well I’m having my lunch right now. I’m enjoying my favourite food with my favourite people. A nandos and my best friends. It really is the simple things in life that make me smile.
What do you do?
I earn my money so I can enjoy my freedom.
What is it about your freedom that makes you happy?
Its really all about not having to answer to anyone, or explain my actions and thoughts to anyone else. Of course, I love my family and friends dearly but I live for myself and I try to live it to the full. Enjoying everything I do and making sure I don’t take anything for granted at the same time. But I make the most of my life and that’s why it makes me happy.
Do you have a favourite quote or song lyric that you’d like to share with us?
I came across this quote a while ago that sums up my life completely... “One day your life will flash before your eyes, make sure it’s worth watching”. Alot has happened to me and my family recently and when I heard it, it really stuck with me. I even have it tattooed to my foot so it lives with me forever.
That sounds great, very meaningful.Did you have fun in your photoshoot for Daydreamer? What did you do?
Yeah I had a blast! I was basically frolicked around on a gorgeous beach topless, which I was suprisingly comfortable with. I can’t say the same for the dog walkers walking passed us though!
If you could dress up like anyone, who would it be?
I would love to have Carrie Bradshaw’s wardrobe! The character they created was brilliant! Giving someone the confidence to pull out anything in her wardrobe and be able to pull it off - I’d love that!
Dd / 015
What is you own opinion on fashion? Do you like following the latest trends? I would say I definitely followed them, but more what’s on the highstreet. As much as I can appreciate what’s shown on catwalks and in designer stores, I don’t feel like I’d have the imagination or confidence to pull one of those outfits off. I’d probabl y need to hire Carrie Bradshaw’s stylist to help me!
I’m sure you could, you looked great in your shoot! What about your childhood, did you have a favourite fairytale when you were younger?
I still love the story of Snow White. There’s just something so magical about it.
What about your favourite song from your childhood? Waiting for a star to fall by Boy Meets Girl.
Great song! If you could own a piece of art, which would you choose?
I prefer photographs to paintings, so maybe a photograph of my favourite place would look great in my living room. That’s not a bad idea actually, I’m re-decorating my place at the minute so I could add that little touch.
What is your favourite place?
Ibiza. I moved over there for a short period and it was the best thing I’ve ever done. The island is just beautiful.
If you ran away and moved to the circus, what would you do?
Well I’ve never actually been to the circus so it would be a whole new experience for me. But I’ve always wanted to walk a tight rope so that would be top of my list.
Finally Nicola, what is it that you do for fun?
I enjoy my freedom. That is my main source of fun. Spending time with loved ones and surrounding myself with positive energy. Of course that is not always possible but if you believe and want it badly enough, happiness will follow.
a different kind of love A classic story of girl meets horse. Professional horse rider Rebecca takes us through her happiness and how she found it in Hardy.
Photography and Styling by Faye Douthwaite
“I love the style of Katniss Everdeen. I’d love to dress up as some sort of hit girl or hunter type.”
Hi Rebecca, thank you for taking your time out today. I hope you enjoyed your shoot with us. How is Hardy the horse? Hardy is great, we had a lot of fun.
What is it about Hardy that makes you happy? Is he your first horse?
No he isn’t my first horse, I have been riding since I was two years old so I have had a fair few horses in the past. But Hardy is by far the sweetest horse, he is so loving and playful, just like me! He’s great when you’re in a bad mood and always gives me lots of kisses to make me feel better.
Two years old, wow you must love it! What did you do in your shoot for Daydreamer?
I had the gorgeous Hardy out in the fields, wearing a beautiful ball gown. I loved dressing up! And Hardy was very well behaved. The theme and concept of the shoot was really intersting.
What best describes your everyday life apart from horse riding? What do you do?
I’d love to just answer this “full time Princess”, however I guess that’s just a dream! (Although the way I looked in my shoot, I’m not far off!) I work for a bank so not quite as exciting or glamorous but it pays for me to take care of my beautiful horse.
If you could dress up like anybody who would it be?
This is such a hard question. Probably some sort of hit girl of hunter type like Katniss Everdeen from the Hunger Games. I love the long leather boots and jackets. I’m really into fashion that has a very grungey feel, yet still feminine.
What is your favourite fairytale?
Beauty and the Beast. Beauty is only skin deep. Trying to be a good person is so important to me,
Where are you right now? What can you see out of your nearest window?
I’m currently in the living room with my precious dog, Barney and honestly, it’s pitch black outside so I can only see my own reflection.
What is your favourite song from your childhood?
This is a tough one, there’s so many! I did love Gina G but I think a song by The Who would have been my favourite at some point.
What do you aspire to be in life? A Princess! I hear Prince Harry is looking for love...
If you could own a piece of art, what would it be?
Probably something to go outside, maybe a statue of some sort for my garden., that would be nice.
What do you do for fun?
I am a large barrel of fun, everything I do is fun or at least I try to make it.
That’s the way to live your life! Thanks Rebecca. My pleasure.
Dd / 021
gown, JOHN LEWIS BESPOKE
Daisy Daydreamer FEATURE
Gramophones and Grandmas Daisy Daydreamer blog gives you an exclusive look at her entries, telling us why she loves the 1950s and vintage clothing and how her Grandparents have influenced this love.
Words by Faye Douthwaite
The term ‘vintage’ is used very often in the world of fashion. It is a sought after era of bygone years that has proven to be timeless throughout wardrobes. Described as an art form, a certain garment from a past era can make one feel like they are wearing a piece of history, almost as if they are transported back in time to their desired decade.. Me, for example, would love to disappear away from the comerical era that we live in now and be taken back to the amazing 1950s. The creator of ready to wear, the 1950s became a mark of history in fashion, creating some of the most adaptable trends that we see walking our famous catwalks now. I consider myself a very lucky girl to have family members who’s prime years were the 1950s, my grandparents. Marrying in 1954 when my grandfather arrived back from serving time over in Africa in the army, they wed at a very intimate family occasion in North Shields,
Dd / 023
Tyne and Wear. They are true influences in my life. Everytime I visit my grandparents I always ask to see past photographs of when they were my age in the 1950s and I can’t help but admire the fashion the ladies created and wore during that decade. Being the era of massproduced clothing and standardised sizes, young ladies donned trousers which ranged from ankle length to just below the knee and Rockers and Beatniks which was said to show their dissatisfaction with the current status quo of jeans, leather jackets and hourly cups of coffee. But the 1950s proved also to be the decade of a revival for couture, tailored to fit perfectly. Women wore feminine, charming clothes with bows, flounces and frills.The kind of garments I have myself adopted into my wardrobe and what I admire most when I visit vintage stores or even the nearest high street store. In particular, dresses and skirts.
Having researched the 1950s until it felt like I as actually there and after numerous conversations with my Grandma, my love for 1950s garments, especially dresses and skirts has just grew more and more. The silhoutte created by such major fashion houses that gave women a sense of identity and a real feel of beauty can only be described best by the clothing of the 1950s. So why is it that the 1950s is such a sought after era, still today? We always look to the fifties as being the decade of the new age, when women came into their own, got jobs and started to become money makes in the family. They really started to enjoy themselves and were seen as powerful figures. After the second world war, when the almighty fashion house Chanel was riding high and producing garments so far ahead of time, women became more empowered, carrying out laborous jobs and dressed to suit their new lifestyle with trousers and jersey tops. However, branching out a few years early in 1947, Christian Dior created what is called the “New Look� which was seen as a backlash from the war and saw women dressing like women again. The silhouette and body shape created by this look made women look and feel more sexy, yet still very much sophisticated and
“AS A SOCIETY AND FASHION LOVERS, WE NEED TO APPRECIATE REAL FASHION WHEN WE SEE IT AND REMEMBER THE ARTISTS WHO CREATED SUCH AMAZING CREATIONS” classy. A silhouette that showed off a woman’s best feature, nipping in at the waist and giving society back it’s hourglass figure that was desired and is still so today.
creations would have on the 21st century and how much they are still influencing catwalks and fashion shows all over the world. When I look back at the photographs of my Grandma, enjoying a day out with her friends in such Alongside this new look that took over the gorgeous dresses and wearing such a big smile 1950s, were a few key pieces in every woman’s on their face, really shows me how times were wardrobe then and today such as the poodle changing and women were enjoying their garskirt and the circle skirt. Long coats were exments and their freedom alot more. It is such tremely popular that flirted slightly with the a far cry from the consumer society we live in knee and had loose sleves for comfort. And of now, we need to appreciate the simple things course, the chemise dress. Loose fitting and and appreciate real fashion when we witness it. often wore with a belt in order to bring in the Also to remember which designers, or arguably waist and show off a woman’s figure. A perartists that were responsible for such amazing sonal favourite of mine among many woman creations. today of all body types as it creates a great illusion of a petite waist line. All of these brief factors add up to just why I love the fifties so much and why it was such a great, historic decade that sticks in my head and makes me wish I was there. To physically be there and witness all those great history making moments and such great movements in fashion would have just been amazing. Granted, in the 1950s, no one could have guessed just how much of an impact those
Images courtesy of my
Grandma
FEATURE
i was born this way, baby
all illustrations courtesy of ADAM BELL
“I LOVE THE FA CT DRA URALLY WING C TO ME. OMES N I WANDE LIKE LE ATT R AND TING M L ETTING Y THE PA THE PEN MIND PER TH CIL HIT E WAY I T WAN TS TO” Hi Adam, how are you? What are you up to this afternoon? I’m great thanks, just enjoying my Wednesday illustration lesson.
Are you feeling extra creative today? I always feel inspired and creative but the sun is shining and I’m around lovely company which helps!
That’s great. Are you enjoying university so far? Is it everything you expected it to be? I’m definitely enjoying it. It’s where I want to be and I’ve realised where I should be as I want to be a designer.
Where you should be, that’s interesting. Have you always known you wanted to be a designer? I used to go through phases, as I’m sure everyone has at some point. I”ve went from wanting to be an art teacher to a film director. But my heart is now set on designing and it isn’t changing any time soon.
I can see why art teacher would appear in that list, your illustrations are somply fantastic! How long have you been drawing for? To be honest, since I was about 4 years old. I started at nursery where I drew the almighty Woody the Cowboy from Toy Story. It was pretty good if I say so myself!
Ah Woody was my favourite! I bet it was a cracking tribute at such a young age! What is it about drawing that makes you happy? I love the fact that it just comes naturally. I don’t have to think about what I’m doing, I can just let my mind wander and enjoy where my pencil is hitting the paper.
What or who inspires you? Who has been a prominent influence in your illusrations. Lady Gaga. Which is pretty self explanatory, she’s just amazing! I even have her tattooed on my arm. But to be honest, I go through phases. For a solid 10 years I would only draw Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the vampires that featured on the show. I would constantly send my illustrations over to the official Buffy magazine, I was that crazed about it! Now though, as I grow up, learn new things and my style develops, I start moving in new directions and new phases.
Is that how you end up choosing your subjects? Just depending on what path you’re taking at the time? Kind of, yes. It really does depend on the mood I’m in. If I’ve been listening to Lady Gaga or watching a Zac Efron movie for example, I would be drawn to those subjects. The majority of my illustrations have emerged from my critical eye. I will often come across an image or a photograph and my immediate thought would be “I would change that” or “that should be moved over there” so that’s my catalyst and I begin my own version.
How would you best describe your style of illustrations? Do you believe in having your own style? I definitely believe it is important to develop your own style and be your own person, especially in such a competitive industry like this one. I’ve tried to do that from an early age really. When I studied art in school I was never really interested in art history or when we were advised to draw in the style of a certain artist, I never wanted to do that. I just wanted to grab the pencil and let it flow the way it wanted to, the way it naturally does.
“I WENT THROUGH PHASES OF WANTING TO BE AN ART TEACHER AND A FILM DIRECTOR. I CAN SAFELY SAY MY HEART IS NOW SET ON BEING A FASHION DESIGNER”
If you could own any piece of art, which would you choose? ‘The Scream’ by Edvard Munch. There’s a reason why it’s arguably the most recognizable piece of art in history. I’d also like to be able to say I had that much money to afford it! I drew my own adaptation of it when I was about 13 years old. It recieved a A*** which I don’t even think exists, but I didn;t complain!
Wow! That must have been some illustration! What is your ideal environment to work in? Do you enjoy listening to music or do you prefer silence? Music definitely! There’s something about having a certain beat, rhythm around you. It sometimes sets off my creativity for the day, silence for me is too boring.
What kind of music do you listen to? Of course Lady Gaga is top of my list, but I like to listen to songs that remind me of the subjects I’m drawing or the artists album. For example when I illustrated Marcus Collins I listened to his entire album. I believe it helped me inject not only mine, but Marcus’ personality into the illustration and sparked up my creativity.
Has any of your work been recognised or praised? When I was 15 years old I created an A1 poster of girls aloud. I ended up winning a competition to recieve a phone call from Kimberly Walsh. I ended up getting it signed by all of them. I also recieve a letter in reply from Marcus Collins when I sent him my illustration of him. I love the feeling of acknowledgment from the people I admire the most.
Well that’s certainly interesting. Finally, what is your own opinion on fashion? I think it’s extremely important to have your own style. To be your own person and believe in the clothes you are wearing. However, it is still helpful to follow some trends. But it’s okay to modify them to suit you.
Thank you Adam.
Do you have a favourite fairytale? Rupunzel. But the Disney tangled version. I found it very interesting.
What is your favourite quote? “I was born this way” - Lady Gaga
What would be your favourite way to spend a Sunday? In bed with Lady Gaga and brownies. Dd / 031
My pleasure.
.
Right By Your Side
Megan and Benny share their friendship with us. Talking about fairytales and fun on their favourite walking place.
Photography and Styling by Faye Douthwaite
blazer, NEW LOOK t-shirt and hat, VINTAGE trousers, ZARA
Hi Megan, how are you today? Great thanks!
it is a person’s own ability and choice to take those trends and create a style of their own. Having your own identity is so important these days.
Where are you right now? What can you see out of the nearest window to you?
What is your favourite fairytale?
I’m currently at work. A busy restaurant full of happy customers enjoying great food. Out of my nearest window I can see a car park full of cars and the trees blowing slightly in the breeze, very peaceful.
Thumblina. The meaning behind the story is just so insightful. No matter where you are, who you are, how big you are, you can still achieve everything you want to.
If you ran away to the cirucs, what would you do?
Lion tamer! That would just be amazing. I’d love to work with animals and huge cats is definitely on the list. Well, technically I learn for a living. But being a student does mean I require a part time job where I try to give the customers If you could own a piece of art, what would it be? the best service possible, I’m always smiling. I would love a painting of Marilyn Monroe to add to the collection in my bedroom. What did you do in your shoot for Daydreamer? I basically did what I do everyday, however I was styled in a What do you do for fun? fantastic outfit and posed for a few photographs. I’m always I just try to enjoy every day as it comes. I try to do something taking Benny out on his daily walks, I enjoy the fresh air as fun at least once a day so I can go to sleep at night with a smile much as he does! on my face, ready for the next day.
What best describes what you do for a living?
What is it about your lovely dog, Benny, that makes you happy?
Benny is just the sweetest! I got him as a Christmas present four years ago and it’s still the best gift I could have ever recieved. He’s always there to greet me when I come through the front door and he’s always there giving me cuddles and kisses.
If you could dress up like anyone, who would it be?
I don’t even have to think about this one. Marilyn Monroe. She is my idol. My bedroom walls are just full of her photographs, she was a truly inspirational woman.
What is your own opinion on fashion?
What would be your ideal way to spend a Sunday?
Well since I work every Sunday a day off would be nice! I’d probably spend it with my family, a nice barbeque if the weather is nice, if not a lovely Sunday Roast will always go down a treat. And of course, an hour on the beach with Benny!
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Appreciate the small things”. I came across that quote not too long ago and it’s definitely what I try to do. Your life is only as exciting as you make it but no matter where you go or what you do, always remember where you came from and what you have.
I believe fashion is very important. It’s definitely a great luxury that we are able to see these amazing pieces of designer garments on catwalks and be able to find out what the latest trends What a lovely way to end our chat, thanks Megan. No problem! are for each season so we can follow them. However, I believe
“HAVING YOUR OWN IDENTITY IS SO IMPORTANT THESE DAYS”.
These Boots Were Made For Walking Photography and Styling by Faye Douthwaite
top, VINTAGE shorts, LEVIS tights, MODELS OWN boots, DR. MARTENS
Dd / 043
top, ALL SAINTS shorts, LEVIS tights, MODELS OWN boots, DR. MARTENS
Daisy Daydreamer FEATURE
when there
are no words Beverly Semmes’ surreal illusions are proving to set huge standards for the designers and dreamers among us. We take you through her creations and how they have got us all dreaming of bigger, better things.
All images courtesy of TrendLand
Born and working in Washington, DC Beverly Semmes’s has been showing her exceptional art since 1990. Showing her work in museums all around the world, Beverly first won attention with her monumental dresses and other largescale clothing. Her creations are both delightful, amusing to some and most definitely thought provoking. they create in us a fantasy, an illusion that questions where we are, almost like a twisted dream. Creating such monumental sculptures that powerfully invoked the female body, touching on gender and feminism are said to be used to question the power of our clothing and it’s ability to influ-
ence and define who we are. They force us to dig deeper into our thoughts and really think about how the garments we wear represent us as a person, as an individual, Her exaggeration of such clothing involves distortion of bodices, elongated arms and the ability to reach a psychological level that we normally wouldn’t dare to touch. Highlighting the concern many artists recognise in creating your own identity with the clothes we choose to dress ourselves in every day,
Dd / 047
I’M FOR
her
AND SHE’S FOR ME With an array of fantastic songs under his belt, lead singer of TheseAreYourFriends, Karl shares his happiness with us. Perfect chords and full english breakfasts make the day for this songwriter with a soul.
All images courtesy of TheseAreYourFriends Interview by Faye Douthwaite
[
“I SEEM TO GRAB HOLD OF SITUATIONS I HAVE BEEN THROUGH AND USE THEM AS MY BIGGEST SOURCE OF IDEAS FOR SONGS”
]
Hi Karl, thanks for talking to us this afternoon. How is If you could have written any song by any artist, which would you choose? TAYF? We’re doing very well thanks, just rehersing for a small, intimate acoustic gig we’re playing tonight.
The one that sold the most copies! Honestly, it would have to be a love song, like a ballad, they’re timeless. I can’t answer this.
How long have you been writing songs for?
If you could write the soundtrack to any movie, which would you choose?
I think about 15 years now? Making me feel a lot older than I thought it would! I was 14 when I wrote my first song.
What is it about songwriting that makes you happy?
The correct chord structure and the smoothness, in which a song enters the chorus. I always try to think of and write lyrics that are original and personal to myself so a verse full of sentences that no-one else could make up is always a challenge and the most rewarding aspect!
What is your main inspiration? Has this changed since you first started writing songs?
My inspiration is myself. I seem to grab hold of situations that I have been through and use them as my biggest source of ideas for songs. I rarely write in the 3rd person or about someone else. Relationships good and bad seem to occupy most of my song lyrics.
How would you best describe your music to someone who hadn’t heard it? Is it inspired by any partciular musicians?
My songs are what I would describe as homage to the genre of music I love to listen to. The lyrics are always original but I would suggest that the music has lots of bits of Britpop and British traditional rock that I have heard over the years. First inspiration came from Noel Gallagher and the early Oasis songs, but also The Bluetones, Shed Seven and Dodgy. As I have aged I have a slightly broader taste which incorporates more pop artists.
Are you working on a particular song right now? Can you tell us anything about it?
It might sound egotistical but it would be a film about my life. Not that my life would ever become a film but I would know what type of music to play to each mood conveyed, instantly.
What do you do?
I work in the sports department of a secondary school. My old secondary school, so it feels like I’ve never actually left. A technician type person. I love playing and watching football amongst other things and of course playing guitar and singing.
If you dress up like anyone, who would it be?
Currently, I quite like Tyler James’ style who is a contestant on the Voice UK, minus the turtle necks of course, that’s not for me
What was your favourite fairytale as a child?
Not sure I have a favourite fairytale, but I have always been fascinated by The Tower of Babel story from the Bible, which I first heard when I was a child. I’m not religious in any shape or form but if was to pick a favourite lie from the great book it would be that one.
Where are you? What can you see out of your nearest window?
As its dark and the blinds are closed not much! Out the window though is the main street that leads you to North Shields town centre. Busy with public transport, police cars, people passing by and the nicest Italian sandwich/pasta/Panini shop called The Italian Job. Owned by authentic Italians too.
What is your favourite book and/or song from your childhood?
Yeah I’m working on a song called ‘Just The Way It Goes’. I Book: Funnybones by Janet Ahlberg guess it’s about the way it goes! Looking at it deeply I am prob- Song: Zoom by Fat Larry’s Band. ably saying to myself ‘look you’re here, where you’re at and it’s a good place. Other people you know aren’t as fortunate as you What did you dream about last night? are right now and that’s just the way it goes’. Being at work! Honestly.
Which of your songs are you particularly proud of?
There’s not many actually. It’s a rare occasion where you can be truly proud of a song and all of it’s components. ‘To The Bay’ and ‘All Eyes On You’ are probably the songs I take most satisfaction from writing. ‘TTB’ is a song that a lot of my friends know and sing and like so I’m proper proud as punch of that. ‘AEOY’ is probably my most favourite chord structure and the way the song flows is particularly a proud moment I have.
What is your own opinion on fashion?
I’m not a trend setter. But I do love the way fashion is a tool by which you can accessorise your persona and how powerful it is in provoking reactions from people you may have never met before. As I get older I want to look smarter, but I’m aware that I need to keep a sense of individuality in what I like to wear.
Dd / 051
Do you have a favourite quote and/or song lyric?
Lots of favourite quotes. I’m a big admirer of Brian Clough and there are thousands of things he said which I could have put here, but my other idol Morrissey gets this vote. In a song called ‘Dagenham Dave’ there’s a line where he says ‘I could say more, but you get the general idea…’ Just love it. I fancy a tattoo of it somewhere.
What do you aspire to be in life? Content.
If you could own a piece of art, what would it be?
I’ve been bugging the girl for a big canvas of Brian Clough for the spare room. I’m definitely more into photographs than actual pieces of art and if it’s a picture you’ve taken yourself then the better!
What do you do for fun?
Fun is playing gigs, hanging out with the gang, spending time with the girl and trips away.
What is your best way to spend a Sunday? Full English. Full lie-in. Full Sunday roast. Full day of watching football. Full night drinking.
What do you like best about where you live?
North Shields is home. Probably that I feel content here. If life took me to another place though I’d relish that right now, but you may take the boy out of Shields, but you can never take the Shields out of the boy.
‘I HAVE A FOOT ON THE FLOOR, BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE TWO. AND I AGREE THAT THE RATIO HAS SHIFTED THAT WAY, BUT IT’S COOL”. TheseAreYourFriends - RATIO
the bare necessities
Not phased by material things, we are introduced to Carlo and his love for old, barely functioning cars. Talking about being a recluse and his favourite hiding place, we find out exactly what makes him happy. Photography and styling by Faye Douthwaite
“I LOVE THE FACT THAT THERE IS NOTHING ON IT THAT CAN’T BE FIXED WITHOUT A BIT OF BLOOD, SWEAT AND A TOOL BOX!” Hi Carlo, thanks for taking your time to talk to Daydreamer after your shoot. That’s no poblem.
What do you do?
Offically I am a refreshment replenishment technician. Or in lay man terms I am a humble barkeep. Unofficially however, I refurbish items that although they may require some work, are still functional and of use to some. Yet they have been deemed too old or no longer the items to have by our throw away consumer society that we all currently reside. I am currently in the early stages of repairing and modernising an airstream caravan. It should once again be a shiny item of beauty.
What did you do in your shoot for Daydreamer?
Well I would say in one respective I donned a suit and a flat cap whilst standing in, on and around Hank the Tank. However in another, possibly a more important one, I was the center of attention. I would hasten to say vanity is one quality that does not come naturally to ones self and I am not really one for photos. So for me it was an excuse to jump out of my comfort zone and try something that I would normally not even contemplate to participate in.
If you could dress up like anybody, who would it be?
It would have to be an English gentlemen of days old. Someone like Tony Brent or Sherlock Holmes. Or even John Steed in the Avengers, I think I would look pretty good with a bowler hat and a cain.
What was your favourite fairytale as a child?
Despite being a dreamer, I feel that from an early age I realised that fairytales do not reflect life as such. As much as I’d like to believe and wish for it, life is not all about happy endings.
prefer the rugged functionality and simplicity that is Hank.
What is your favourite book and/or song from your childhood?
The book has to be without question The Time Machine by Herbert George Wells. Although I had read many a book prior to it. When asked which book started my interest in reading, my mind automatically reverts to an image of me sitting on the beach on a cloudy day with a faded blue hard back with gold writing that I obtained from the local library. The cover although well made was dented at the corners. The pages had the smell of age and it was a book that had been read by so many and no doubt enjoyed by each and everyone of them. The song has to be either Up On The Roof by The Drifters or Suspicious Minds by Elvis. Both amazing songs that still have a place in my heart today.
What did you dream about last night?
I spent 3 hours asleep in Hank last night with a friend as we were travelling down the country. Therefore I probably didn’t have a dream or I can’t remember!
Why is it that Hank makes you happy?
Hank is the ultimate definition of functionality. Absolutely everything is there purely for necessity, there are no luxuries, not even a carpet! I also love the fact that there is nothing on it that can’t be fixed without a bit of blood, sweat and a tool box. I generally love older cars as they have style and simplicity that has been long lost with the cars of today.
What is your own opinion on fashion?
I think that fashion is a way of expression. I don’t like fashion as a way of suggesting that everyone should dress in the way If you ran away to the circus. what would you do? the media implies is ‘in fashion’. As I feel that every individual I would be the cleaner that goes in after the fun has finished has their own style of dress to which suits them. If I was to link and restore everything to it’s original order. Or may be as I it to my own style, I like functionality so often don a hoody and posses a unicycle and the ability to ride it, it would make logical a pair of jeans. In my daily grind I get to see so many people sense that I would become a trapeze artist. and so many change their style as fashion dictates and quite often wear items that do not suit the person, their character or Where are you right now? What can you see out of your nearest body type.
window?
I’m currently in Hank the Tank, parked in a car park near to my place of work. I can see the car next to me is a Vauxhall. I still
What is your favouite quote? I have a few!
Bessie Braddock: “Sir, you are drunk”. If you could own one piece of art, what would it be? Sir Winston Churchill: “Madam, and you are ugly. In the morn- My Bed by Tracy Emin. But if I was to hang something up in ing, I shall be sober”. my house, it would have to be Nighthawks by Hopper. I don’t quite know why I love that painting so much, there’s just someMy favourite fictional quote from Edmond Dantes in the guise thing very mystical about it. The fact that in reality the buildof The Count of Monte Cristo, in the book of the same name ing in the picture is missing any external door. I feel as though I by Edward Dumas: “And what of that? Is not a day divided into could quite easily become the gentleman in the trilby sitting by twenty-four hours, each hour into sixty minutes and every min- himself in the dead of the night. ute sub-divided into sixty seconds? Now in 86,400 seconds very many things can be done”. What do you do for fun? My own quotes however: “It’s not what you’ve got, it’s who you are that matters”. “It’s not what you do, it’s who you do it with”.
They are extremely insightful Carlo. What do you aspire to be in life?
Not enough to be honest. As I don’t sleep much most of my nocturnal time is free but the amount of noise you can make has to be considered so I would say that my main pursuits of amusement are reading and through the miracle of ear phones, listening to music.
In the day time, walking, cycling and most importantly observAlas I could just say happy. However in all honesty, I would say ing people. You can learn so much by observing others and if an eccentric recluse. All that is lacking is the financial status I’m still bored I may even break out my unicycle. that will elevate me from being just a weird and antisocial indiviual.
suit, MODEL’S OWN shoes, CONVERSE
dress and belt, 1970’S
CHRISTIAN DIOR
twisted vintage Photography and Styling by Faye Douthwaite
coat, VINTAGE CAROLINA HERRERA
Dd / 065
[
Dreams pass into the reality of action. From the actions stems the dream again; and this interdependence produces the highest form of living.
- Anais Nin
]